GVARA Quarterly News #7
Forging links in Industry – GVARAs Main Activities in Q3 & Q4 2026
During Q3 2026 the GVARA team has continued to forge closer links with international standards committees, regulatory bodies and government departments enabling lobbying in the various forms on behalf of its members.
GVARA’s ISO Technical Committee has, through its liaison status, provided technical input with ISO/TC 58 SC2, ISO/TC 44 SC8, and ISO /TC 121 SC6 for new and revised ISO standards influencing product safety and sustainability in the future.
GVARA has also Chaired an ad hoc working group for ISO/TC 58 SC2 including representation from ECMA, EIGA and LGE reviewing text for the UN model regulations regarding Cylinder and Valve pressure testing. This has resulted in a new resolution being submitted to the UN technical meeting taking place in November 2026.
GVARA has also applied for consultative status with the UN to further extend its influence in the gas equipment industry.
Meetings have been conducted in Q3 with EIGA, CGA, LGE and ECMA and the UK DfT (Department of Transport) with more planned in Q4 enhancing GVARAs influence and profile in the gas equipment industry.
GVARA Technical Committee Work items
During 2026 GVARA has continued to operate and develop its 2 distinct Technical Sub committees
Technical Sub committees:
- PFAS Knowledge
- International Standards and ADR matters. Details of the GVARA work programme can be found on the GVARA Website page – https://gvara.org/standards/
The main technical matters that the Technical Committees are currently focused on include:
- Following the developments in Europe in Q4 2026 regarding ECHAs recommendations to the European Commission on PFAS restrictions after the consultation with Industry was completed in May 2026
- Reviewing and influencing regulations Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations (PPWR) in consultation with EIGA ,ECMA,LGE and the European Commission
- Consulting with EIGA regarding Medical Device Regulations (MDR) with respect to the Lead content used in brass valves.
- Publishing its latest GVARA paper on Lead in brass. Version 6 September 2026 – https://gvara.org/publications/
- Reviewing Instructions for Use for Valves and Regulators, and especially in respect to Medical VIPRs to ensure best practice and user safety in the gas industry.