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FESI, the Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry, is the unique Brussels-based European platform representing the interests of some 1, 800 European sporting goods manufacturers before the European Institutions, other international sport federations and other associations.
Today, we can say that 85% of national laws originate at European level and that these regularions may impact all our member companies’ financial results and strategic plans and direction. Providing valuable input and industry views to the EU institutions before final legislations are adopted is therefore very important.
Being informed in advance of future policies and being able to propose amendments, comments and remarks to the appropriate stakeholders at the right time, is thus of crucial importance to the medium and long term management of all stakeholders in the Sporting Goods Industry.
FESI, with its long experience in regulatory affairs and political advocacy, has developed a unique and outstanding network with the officials of all the key European Institutions (Commission, Parliament, and Council) and we have exceptional and ongoing access to key policy makers and political stakeholders. Indeed FESI is the main reference point for their understanding of our industry issues and concerns.
Organised around eleven operational working committees where all FESI Regular and Associated members play an active role, FESI has also expanded its activities to other European organisations such as the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN), Business Europe and other International / European sport federations.
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1. History
2. Principles
3. Difference
4. Mission Statement
5. By-Laws
6. FESI & The World Federation of Sporting Goods Industry
History
FESI was created in the early sixties with the aim of achieving free and fair trade in Europe while facilitating trade worldwide. In October 1994, FESI headquarters moved to Brussels, a strategic step which has allowed FESI to increase its lobbying and enhance its impact on European institutions.
In February 2002, during an Extraordinary General Assembly, FESI decided to allow sports manufacturers a direct voting right in its main decision bodies. Sports manufacturers can thus become FESI Regular Members in the same way as FESI National Federations.
In December 2002, following some months of consultation and negotiation, FESI and FEPI (Federation of the European Play Industry) signed a letter of intent which paved the way for a future collaboration between both organisations.
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Principles
Our fundamental impetus stems from our belief in European integration and thus our efforts always promote collective actions and internal unity among manufacturers in the European Sports Goods markets.
Based on this conviction, FESI's work is accurately developed around three pillars:
• Administration - to gather updated information and assure the sector awareness of European policies.
• Analysis - to understand the impact of European legislation on the sporting goods industry and to be able to formalise commonly accepted 'position papers'.
• Advocacy - to be able to defend the key issues before the relevant senior European policy decision makers.
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Difference
FESI has an in-depth knowledge of both the working methods and the decision-making processes of the EU Institutions enabling us to communicate the views of our European manufacturers in the most effective way.
The large number of companies we represent, not only confirms the above, but is the vital factor enabling FESI to be a respected and trusted advocate in Brussels legislative circles.
The combination of our practical know-how of the European Institutions and our knowledge of the European Sporting Goods Industry enables our members to gain a decisive competitive advantage.
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Mission Statement
Primary purposes:
1. To continuously inform its members on contemplated and/or already enacted European laws and regulations, on major administrative proceedings at European level by European authorities, political developments and other matters of general interest for its members, within the permissible limits and scope of applicable laws.
2. To foster and encourage the development, compilation and enforcement of:
a) European laws and regulations which take into due account the legitimate interests of FESI members;
b) European industry standards, principles and methods with the objective of improving the quality of sporting goods in Europe, and of manufacturing processes;
c) to increase participation in sport and improve the image of sport in Europe.
3. To represent the legitimate interests of its members vis-à-vis the European institutions, authorities and bodies, in particular but not limited to those of the European Union including the European Court of Justice and the European Commission, and vis-à vis the International Sports Federations at European level. This can be undertaken either alone or through strategic alliances and other cooperative agreements with other recognised bodies, organisations and federations.
Secondary purposes:
- To be, in general, active and supportive in all areas which are of legitimate benefit for the members of FESI and to carry out any other activities which are legally permissible to promote the purposes of FESI. This could include:
- Organizing seminars and international conferences in Europe, having the objective of discussing legitimate issues which affect the interests of FESI members, alone or in cooperation with other recognized bodies, organizations and federations;
- To assist its members in their commercial activities on third-country markets; e.g. export promotion;
Assisting its members with problems they may encounter in their relations with European Institutions.
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By-Laws
For more in-depth information, see FESI's By-Laws:  FESI's By-Laws (142.4 kB)
FESI & The World Federation of Sporting Goods Industry
FESI is a direct member of the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) with four appointed directors.
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