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Energy using Products in Latvia

March 10, 2008

Latvia - Design for Environment

Latvia has implemented the EU Directive on energy-using products (EuPs) through “Instructions about Eco-Design Requirements System for Energy-using Products” (“Instrukcija par ekodizaina prasību sistēmu enerģiju patērējošām precēm (produktiem)” (the “Eco-Design Instructions”). This instrument was published and entered into force on 31 July 2007.

As the EuP Directive, the Eco-Design Instructions establish a framework for the setting of eco-design requirements for such products. The Eco-Design Instructions will be further implemented through implementing measures. Energy-using products are not be subject to eco-design or energy efficiency requirements until implementing measures have been issued. The Eco-Design Instructions themselves do not create legal obligations for manufacturers. Under an implementing measure, manufacturers will be required to perform an assessment of the environmental aspects of their products throughout their life cycle. They will have to use this assessment to evaluate alternative design solutions, with the aim of improving the environmental performance of their products.

The Eco-Design Instructions have been adopted to allow implementing measures to be adopted. Implementing measures will be adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers and enforced by the Ministry of Economics. If a product subject to an implementing measure does not comply with the standards imposed by such a measure, sanctions against producer and products may be imposed.