Last Updated:	2004-03-31
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-   Summary -   Additional Marking Requirements -   Sanctions/Penalties -   Laws & Regulations -   Links -   Contacts

Introduction

EC energy efficiency legislation in the field of electrical and electronic appliances is based on two main sets of measures: (1) minimum efficiency standards, (2) energy efficiency labelling schemes, and several additional voluntary agreements.

(1) Minimum Efficiency Standards -- EC Directive 96/57 sets mandatory limits for the energy consumption of household refrigerators and freezers. This legislative approach is being replaced increasingly by negotiated agreements concluded by appliance manufacturers. Such agreements, which provide for voluntary commitments, have already been concluded for televisions, video recorders, washing machines, and dishwashers. Future negotiations will relate to a large number of appliances, such as air conditioners and commercial refrigeration equipment.

(2) In line with the Directives discussed above, the European Council of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances (CECED) has established several voluntary agreements with energy efficiency standards for several product groups: refrigerators, dishwashers, washing-machines. Another voluntary agreement has been concluded for office equipment, coordinated by the Energy Star Programme; please see below for more information.

(3) Energy Efficiency Labelling Schemes -- EC Directive 92/75 imposes a labelling requirement on suppliers of major household appliances. Basically, these appliances must carry a label with information relating to (1) the energy efficiency class (expressed on a seven-point class from "more efficient" to "less efficient") and energy consumption; (2) the water consumption; (3) the noise level, and (4) the washing, drying, etc. performances (expressed on a seven-point class from "higher" to "lower"). Specific labelling specifications are spelled out in implementing directives adopted by the EC Commission for each product group. Currently, energy labels have been defined for electric ovens, refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, combined washer-dryers, dishwashers, tumble dryers, and household lamps. In addition to the labels, suppliers must provide a product fiche with information for the consumer. Pursuant to this Directive, the supplier must also keep technical documentation including: (1) a general description of the product, (2) the results of design calculations carried out, where these are relevant, and (3) test reports, where available.