The Ecodesign for Energy-Related Products Regulations implement an EU Directive requiring manufacturers, importers and suppliers to meet minimum energy efficiency standards for certain energy-related products. Each product is regulated by a separate EU implementing regulation.
The Ecodesign for Energy-Related Products Regulations revoke the Ecodesign for Energy-Using Products Regulations 2007 and the Ecodesign for Energy-Using Products (Amendment) Regulations 2009.
What are the Ecodesign for Energy-Related Products Regulations?
The regulations which apply across the UK require manufacturers to assess whether certain products comply with the eco-design requirements of the relevant implementing regulation and if they do, make a declaration of conformity and display the CE mark on their products.
Products have to meet certain requirements for energy efficiency and electrical consumption, before they can be sold in the UK. The following products are currently regulated:
- external power supplies
- electrical household and office equipment
- simple set-top boxes
- fluorescent and high intensity lamps
- household lamps
- televisions
- standalone circulators
- electric motors
- household refrigerators
- hot water boilers.
The deadlines for meeting the design requirements vary depending on the product. You can find the timescales in the relevant ecodesign regulations. See our list of ecodesign legislation.
Regulations have been agreed for household washing machines and dishwashers and are due to be applied from June 2011 onwards.
The regulations will enable products to be covered which do not use energy themselves but have a significant impact on energy use, eg double glazing.
Who do the regulations affect?
The regulations apply to businesses that sell, manufacture or import (from outside the EU) energy-related products.
What do you have to do?
See our guidance on ecodesign: what do you need to do?
How are the Ecodesign for Energy-Related Products Regulations enforced?
The National Measurement Office enforces the regulations. More information is available from the National Measurement Office Energy using Products website.
National Measurement Office: Energy using Products (EuP)
Failing to meet these requirements is a criminal offence and you could be fined. As an alternative to criminal prosecution, civil sanctions such as a compliance notice or stop notice may be used.
Manufacturers may also be made to pay for the costs of testing products, if it is proven that their product does not comply with the ecodesign legislation.
Further information
Ecodesign for Energy-Related Products Regulations 2010 SI 2617
