Ecodesign Directive Explanation
There is world-wide demand for more efficient products to reduce energy and resource consumption. The EU legislation on Ecodesign and energy labelling is an effective tool for improving the energy efficiency of products. It helps eliminate the least performing products from the market, significantly contributing to the EU’s 2020 energy efficiency objective.
It also supports industrial competitiveness and innovation by promoting the better environmental performance of products throughout the Internal Market.
The legal framework
The Ecodesign Directive provides consistent EU-wide rules for improving the environmental performance of products, such as household appliances, information and communication technologies or engineering. The Directive sets out minimum mandatory requirements for the energy efficiency of these products. This helps prevent creation of barriers to trade, improve product quality and environmental protection.
The Energy Labelling Directive may complement those Ecodesign requirements with mandatory labelling requirements.
Product-specific regulations
The Ecodesign Directive is implemented through product-specific Regulations, directly applicable in all EU countries.
Harmonised standards
Ecodesign and Energy Labelling Regulations are complemented by harmonised European standards. These technical specifications indicate that a product complies with the mandatory requirements. Only then can the manufacturer affix the CE marking and sell it in the EU.
A list of harmonised standards for Ecodesign and Energy Labelling can be found on the website of the European Commission.
