FAQ
What do the EuP Regulations 2007 actually do?
They do two things. They transpose the requirements of a 2005 Directive (205/32/EC) on the eco-design of energy using products. They also consolidate the provisions of three existing statutory instruments which implemented Directives adopted (in 1992, 1994 and 2000) prior to the 2005 Directive.
More specifically, the regulations establish a framework for the development of eco-design requirements for energy-consuming products, based upon the conditions and criteria set out in the Directive.
What is the precise purpose of the Directive and the Regulations?
They share the common purpose of attempting to improve the energy efficiency of energy using products which means, in principle, any product (with the exception of transport) which consumes energy. The overall objective is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and products' adverse environmental impacts.
Particular emphasis is placed on the initial design and development stages of a product with a view to improving its energy efficiency throughout its entire life-cycle.
So, to what products do the EuP Regulations 2007 apply?
The three product groups previously covered by the statutory instruments already referred to, that is, hot water boilers, household refrigerators, freezers and their combinations and ballasts for fluorescent lighting.
Where do the various Commission Regulations fit into all of this?
These are the means by which the requirements of Directive 2005/32/EC are being implemented in relation to a number of additional product groups (there are nine so far – see page xx above) with about another dozen product groups under consideration.
Apart from transport, which the Directive excludes, does the Directive apply to all energy using products?
No, it does not. Its scope is very wide-ranging, and additional product groups are actively being considered for regulation under the EuP regime. However, certain criteria must be met before a product can qualify for inclusion within a new implementing measure. Broadly, these are that a product (a) must have significant volumes of sales, that is, more than 200,000 units a year within the internal market; (b) have a significant environmental impact within the internal market; (c) present significant potential for improvement in environmental impact without incurring excessive costs. So, for the time being the implementing regulations apply to a relatively limited range of products.
Does this regime not impose a burden on businesses?
The Directive (2005/32/EC) imposes no burdens whatsoever since it is only a Framework Directive which defines the conditions and criteria for setting, through subsequent implementing measures, requirements regarding environmentally relevant product characteristics, such as energy consumption.
The products to which the EuP Regulations 2007 apply were previously required to be complaint with the Directives and implementing legislation referred to above. So, the regulations im
What are the benefits to business?
The EUP regulatory regime creates a coherent European-wide framework within which manufacturers are encouraged to improve the environmental performance and impact of their products. Businesses therefore have the potential to improve their competitiveness as regards this important aspect of product design.
What are the benefits to the consumer?
Consumers should experience cost benefits from reduced energy consumption where they opt for the more energy efficient products whose production the EuP regime is deliberately designed to encourage. Rather less quantifiable are the environmental benefits to be derived from the use of more environmentally friendly appliances.
What do you mean by 'eco-design'?
It is an approach that takes account of environmental considerations not only at the manufacturing stage of a product but also throughout its entire life-cycle with the ultimate aim of minimising the potential for a product to impact adversely on the environment.