Press

The National Measurement Office (NMO) has been appointed as market surveillance authority (MSA) under the European Union Energy Using Products and Energy Labelling Framework Directives.

Environment Minister, Dan Norris said:

"We are pleased to announce the appointment of the National Measurement Office to do this important job. It is vital we ensure our energy using products are using less energy and are adhering to the standards we are setting to reduce emissions and reduce energy bills for everyone who buys them. This is a good way to bring together existing expertise, get value for money for the taxpayer and help protect the environment."

National Measurement Office Chief Executive, Peter Mason, said:

"I am delighted that we will be working in partnership with Defra in taking on this additional enforcement responsibility. We are now in a position to deliver a wider range of market surveillance services in the UK. This latest expansion of our remit to include energy conservation fits well with our already established enforcement delivery in environmental protection."

The MSA will be in place to make sure that product claims under energy labelling (such as “A-rated fridges”) and minimum energy standards are adhered to by manufacturers, and where necessary, retailers. This creates a level playing field for manufacturers by ensuring that standards are complied with by all and avoids consumers being misled into buying products that will cost them more in energy bills than they expect.