First implementation deadlines for EuP Directive published

The European Commission (EC) is adopting an implementation schedule for product eco-design compliance in conjunction with its regulatory Energy Using Product (EuP) framework. Several preparatory studies have so far been completed on key product segments and, with the absence of any corresponding self-regulation, implementing measures and implementation dates for these have already been published.

These measures are designed to help standardise legislation on the environmental performance of such products across their product life cycles, and will facilitate better market access across EU countries. In 2009, the EC also expects to initiate preparatory studies on other product segments including televisions, domestic lighting, refrigerators, washing machines and water heaters among others.

In April 2009, the EC also proposed to extend the scope of the EuP Directive to cover all energy-related products including products which do not consume energy but have an indirect impact on energy consumption and cost savings e.g. water-saving taps. In any case, it will, in 2011, draw up the second EuP working plan which will supersede the first one published on 21 October 2008. Subsequently, in 2012, it will review the effectiveness of the Directive and assess whether it will be appropriate to further extend its scope to include non-energy related products.

To help manufacturers with compliance to the Directive, TÜV SÜD offers EuP solutions that cover verification of product eco-design in terms of power requirements, energy efficiency and performance testing, compliance to other directives such as RoHS and WEEE, as well as management system audits. It also offers expert opinion on product planning to ensure proper compliance right from the design stage.