Ecodesign guidelines for energy use of products

Do you produce products that use energy, such as washing machines or ovens? Or are you an importer and do you want to market these products in the European Union? Then your products must meet the requirements of the European Ecodesign Directive. Your product should be energy efficient and not pollute the environment, for instance.

What is Ecodesign?

Ecodesign is the development of an ecological (environmentally friendly) product. You must do so according to the requirements set by the European Commission. For example, a product must:

• use less energy
• emit less harmful substances (such as CO2)
• be suitable for reuse

Guidelines per product

The European Commission has laid down minimum requirements (guidelines) for different products that use energy. These guidelines mainly apply to products that are sold often and that have an effect on the environment.

There are guidelines for products such as:

• consumer electronics, such as computers and displays
• household appliances
• industrial products, such as power transformers
• Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems
• professional appliances (white goods), such as refrigeration units and ovens
• lighting
• other products, such as electric motors or water pumps

CE marking (EC statement of conformity)

Do you manufacture or import energy-using or energy-related products? You have to demonstrate that your products are compliant with the Ecodesign directive. Only then can you add a CE marking to the product. With this CE marking you are allowed to sell your products in the EU/EEA. Annex VI to the Directive contains the required elements of CE marking.

Ecodesign and installers

Do you install products with a CE marking? In some cases, the Ecodesign requirements apply to the 'putting into service' as well. In these cases, you as the installer have obligations to make sure the Ecodesign requirements are met. This applies to some product groups, for example electric motors.

Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT)

The ILT will check (in Dutch) if your product meets the Ecodesign requirements. Does your product fail to meet the requirements? The ILT may decide to remove your product from the market.