Directive 2009/125/EC, Energy-Related Products (Ecodesign - ErP): third-party verification of energy efficiency and performance, as a guarantee of transparency on the market

The aim of the Energy-related-Products (ErP) directive, also known as Ecodesign, is to promote a framework for the integration of environmental aspects into the design of equipment. The eco-design of products is a key factor in EU strategy on integrated product policy. The aim of this preventive approach is to optimise the environmental performance of products while maintaining their functional qualities.

The directive extends the concept of ecodesign to energy-related products and establishes a framework for the drafting of EU specifications with a view to ensuring the free movement of these products in the EU market. The field of application currently includes both energy-using products, such as televisions, microwaves and washing machines, and products that affect energy consumption (energy-related products) and can make a major contribution to energy saving, such as windows, taps and shower heads.

The directive takes the form of a framework directive, which leaves the treatment of individual product categories to specific Commission regulations (Implementing Measures - IMs).  Without the adoption of other measures, the framework directive does not impose any legal obligation on manufacturers. These measures (IMs), which have been drawn up in the form of regulations to date, perform this task. IMs, in conjunction with the harmonised standards they cite, therefore represent the reference criteria with which specific product categories must conform. IMs specify the requirements for ecodesign, the contents of technical documentation, the reference parameters (benchmarks), the procedures for conformity assessment and the testing procedure for the purposes of market surveillance. 

Support provided by IMQ

On the basis of the Measures currently published, IMQ can provide the following services:

  •  measurements of power consumption as required by Regulation 1275/2008/EC (stand-by and off-mode measurements) as amended by Regulation 801/2013/EU;
  • assessment of conformity with the implementing measure on directional lamps for domestic use as required by Regulation 244/2009/EC;
  • assessment of conformity with the implementing measure on lighting devices for streets and buildings as required by Regulation 245/2009/EC;
  • assessment of conformity with the implementing measure on electric motors as required by Regulation 640/2009/EC as amended by Regulation 4/2014/EU;
  • assessment of conformity with the implementing measure on refrigeration appliances for domestic use as required by Regulation 643/2009/EC;
    assessment of conformity with the implementing measure on domestic washing machines as required by Regulation 1015/2010/EU;
  • assessment of conformity with the implementing measure on domestic dishwashers as required by Regulation 1016/2010/EU;
  • assessment of conformity with the implementing measure on air conditioners and fans as required by Regulation 206/2012/EU;
  • assessment of conformity with the implementing measure on space-heaters as required by Regulation 813/2013/EU;
  • assessment of conformity with the implementing measure on water-heaters as required by Regulation 814/2013/EU;
  • assessment of conformity with the implementing measure on ovens, cooktops and cooker hoods for domestic use as required by Regulation 66/2014/EU;
  • assessment of conformity with the implementing measure on ventilation units as required by Regulation 1253/2014/EU.

For professional appliances, IMQ can measure power consumption and assess conformity with implementing measures on all types of professional appliances listed in the regulations published to date:

  •  Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/1094 of 5 May 2015 supplementing Directive 2010/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to the energy labelling of professional refrigerated storage cabinets
  • Commission Regulation (EU) 2015/1095 of 5 May 2015 implementing Directive 2009/125/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to ecodesign requirements for professional refrigerated storage cabinets, blast cabinets, condensing units and process chillers.
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