EuP legislation
The EU is developing framework legislation which aims to set energy efficiency and other eco-design requirements for energy using products (EUP).
This legislation aims to improve the environmental performance of products throughout their life-cycle, through the systematic integration of environmental aspects at the earliest stage of their design.
Coherent EU rules for eco-design will ensure that disparities among national regulations do not become obstacles to intra-EU trade.
The directive does not introduce directly binding requirements for specific products, but does define conditions and criteria for setting requirements regarding environmentally relevant product characteristics, such as energy or water consumption, waste generation, extension of lifetime.
Products that fulfil the requirements will benefit both business and consumers by facilitating free movement of goods across the EU, and by enhancing product quality and environmental protection.
Once the directive is adopted, and in the absence of valid self-regulatory initiatives by industry, the commission may set eco-design requirements for specific energy using products which have a significant impact on the environment, a high volume of trade in the internal market and with clear potential for improvement.
Central to EuP is eco-design, which means the integration of environmental considerations at the design phase of the product, which is the best way to improve their environmental performance. It is also a long-lasting contribution to securing energy supply and achieving sustainable development.
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Further information on EuP legislation
EuP directive (PDF 1.9MB)
View DTI’s EuP guidance
Visit our resources section
