Purpose

The directive is one of a series of measures introduced by The European Commission under their programme of consumer and environmental protection. The overall programme goes under the title 'Specific Actions for Vigorous Energy Efficiency (SAVE)' The original framework for this programme is set out under Council Directive 91/565/EEC. Other measures include the Hot Water Boiler Efficiency Directive, Directive 93/76/EEC which requires member states to introduce other measures intended to limit carbon dioxide emissions, and the Energy Labelling Directive 92/75/EEC.

Requirements

The directive lays out criteria for the efficiency of refrigerators and freezers based on the 'star' category, the volume and the design temperature. A formula for calculating performance is specified in the Directive. Appliances which fail to meet the requirements may not be placed on the market; those that do meet the requirements must be marked with the CE logo.

Labelling of the energy consumption onto the appliance is not required under this directive, but is the subject of separate legislation enacted under the Energy Labelling Directive.

Conformity assessment and enforcement

The Directive is based solely on self-assessment by the manufacturer although supporting documentation will be required.

The implementing regulations fall within existing consumer protection legislation dealing with the description of goods by those selling them, and enforcement is dealt with in the same way as for other retail complaints (i.e. by the Trading Standards Services in the UK).

Exclusions

The Directive in general apply only to electric mains operated appliances for domestic household use. Appliances intended for commercial use are excluded, as are bespoke systems manufactured for a particular application and equuipment intended for connection to energy sources other than the electric mains supply.

Further information

For further information or assistance with CE marking your products, please contact us at Conformance and we will be pleased to do what we can to help.

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