Eco-design requirements for energy-using products

On 7 March 2008, the Federal "act on eco-design requirements for energy-using products" (EBPG), implementing the EU Directive on Eco-Design of Energy-using Products, came into force. The act requires that all energy-using products covered by the Directive must comply with the relevant requirements before being placed on the market. They are also to be affixed with a CE conformity marking. While manufacturers are to verify compliance with eco-design requirements, the Länder shall designate the responsible authorities. Market surveillance will be conducted by the relevant Land authorities, and non-compliance can result in the imposition of fines. Market surveillance measures shall be reported to the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) - an agency of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology - which shall send the notifications to the European Commission. The BAM will also assist small- and medium-sized businesses and micro-enterprises in meeting the eco-design requirements.

Want to know more about this policy ? Learn more