Consultations on Draft Ecodesign and Energy Labelling Regulations 2021

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy are currently consulting on proposed updates to the ecodesign and energy labelling requirements.

From 1 January 2021, the UK will gain powers to be able to set its own ecodesign and energy labelling requirements, following the ending of the transition period after Brexit. However, EU ecodesign and energy labelling Regulations will continue to apply in Northern Ireland in accordance with the Northern Ireland Protocol.

The Government is particularly interested in views from manufacturers, importers, trade bodies, consumer groups, environmental organisations and anyone with interest and knowledge of the topic.

This Consultation sets out the Government's plans to update ecodesign requirements for:

• electric motors,
• household:
  • washing machines,
  • washer-dryers,
  • refrigeration, and
  electronic displays;

It also introduces:

• ecodesign requirements for welding equipment and commercial refrigeration; and
• energy labelling requirements for commercial refrigeration.

This Consultation includes the:

• ecodesign and energy labelling proposals themselves;
• assessment of the costs and benefits of the new Regulations; and
• intended timetables for reviewing the draft Regulations after they come into force.

Draft Regulations

The draft Ecodesign for Energy-Related Products and Energy Information Regulations 2021 are also being consulted on at the same time, and will be subject the outcome of the overall Consultation.

The draft Regulations are an advanced draft but are not yet final, and cover a variety of appliances, such as:

• household washing and refrigerating appliances;
• electric motors and variable speed drivers;
• electronic displays;
• commercial refrigerators;
• refrigerating appliances with a direct sales function; and
• welding equipment.

Responding to this Consultation

This Consultation is open for responses from 20 September 2020 until 11 November 2020.

The way to respond is by completing an online survey, or sending written responses via e-mail to efficientproducts@beis.gov.uk.

Following it, the Government will consider whether revisions are needed to the ecodesign and energy labelling requirements and will finalise the draft Regulations. It is hoped they will be before Parliament in early 2021.