Preparation of product-group specific requirements

The energy efficiency of products is regulated in the EU based on two framework directives: the Ecodesign Directive and the Energy Labelling Directive. The directives have been implemented in Finland by the Ecodesign Act (1005/2008) and Decree (1043/2010). Under the framework directives, binding requirements are issued for individual product groups. The requirements are directly applicable in all EU countries.

Different preparation processes for ecodesign and energy labelling requirements

The EU Ecodesign and Energy Labelling Directives include a list of criteria for beginning the regulation of a specific product group. Every few years, the European Commission publishes an Ecodesign Working Plan, listing the product groups for which it will assess the need for further regulation.

The Commission leads the preparation of ecodesign regulations for individual product groups under the framework directive. On the basis of its preparatory studies, the Commission may decide to begin drafting ecodesign requirements. During the preparation process, it consults with stakeholders and EU countries at Consultation Forum meetings. Later, the representatives of Member States vote on the Commission’s proposals for regulations in a committee established under the Committee Procedure.

The Energy Labelling Directive revised in 2010 is one of the first EU acts that provides for the delegation of legislative powers to the Commission. The Commission adopts requirements for individual product groups as delegated regulations, without the EU Member States voting on them in a committee. In practice, however, the proposed regulations are discussed at the Consultation Forum meetings organised for EU countries and stakeholders.

Finland active in setting requirements

In Finland, the framework legislation on the energy efficiency of products falls within the remit of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment (MEAE). The Ministry of the Environment is responsible for product-specific regulations concerning construction products and the MEAE for all other product groups (practical work carried out by the Energy Authority).

When forming Finland’s position on regulations concerning individual product groups, the Energy Authority and the Ministry of the Environment consult with manufacturing industry. More information on the matter is available on the ekosuunnittelu.info website (in Finnish).

Compliance with the legislation is monitored in Finland by the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) and consumer information provided by Motiva.

Further information: mikko.paloneva(at)tem.fi