Energy marking of consumer goods

Labelling electrical goods to show the energy consumption of the product when in operation.

This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities.

The EEC/EU countries have adopted regulation to the effect that all large household appliances must carry an "EU energy mark" that specifies the energy consumption of the product when in operation. The directive on freezers and refrigerators took effect as of January 1995 and is to be followed by the marking of other types of appliance, initially washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers. The scheme also places requirements on the brochure material of manufacturers.