Here we are, half way through 2010, with a new government and a rather different approach to many issues. Yet several matters facing us remain the same.

Ecodesign and energy labelling

We expect new regulations to be published setting both ecodesign and energy labelling requirements for dishwashers, washing machines, fans and water heaters in the coming months. Before they come out they must be voted upon in the Regulatory Committee comprised of officials from each EU member state. In the case of dishwashers and fans, AMDEA has raised concerns with Defra (whose officials will take part in the voting). We believe that setting a particular energy efficiency index value for small-sized dishwashers is not feasible in the time scale envisaged, and that taking the requirements for fans and applying them to vacuum cleaners and kitchen hoods is not appropriate.

Details have now emerged regarding the new Energy Labelling Framework Directive with its proposed new bands running up to A+++ where appropriate.

AMDEA’s Richard Hughes chairs the CENELEC Joint Working Group that is overseeing Standardization for the Standby and External Power Supply Ecodesign Regulations.

At UK level, Defra is consulting on proposals for civil sanctions and cost sharing in relation to both ecodesign and energy labelling regulations. The proposals imply that in certain circumstances additional costs relating to product tests may have to be paid by manufacturers. AMDEA has drafted a response to the Defra consultation and we are talking to our members.

RoHS and WEEE

The RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) and WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Directives are currently being reviewed. Several issues concern manufacturers of domestic appliances, such as proposals that the current WEEE collection target should be increased and that producers could have a responsibility for the cost of collection of WEEE from consumers’ homes.

AMDEA is involved in lobbying activities at both national and EU levels. At the end of March, we held a briefing with the UK Government’s WEEE and RoHS officials to discuss the recasts. This was an opportunity to update our members on this legislation and to voice to the officials directly the issues which concern AMDEA members. We are also in contact with other UK trade associations (eg Intellect, BEAMA) and are participating in CECED’s RoHS and WEEE Core Groups in Brussels.

Reach

Additional ‘Substances of Very High Concern’ continue to be identified. Currently there is a list of 30 such substances, but it is expected to grow. This has implications for manufacturers of domestic appliances should their products contain these substances above 0.1%. If this is the case they are required to disclose information on the substances to their trade partners who take their products (eg retailers). Also, it is likely that many of the substances will be banned from use in the years ahead.

AMDEA held a briefing for members in June to raise understanding of this issue as well as hear from others involved in REACH (eg the Health and Safety Executive gave their perspective on enforcement).

General product safety

The General Product Safety Directive (GPSD) is currently being reviewed. AMDEA is following this review and participating in CECED discussions on it. Simultaneously we plan to revise the AMDEA Code of Practice on Corrective Action including Recall because of changes in risk assessment methodology. An AMDEA Safety Panel meeting will take place in mid-July to kick-off work on a revision.

Vulnerable people

AMDEA’s Stuart MacConnacher continues his involvement in the revision of standards of the products that may be used by vulnerable people. He has helped to oversee the revision of individual standards for washing machines, ovens and toasters. He has advised AMDEA members on discussions and proposals for new requirements.

Stuart is also working on other standards of interest to AMDEA members, such as those relating to dishwashers, tumble dryers, kettles and other small appliances.

Smart grids and smart meters

Smart grids were the first environmental issue in the Lib-Dem/Conservative coalition agreement, and were featured in the Queen’s Speech. This is going to be an area of great importance to our industry, and we have to get it right. Expect to see more mention of smart grids and smart meters in this column in the future.