The European Commission's resolution 2015/2056, published in the Official Journal of the European Union, extends the validity of eco-labels for certain product categories until the end of 2016. In other words, televisions, footwear, and furniture that meet relevant environmental standards can continue to benefit from eco-labels for the next year.
The reason for extending the eligibility period is to allow EU consumers to distinguish between environmentally friendly products. Taiwanese companies producing related products can participate in the eco-label program to promote a positive image of their products to EU consumers.
The Ecolabel is a voluntary scheme implemented in 1992 and amended in 2010. The scheme establishes basic rules for awarding the Ecolabel. Products with a lower environmental impact (i.e., environmentally friendly products) are eligible for the Ecolabel. Regulation 66/2010 establishes the framework for the Ecolabel scheme, and its purpose is not to differentiate between products manufactured in the EU and those manufactured abroad. This framework regulation uses energy consumption over the product's life cycle as a criterion, establishing environmental guidelines applicable to different product categories. Products must meet specific environmental guidelines to be awarded the Ecolabel.
The European Commission resolution contains environmental guidelines for each product category. The new resolution 2015/2056 extends the validity of the ecolabel for five product categories until December 31, 2016. These five product categories are as follows:
Television Sets – Resolution 2009/300/EC: The product category “television sets” includes electronic devices powered by a mains power source whose primary purpose and function is to receive, decode, and display television signals. Television sets must comply with the guidelines set out in the annex to the resolution, which aim to reduce energy consumption to mitigate the product’s environmental impact or risks associated with energy use (global warming, acidification, and depletion of non-renewable energy sources), reduce environmental damage associated with the use of natural resources, and reduce environmental damage associated with the use of hazardous substances. Furthermore, environmental standards encourage the use of best practices (best environmentally friendly approaches) and raise consumer environmental awareness.
Footwear – Resolution 2009/563/EC: The product category “footwear” includes all articles designed to protect or cover the feet, having a fixed outsole in direct contact with the ground. Such footwear should not contain any electrical or electronic components. The environmental guidelines set forth in the annex to Resolution 2009/563/EC aim to limit the content of toxic residues, limit the release of volatile organic compounds, and promote the use of more durable products. These environmental guidelines help promote footwear labeling and reduce environmental impact.
Wooden Furniture – Resolution 2009/894/EC: The product category “Wooden Furniture” includes freestanding or built-in furniture for purposes including storage, hanging, reclining, sitting, working, and dining, and can be used indoors and outdoors, or for indoor commercial use. One condition is that the product is at least 90% made of solid wood or wood materials. Environmental guidelines aim to use materials manufactured sustainably, reduce the use of harmful substances and emissions of pollutants, and ensure products have undergone durability testing.
Notebook computers – Resolution 2011/330/EU: This product category includes devices with several distinct characteristics, including those specifically designed for portability and capable of extended use with or without AC power. Personal tablet computers using touchscreens and/or other input devices are also considered notebook computers. Digital photo frames are not included. The resolution establishes environmental guidelines for: energy conservation, energy management, mercury content in fluorescent lamps, hazardous substances and mixtures, and SVHCs included in the Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern under the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction Regulation (REACH Regulation).
Personal Computers – Decision 2011/337/EU: The product category "personal computers" includes devices with several distinct characteristics, including desktop computers only, general-purpose desktop computers, and compact computers. The screen, keyboard, or other input devices included with the sale of a computer must also comply with environmental guidelines. Keyboards and monitors are considered separate items. Environmental guidelines aim to reduce energy consumption to mitigate the environmental impact of products or risks associated with energy use (global warming, acidification, and depletion of non-renewable energy sources), minimize environmental damage related to the use of natural resources, and reduce environmental damage related to the use of hazardous substances.
For details, please refer to European Commission resolution 2015/2056. This resolution updates the criteria for awarding the ecolabel to the above product categories.
Sources:HKTDC Economic and Trade Research (2015-12-24)
