EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

1.CONTEXT OF THE DELEGATED ACT

Legal and political context of the proposal

The Ecodesign Framework Directive requires manufacturers of energy-related products to improve their products’ environmental performance by meeting:

–minimum energy efficiency requirements; and

–other environmental criteria such as water consumption, emission levels or minimum durability of certain components.

The manufacturer needs to assess the product’s conformity before placing the product on the market to ensure that all requirements are met.

The Energy Labelling Framework Regulation – Regulation (EU) 2017/1369 of the European Parliament and of the Council 1 – establishes a framework for providing accurate, relevant and comparable information on the energy consumption of energy-related products and other environmental information. This makes it easier for consumers to choose products that are more resource efficient. The Regulation complements the Ecodesign Framework Directive by enabling end-consumers to identify the better-performing products via an A-G/green-to-red scale. The energy label is recognised and used by 85 % of Europeans. The legislative framework builds upon the combined effect of these two pieces of legislation.

The ecodesign and energy labelling framework are central to making Europe more energy efficient, contributing in particular to: (i) the ‘Energy union framework strategy’; and (ii) the priority of a ‘Deeper and fairer internal market with a strengthened industrial base’. Firstly, the framework pushes industry to improve the energy efficiency of products and removes the worst performing ones from the market. Secondly, it helps consumers and companies to reduce their energy bills. This supports competitiveness and innovation in the industrial and services sectors. Thirdly, it ensures that manufacturers and importers responsible for placing products on the EU market have to comply with a single set of EU-wide rules only.

These two instruments are key components of the Union policy for making products placed on the market or put into service in the European Economic Area (EEA) more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. They are instrumental in achieving the energy savings objectives for 2020 and 2030, and their implementation is reinforced by the current (2016-2019) ecodesign working plan. It is also expected to contribute significantly to the transition towards a more circular economy, as detailed in the circular economy action plan 2015 2 . Furthermore, the implementation of Regulation (EU) 2017/1369 will contribute to the EU's target of reducing greenhouse gases by at least 20 % by 2020 and by at least 40 % by 2030.

Commission Regulation (EU) No 1061/2010 3 sets energy labelling requirements for household washing machines and Commission Directive 96/60/EC sets energy labelling requirements for household combined washer-driers 4 .

Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No 1061/2010 states that by December 2014 the Commission should review this Regulation in the light of the technological development and in particular assess the verification tolerances. Directive 96/60/EC on the energy labelling of household washer-driers came into force in 1996 and is still in force.

Household washing machines and household washer-dryers were included as priority products for review in the ecodesign working plan 2016-2019. Household washing machines and household washer-dryers are also among the product groups mentioned in Article 11(5)(b) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1369 for which the Commission should adopt a delegated act to introduce a rescaled label by 2 November 2018. The rescaling exercise should result in replacing the existing range of energy classes of A+++ to G by a range of A to G.

Under Article 11(8) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1369, no product is expected to fall into energy class A when the rescaled label is introduced. It is estimated that it will take at least 10 years for a majority of models to fall into that class.

General context

In 2014, a review study 5 was launched to revise both Regulations on ecodesign and energy labelling of household washing machines and the Directive on labelling of household combined washer-driers. The study, which resulted in a final report published in September 2017, included a stakeholder survey, two stakeholder meetings in 2015 and a web seminar in 2016. It involved approximately 140 stakeholders.

It is estimated that on average 92 % of European households are equipped with a household washing machine and approximately 4 % with a household washer-dryer.

Without further energy efficiency measures, the total electricity consumption of household washing machines and household washer-dryers in the EU is expected to reach 28,7 TWh/year and 2,6 TWh/year, respectively, by 2030. Together this is equivalent to 11 MtCO2eq/year. Additionally, the water consumption related to the use of these products is expected to reach 2 200 million m3 of water in 2030.

There are cost-effective ways of further reducing the energy consumption and emissions related to the usage of household washing machines and household washer-dryers below the level they would reach in a business-as-usual scenario.

The main reasons why these potential savings have not been achieved are the market’s failure to:

(a)provide a better fit between (i) the washing programmes used for testing and optimised by manufacturers and (ii) the main washing programmes actually used by consumers;

(b)provide a better matching between the usual wash loading by users and the rated capacity or loading adaptation of the household washing machines and household washer-dryers;

(c)guide consumers to make informed purchase decisions based on the life cycle cost rather than the purchase cost (asymmetric information on costs); and

(d)provide information and incentives for repairing the appliances and managing properly the products at the end of their use phase.

As a result, potential cost-effective improvements that would benefit the end user are often not implemented.

In this context, the Regulation and the Directive are being revised to trigger a change in market conditions and in the optimisation of appliances on energy and resource efficiency. Another aim is to rescale the label in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/1369.

In comparison with a business-as-usual scenario, the proposed revision is expected to reduce the total energy consumption of these products each year across the EU by around 2,5 TWh/year, corresponding to reduced emissions of 0,8 MtCO2 eq/year, and to reduce water consumption by up to 711 million m3 per year by 2030. The revision is also expected to facilitate repair activities and end-of-life treatment by ensuring that the necessary information and spare parts are available. This may be complemented in future by a reparability scoring, which is currently being studied 6 .

Existing regulation and standards in the EU and third countries

In addition to the Ecodesign Framework Directive and to the Energy Labelling Regulation, other legislations relevant for household washing machines and household washer-dryers are:

–Commission Regulation (EC) No 1275/2008 7 on standby and off mode electric power consumption;

–Directive 2014/35/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council 8 on electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits;

–Directive 2014/53/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council 9 on radio equipment;

–Directive 2014/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council 10 on electromagnetic compatibility;

–Directive 2012/19/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council 11 on waste electrical and electronic equipment;

–Directive 2011/65/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council 12 on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment.

Moreover, many economies around the world (e.g. US, Japan, Australia, China, Brazil or Mexico) have introduced in recent years legislation on these products.

The performance of household washing machines is tested in accordance with standard EN 60456:2011 that was developed under the mandate M/458 to facilitate the implementation of these Regulations. This standard thoroughly describes the methodology for measuring the washing performance, energy consumption of the main cycle and low power modes, water consumption and duration of the standard washing programmes.

Mandate M/458 also required the development of procedures and methods for measuring the rinsing effectiveness of household washing machines. In principle EN 60456:2011 describes a procedure for measuring rinsing effectiveness by measuring the remaining alkalinity in the load after the spinning. But it suffers from poor reproducibility and does not allow for comparison of different machines tested in different locations. However, testing methods have progressed recently and a new method based on the linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) marker is currently available, making it possible to introduce related requirements.

Directive 96/60/EC regulates the energy labelling of household washer-dryers. The performance of household washer-dryers is tested in accordance with EN 50229 that was published in 1997 and modified subsequently to include the changes in EN 60456 and EN 61121. This standard deals with performance criteria including energy and water consumption for the 60°C cotton wash programme as specified in EN 60456 and energy and water consumption of the drying cycle based on EN 61121.

Revised standards would be needed for the implementation of the proposed single Regulation for household washing machines and household washer-dryers.

2.CONSULTATIONS PRIOR TO THE ADOPTION OF THE ACT

There has been extensive consultation of stakeholders during the review studies, and before and after the Consultation Forum meeting. Further external expertise was collected and analysed during this process. The results of the stakeholder consultation are described in this section.

2.1. Review study and stakeholder consultations

In the context of the review of Regulations (EU) No 1015/2010 and (EU) No 1061/2010 an inclusive stakeholder consultation took place, with the aim to gather feedback from a wide audience. The review study started in 2015 and was completed in 2017. It followed the structure of the Methodology for Ecodesign of Energy related Products (MEErP) 13 .

The review study covered household washing machines and household washer-dryers in the current scope of the Commission Regulations and Directive. A technical, environmental and economic analysis was performed. This assessed the need of updating the requirements for these products and to assess policy options. This was done as per the review clause of the Regulations, and within the framework of the Ecodesign Directive and Energy Labelling Regulation.

The review study was developed in an open process, taking into account input from relevant stakeholders including manufacturers and their associations, environmental NGOs, consumer organisations and Member States representatives. The study provided a dedicated website and a platform for information interchange (BATIS) where interim results and further relevant materials were published regularly for stakeholder consultation and input. During the study, two face-to-face meetings with stakeholders were held on the 24 June 2015 in Seville and 18 November 2015 in Brussels and a webinar was held on the 7 October 2016. The minutes of these meetings are available on the study website 14 .

2.2. Working documents and Consultation Forum

The Commission services prepared two Working Documents with ecodesign and energy labelling requirements based on the results of the Review Study. The Working Documents were circulated to the members of the Consultation Forum and for information to the secretariat of the ENVI and ITRE Committees of the European Parliament. The Consultation Forum consists of a balanced representation of MS representatives, industry associations and NGOs in line with Article 18 of the Ecodesign Directive and Article 14 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1369. On 18 December 2017, they were discussed in the Consultation Forum meeting.

The Working Documents were circulated before the meeting to the members of the Consultation Forum. More than 20 position papers were received and analysed by the Commission Services before and after the Consultation Forum.

2.3. Results of stakeholder consultation during and after the Consultation Forum

The main comments of stakeholders on key features of the Working Documents received during and after the Consultation Forum can be summarised as follows:

Change of testing programme: stakeholders were split on the introduction of a requirement on the minimum temperature in laundry core for the testing programme (cotton 40) and for the cotton 60 programme; several Member States were not in favour of this requirement and would have preferred a requirement on the maximum duration of testing programmes (time cap) instead; industry stakeholders were against a requirement on the temperature of the cotton 60 programme and against a time cap but the programme duration could be given as indication; consumer organisations and environmental NGOs preferred to have both requirements and, for consumers, that the minimum temperature equals the nominal temperature of programmes.

On the specific case of the cotton 60 programme, opinions were also split if this programme was to be considered a hygienisation programme, whether 45 °C was a sufficient temperature and whether there should be such hygienisation programme at all.

Possible addition of rinsing performance: several Member States requested the introduction of a new requirement on a minimum rinsing performance, based on the recent development of a new measurement method; industry and standardisation experts are undertaking a series of tests to provide the basis for a scale or for minimum performance; some Member States were considering the possibility of relaxing the requirement on maximum water consumption to enable the achievement of good rinsing performance.

Regarding water consumption, it should also be noted that environmental NGOs commented that the proposed revised measure for water consumption was already lax in comparison with the current one, because of the change of testing programme and the calculation formula with inclusion of partial loads.

On the different loadings to be considered in tests and calculation of the Energy Efficiency Index: stakeholders generally welcomed the introduction of small loadings in the index, some Member States preferring a fixed load (for example 2 kg) to the proposed quarter of the full load; most Member States and consumer and environmental associations were considering that the weighting factors affecting loadings in the EEI calculation should be revised, the proposed ones continuing or even reinforcing the current bias towards large capacity machines; some Member States proposed to use an exponential factor instead, as proposed by the Commission for tumble dryers.

On resource efficiency requirements: Stakeholders were generally in agreement with the requirements proposed on the marking of refrigerating gases and dismantling of electric and electronic equipment, with nuances on the wording, and were split on Commission's proposals for requirements on spare parts and on access to information. Some Member States consider that these requirements will be difficult to enforce by Market Surveillance Authorities and that access to repair and maintenance information should be restricted to authorised repairers only. Industry (especially manufacturers) concurred on the last point, and was more open on spare parts requirements if they were replaced by declarations. Environmental NGOs and other Member States supported the proposals and/or suggested more ambitious ones.

On the energy label for household washer-dryers: stakeholders were generally against the proposal of two labels for household washer-dryers (one for the washing cycle, one for the combined washing and drying cycle) and in favour of one label – for some stakeholders with two energy scales, for others with only one.

2.4. Open Public Consultation

An online public consultation 15 took place from 12 February to 7 May 2018 to collect stakeholders' views on issues such as the expected effect of potential legislative measures on business and on energy consumption trends.

The online public consultation contained a common part on ecodesign and energy labelling, followed by product specific questions on refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines and washer-dryers, televisions, electronic displays and lighting.

A total of 1 230 responses were received of which 67 % were from consumers and 19 % from businesses (of which three quarters were SMEs and a quarter were large companies). NGOs made up 6 % of respondents and 7 % were ‘other’ categories. National or local governments accounted for less than 1 % of respondents, and 0,25 % came from national market surveillance authorities.

Participants were predominantly from the UK (41 %) and Germany (26 %), with a second group from Austria, Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Spain representing 17 % of replies. A group of another nine Member States comprised a further 9,5 % of replies, but residents in 12 EU Member States gave either zero or a negligible number of responses. Non-EU respondents comprised around 5 % of replies.

Of the 1 230 respondents, 719 (58 %) replied only to lighting related questions as part of a coordinated campaign related to lighting in theatres. This was considered to significantly distort the replies, and for some questions the ‘lighting respondents’ were removed from the calculation. Furthermore, as respondents did not have to reply to all questions, a high rate of ‘no answer’ was observed (from 5 % - up to 90 %), in addition to those who replied ‘don’t know’ or ‘no opinion’. To reflect better the actual answers, the number of ‘no answer’ was deducted and the remaining answers treated as 100%.

2.4.1    Overall results

Some 63 % of participants were in favour of including ecodesign requirements on reparability and durability, and 65 % of respondents considered that this information should feature on the energy labels.

On the reparability of products, participants valued mostly as ‘very important’ to ‘important’ (in the range 62 %-68 %) each of the following: a warranty, the availability of spare parts, and a complete manual for repair and maintenance. The delivery time for spare parts was rated as 56 % ‘very important’ to ‘important’.

2.4.2    Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) 16 Consultation

One of the aims of the open public consultation was to gather specific feedback on the role and importance of SMEs on the market and to acquire more knowledge on how SMEs viewed the environmental impacts of these six product groups.

Approximately 10,5 % of replies were from SMEs. SMEs reported that they were aware of the ecodesign and energy label requirements applicable to the products they were involved in. Nevertheless, SMEs mostly declined to respond (90 %) or replied in ‘don’t know/no opinion’ (6 %) when asked about: (i) the potential impact on their businesses per se; (ii) potential impacts on SMEs compared to larger enterprises; and (iii) the introduction of resource efficiency requirements in the revised ecodesign and energy labelling regulations. Of those SMEs who gave an opinion, some 3-4 % considered that the impacts could be negative, and around 1 % thought that the effects would be positive.

2.4.3    Responses relating specifically to household washing machines and household washer-dryers

Regarding technical questions on household washing machines and household washer dryers, consumers overall had some awareness (around 30 %) that longer washing programmes tended to promote energy savings. However, the caveat is that around 20 % were not aware of this relationship, and around 50 % overall either gave a "don't know/ no opinion" answer (13 %) or no answer (38 %).

It is important to note that around 45 % considered that the relation between time duration and energy use should both be shown on the energy label, and also made more clearly visible on the appliance per se.

Regarding the performance of household washing machines and the most relevant issues to select the testing programmes, consumers ranked as important or very important (a combined 45 %) the selection of the most frequently-used programmes. Regarding programme duration, low power modes and programme duration, consumers ranked them consistently as 33 % either "important" or "very important", with an additional 10 % ranking them as "somewhat important" (i.e., overall 43 % for "somewhat important" to "very important"). Consumers also considered that the energy consumption, energy efficiency and water consumption were the most relevant parameters to be communicated on the EU energy label. A second grouping of quite highly ranked elements that respondents wanted to have on the EU energy label included capacity, noise, washing performance and spin-cycle efficiency.

Regarding material efficiency elements, respondents gave the following answers for "important" and "very important" rankings: warranty (45 %), a list of certified repairers (35 %), quick repair time (45 %), spare parts and instructions to enable self-repair (35 %). If the "somewhat important" ranking is included for each of the above elements, this captures in each case an additional 5 %-10 % of respondents.

The two most numerous responses for the expectation of how long spare parts were expected to remain available for household washing machines were: more than 10 years (35 % of respondents), and between 5-10 years (16 %). Fewer than 2,5 % of respondents cited a period of 5 years or less. (8 % "don't know/ no opinion" responses were recorded, and 38 % gave no reply).

2.5. Consumer survey on the energy label

In addition to the preparatory study and the open public consultation, a specific consumer study 17 was undertaken to inform the Commission on the impact of possible different icons and layouts of the revised energy labels for household washing machines and household washer-dryers on consumer understanding and choices. The survey was administered in seven countries, which together cover 39,7 % of the EU population. In each country, approximately 1 350 respondents completed the survey, nationally representative of each country’s population with quotas on age and gender. The survey was finalised in July 2018.

A new label layout with several icons representing specific product features was tested:

·Most of the proposed features are also represented on the current energy labels, namely the energy consumption, water consumption, rated capacity and noise level. However, in this new label the energy and water consumption are indicated per cycle, and are accompanied by an indication of the tested programme.

·Furthermore, the new proposal includes the addition of a new icon representing the duration of the (tested) programme.

·Finally, some icons that are displayed on the current energy labels are no longer part of the new tested label, namely the icons indicating the spinning efficiency.

This study aimed to test consumer responses to:

·consumer understanding of specific icons designed to represent the proposed product features;

·consumer understanding of the full label (e.g. how different elements relate to each other);

·the perceived relevance of the product features proposed to be represented on the proposed new label;

·the extent to which consumers miss information provided in current labels that is not included in the proposed new labels;

·the impact of the labels (relative to other product information) on consumer choice behaviour.

For all features (i.e. water consumption, load capacity, programme duration and noise level), the majority of respondents considered it important that the energy label displays this information.

For water consumption, load capacity, programme duration, and noise level, three icon alternatives were developed and tested. The icons were combined into the energy labels.

The icons and elements of layout retained for the energy label proposal correspond to the icons and features best understood by respondents or, in case of inconclusive results of the survey (for example on noise and programme duration), to the icons and features most consistent with the approach followed for other product groups and the general layout of the label.

2.6. Impact assessment

An Impact Assessment is required when the expected economic, environmental and social impacts of EU action are likely to be significant. The Impact Assessment for the review of Commission Regulation (EU) No 1015/2010 18 and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 1061/2010 was carried out between January and April 2018.

The data collected in the review study served as a basis for the impact assessment. Additional data and information was collected and discussed by the Impact Assessment study team with industry and experts representing other stakeholders and Member States. During this process, several meetings were held with industry and Member States experts. The additional data and information collection focused on:

–additional market data, especially the differences between number of models and volume of sales of the energy efficiency classes for the period 2005-2015 for household washing machines and 2012-2015 for household washer dryers;

–fine tuning of the metrics (revised standard).

An Inception Impact Assessment (IIA) “Regulatory measures on the review of Ecodesign requirements for household washing machines and household washer dryers” 19 and the Inception Impact Assessment “Regulatory measure on the reviews of Energy Labelling for household washing machines and household washer dryers” were published before the Consultation Forum. Feedback on both the above IIAs were received (with 11 and 9 comments, respectively) on a number of aspects. In general, the feedback supported the Ecodesign and Energy Labelling requirements for household washing machines and household washer dryers as they help mitigate climate change, help EU citizens save on their bills, and better integrate domestic appliances in the Circular Economy through the proposed reparability and recyclability requirements.

The submitted feedback commented on the strictness of the Ecodesign requirements regarding energy minimum requirements, the testing programmes, and the low power modes as well as several aspects of the information to be included on the energy label. The feedback also focused on the resource efficiency aspects that are in general strongly supported and some additional proposal were made in order to ensure their proper implementation.

The following options were considered in the impact assessment:

For household washing machines and the washing cycle of household washer-dryers:

–Policy Option WM1: business as usual, used as baseline for the assessment: no further action, the regulations currently in place remain unchanged;

–Policy Option WM2: Combination of Ecodesign requirements and Energy Labelling setting a minimum temperature of 35 degrees;

–Policy Option WM3: Combination of Ecodesign requirements and Energy Labelling setting a maximum duration of the test programme for half or quarter loads to 3 hours while providing information on the full load on the energy label;

–Policy Option WM4: Combination of Ecodesign requirements and Energy Labelling setting a maximum duration of the test programme proportional to the machine capacity;

–Policy Option WM5: Combination of Ecodesign requirements on material efficiency related to the end-of-life and reparability aspects including availability of spare parts.

for the combined washing and drying cycle of washer dryers:

–Policy Option WD1: business as usual, used as baseline for the assessment: no further action, the directive currently in place remain unchanged;

–Policy Option WD2: Combination of new low ambition Ecodesign requirements and updated Energy Labelling;

–Policy Option WD3: Combination of new moderately ambitious Ecodesign requirements and updated Energy Labelling;

–Policy Option WD4: Combination of Ecodesign requirements on material efficiency identical to Policy Option WM5.

In all except the business as usual scenarios, the A-G energy label is based on the new test and rescaled.

The preferred option for household washing machines and the wash cycle of household washer-dryers is Policy Option WM 4 with the two tiers on energy efficiency, in combination with the material efficiency requirements of Policy Option WM5. For the combined “wash & dry” function of household washer-dryers the preferred option is Policy Option WD3 with the second tier, in combination with Policy Option WD4. Both options provide the highest overall savings on energy and resources, while ensuring a substantial but realistic contribution to circular economy objectives.

By 2030, the preferred options for household washing machines and washer dryers together are expected to lead to:

–electricity savings of 2,48 TWh/year and water savings of 711 million m3/year;

–greenhouse gas emission abatement of 0,84 MtCO2 eq/year;

–7,15 billion euros in annual savings for consumers;

–extra business revenue of 1,1 billion euros per year, leading to 3 000 additional jobs in the EU manufacturing sector and 28 000 in the retail sector;

–support to EU industry's competitiveness and leading role as high-quality manufacturers;

–greater innovation for more efficient household washing machines and washer dryers;

–higher revenues and profits for independent companies (such as SMEs) working in the field of reparation and refurbishment of products.

The impact assessment report was submitted to the Commission’s regulatory scrutiny board and discussed by the board on 13 June 2018. The board issued a positive opinion with reservations. The main considerations given by the board, and incorporated in the final version of the Impact Assessment, are the following:

–The report is not sufficiently transparent on the relatively minor importance of the initiative in terms of its contribution to the EU 2030 energy and climate targets.

–The report does not integrate circular economy aspects comprehensively and in a way which is consistent across ecodesign products. It does not impact assess them either.

–In this context, the choice of the preferred option is not sufficiently justified. It is unclear how the report strikes a balance between energy efficiency, circular economy and consumer preferences.

–The report is not sufficiently transparent about the elements that have already been agreed upon and the choices that are left open for political decision.

The impact assessment report was amended to take account of the board’s comments. In particular, new sections were added on the ‘need to act’ and on the ‘issues not subject to assessment’ and the presentation of the circular economy aspects, of the methodological assumptions and of the preferred option was substantially reinforced.

2.7 Feedback mechanism

The draft implementing act on the ecodesign of household washing machines and household washer-dryers and the draft delegated act on the energy labelling of household washing machines and household washer-dryers, after Commission inter-service consultation, were posted on the Commission’s Better Regulation portal for possible feedback from stakeholders.

Comments were received from five EU Member States and one non-EU country through the Better Regulation feedback mechanism. The comments related to the requirements on programmes and programme names, to the level of energy efficiency requirements, to the availability and delivery time of spare parts, to the disassembly of components for recycling and tools necessary, to the calculation of energy efficiency for multi-drum machines, to the content and lay-out of the energy label, to the requirements on the placing of the label on products and to the graphic elements included in requirements for distance selling.

All comments were reported to the ecodesign Regulatory Committee and to the expert group on energy labelling, and were considered in the discussions and finalisation of the draft Regulations. 

3.LEGAL ELEMENTS OF THE DELEGATED ACT

3.1. Summary of the proposed action for Energy Label Regulation

The revised energy label regulation for household washing machines and household washer-dryers builds on the preferred option identified in the impact assessment report. The objectives to achieve high energy and water savings, to facilitate repair and recycling and make the standard programme more attractive for consumers are balanced with the objectives of maintaining the affordability of products and the competitiveness of industry.

Information on the label for both appliances

(1)QR code linking to the product database defined in Article 12 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1369;

(2)Re-scaled label introducing A to G classes in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/1369 for the washing cycle and, for washer-dryers, also for the complete cycle;

(3)Rated capacity in kg for the washing cycle and, for washer-dryers, also for the complete cycle;

(4)Weighted energy consumption in kWh per 100 cycles for the washing cycle and, for washer-dryers, also for the complete cycle;

(5)Weighted water consumption in litres per cycle for the washing cycle and, for washer-dryers, also for the complete cycle;

(6)Programme duration in h:min for the washing cycle and, for washer-dryers, also for the complete cycle;

(7)Spin-drying efficiency class for the spinning phase of the washing cycle;

(8)Airborne acoustic noise emissions class and value in dB(A).

3.2. Measurements and calculations

Measurements and calculations of the relevant product parameters should be performed using methods that are reliable, accurate and reproducible. Manufacturers may apply the measurement and calculation methods and harmonised standards established in accordance with Article 13 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1369 as soon as they are made available and their references are published for that purpose in the Official Journal of the European Union. Requirements for calculation and measurement methods are laid down in Annex IV of the revised regulation.

Following the incorporation into the scope of household washer-dryers and the proposal of a new standard test programme, Cenelec should adapt the existing measurement standards that would provide proper measurement methods for all household washing machines and household washer-dryers covered by the scope of the proposed measures.

3.3. Verification procedure for market surveillance purposes

When performing the market surveillance checks referred to in Article 8 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1369, the authorities of the Member States shall apply the verification procedure for the requirements set out in Annex IX to the revised Energy labelling regulation for household washing machines and household washer-dryers.

The verification tolerances set out in that Annex relate only to the verification of the measured parameters by Member States authorities and shall not be used by the manufacturer or importer as an allowed tolerance to establish the values in the technical documentation.

3.4. Date for evaluation and possible revision

The revised Regulation is to be reviewed no later than six years after its entry into force.

The main issues for a possible revision are:

–the improvement potential with regard to the energy consumption, functional and environmental performance of household washing machines and household washer-dryers;

–the appropriateness of maintaining two scales for the energy performance of household washer-dryers;

–the effectiveness of existing measures in realising changes of end-user behaviour in purchasing more energy and resource efficient appliances and using more energy and resource efficient programmes;

–the possibility to address circular economy objectives.

COMMISSION DELEGATED REGULATION (EU) …/...

of 11.3.2019

supplementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1369
of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to
energy labelling of household washing machines and household washer-dryers

and repealing Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 1061/2010
and Commission Directive 96/60/EC

(Text with EEA relevance)

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Regulation (EU) 2017/1369 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2017 setting a framework for energy labelling and repealing Directive 2010/30/EU 20 , and in particular Article 11(5) and Article 16 thereof,

Whereas:

(1)Regulation (EU) 2017/1369 empowers the Commission to adopt delegated acts as regards the labelling or re-scaling of the labelling of product groups representing significant potential for energy savings and, where relevant, other resources.

(2)Provisions on the energy labelling of household washing machines were established by Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 1061/2010 21 .

(3)Provisions on the energy labelling of household washer-dryers were established by Commission Directive 96/60/EC 22 .

(4)The Communication from the Commission COM(2016)773 final 23 (ecodesign working plan) established by the Commission in application of Article 16(1) of Directive 2009/125/EC 24 of the European parliament and of the Council sets out the working priorities under the ecodesign and energy labelling framework for the period 2016-2019. The ecodesign working plan identifies the energy-related product groups to be considered as priorities for the undertaking of preparatory studies and eventual adoption of implementing measures, as well as the review of Commission Regulation (EU) No 1015/2010 25 , Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 1061/2010 and Directive 96/60/EC.

(5)Measures from the ecodesign working plan have an estimated potential to deliver a total in excess of 260 TWh of annual final energy savings in 2030, which is equivalent to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 100 million tonnes per year in 2030. Household washing machines and household washer-dryers are among the product groups listed in the working plan, with estimated annual electricity savings of 2,5 TWh, leading to GHG emission reductions of 0,8 MtCO2 eq/year, and estimated water savings of 711 million m3 in 2030.

(6)Household washing machines and household washer-dryers are among the product groups mentioned in Article 11(5)(b) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1369 for which the Commission should adopt a delegated act to introduce an A to G rescaled label.

(7)The Commission has reviewed Regulation (EU) No 1061/2010, as required by its Article 7, and Directive 96/60/EC and analysed technical, environmental and economic aspects of as well as real-life user behaviour. The review was undertaken in close cooperation with stakeholders and interested parties from the Union and third countries. The results of the review were made public and presented to the Consultation Forum established by Article 14 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1369..

(8)The review concluded that there was a need for the introduction of revised energy labelling requirements for household washing machines and household washer-dryers, and that both could be established by the same energy labelling Regulation. The scope of this Regulation should thus comprise household washing machines and household washer-dryers.

(9)Non-household washing machines and non-household washer-dryers have distinct characteristics and uses. They are subject to other regulatory work, in particular Directive 2006/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council 26 , and should not be included in the scope of this Regulation. This Regulation for household washing machines and household washer-dryers should apply to washing machines and washer-dryers with the same technical characteristics, regardless of the setting they are used in.

(10)The environmental aspects of household washing machines and household washer-dryers, identified as significant for the purposes of this Regulation, are energy and water consumption in the use phase, the generation of waste at the end of life, the emissions to air and water in the production phase (due to the extraction and processing of raw materials) and in the use phase (because of the consumption of electricity).

(11)It appears from the review that the electricity and water consumption of products subject to this Regulation can be further reduced by implementing energy label measures focusing on better differentiating between products to ensure incentives to suppliers to further improve the energy and resource efficiency of household washing machines and household washer-dryers, and by responding better to the expectations of consumers when using washing or complete washing and drying programmes, as regards their duration in particular.

(12)The energy labelling of household washing machines and household washer-dryers enable consumers to make informed choices towards more energy and resource efficient appliances. The understanding and relevance of the information provided on the label have been confirmed through a specific consumer survey in line with Article 14(2) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1369.

(13)Household washing machines and household washer-dryers that are displayed at trade fairs should bear the energy label if the first unit of the model has already been placed on the market or is placed on the market on the trade fair.

(14)The relevant product parameters should be measured using reliable, accurate and reproducible methods. Those methods should take into account recognised state-of-the-art measurement methods including, where available, harmonised standards adopted by the European standardisation bodies, as listed in Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council 27 .

(15)Recognising the growth of sales of energy-related products through web-stores and internet sales platforms, rather than directly from suppliers, it should be clarified that hosting service providers of web-stores and internet sales platforms should be responsible for displaying the label provided by the supplier in proximity to the price. They should inform the supplier of that obligation, but should not be responsible for the accuracy or content of the label and the product information sheet provided. However, in application of Article 14(1)(b) of Directive 2000/31/EC 28 of the European Parliament and of the Council on electronic commerce, such internet hosting platforms should act expeditiously to remove or to disable access to information about the product in question if they are aware of the non-compliance (e.g. missing, incomplete or incorrect label or product information sheet) for example if informed by the market surveillance authority. A supplier selling directly to end-users via its own website is covered by dealers’ distance selling obligations referred to in Article 5 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1369.

(16)The measures provided for in this Regulation were discussed by the Consultation Forum and with the Member States experts in accordance with Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1369.

(17)Regulation (EU) No 1061/2010 and Directive 96/60/EC should be repealed,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1
Subject matter and scope

1.This Regulation establishes requirements for the labelling of, and the provision of supplementary product information on, electric mains-operated household washing machines and electric mains-operated household washer-dryers including those which can also be powered by batteries, and including built-in household washing machines and built-in household washer-dryers. 

2.This Regulation shall not apply to

(a)washing machines and washer-dryers in the scope of Directive 2006/42/EC;

(b)battery-operated household washing machines and battery-operated household washer-dryers that can be connected to the mains through an AC/DC converter purchased separately;

(c)household washing machines with a rated capacity lower than 2 kg and household washer-dryers with a rated washing capacity lower than or equal to 2 kg.

Article 2
Definitions

For the purposes of this Regulation, the following definitions shall apply:

(1)ʻmains’ or ‘electric mains’ means the electricity supply from the grid of 230 (±10 %) volts of alternating current at 50 Hz; 

(2)‘automatic washing machine’ means a washing machine where the load is fully treated by the washing machine without the need for user intervention at any point during the programme;

(3)‘household washing machine’ means an automatic washing machine which cleans and rinses household laundry by using water, chemical, mechanical and thermal means, which also has a spin extraction function, and which is declared by the manufacturer in the Declaration of Conformity as complying with Directive 2014/35/EU 29 of the European Parliament and of the Council or with Directive 2014/53/EU 30 of the European Parliament and of the Council;

(4)‘household washer-dryer’ means a household washing machine which, in addition to the functions of an automatic washing machine, in the same drum includes a means for drying the textiles by heating and tumbling, and which is declared by the manufacturer in the Declaration of Conformity as complying with Directive 2014/35/EU or with Directive 2014/53/EU;

(5)‘built-in household washing machine’ means a household washing machine that is designed, tested and marketed exclusively:

(a)to be installed in cabinetry or encased (top and/or bottom, and sides) by panels;

(b)to be securely fastened to the sides, top or floor of the cabinetry or panels; and

(c)to be equipped with an integral factory-finished face or to be fitted with a custom front panel;

(6)‘built-in household washer-dryer’ means a household washer-dryer that is designed, tested and marketed exclusively:

(a)to be installed in cabinetry or encased (top and/or bottom, and sides) by panels;

(b)to be securely fastened to the sides, top or floor of the cabinetry or panels; and

(c)to be equipped with an integral factory-finished face or to be fitted with a custom front panel;

(7)‘multi-drum household washing machine’ means a household washing machine equipped with more than one drum, whether in separate units or in the same casing;

(8)‘multi-drum household washer-dryer’ means a household washer-dryer equipped with more than one drum, whether in separate units or in the same casing;

(9)‘point of sale’ means a location where household washing machines or household washer-dryers, or both, are displayed or offered for sale, hire or hire-purchase.

For the purposes of the annexes, additional definitions are set out in Annex I.

Article 3
Obligations of suppliers

1.Suppliers shall ensure that:

(a)each household washing machine and household washer-dryer is supplied with a printed label in the format as set out in Annex III and, for a multi-drum household washing machine or a multi-drum household washer-dryer, in accordance with Annex X;

(b)the parameters of the product information sheet, as set out in Annex V, are entered into the product database;

(c)if specifically requested by the dealer of household washing machines and household washer-dryers, the product information sheet shall be made available in printed form;

(d)the content of the technical documentation, set out in Annex VI, is entered into the product database;

(e)any visual advertisement for a specific model of household washing machine or household washer-dryer contains the energy efficiency class and the range of energy efficiency classes available on the label in accordance with Annex VII and Annex VIII;

(f)any technical promotional material concerning a specific model of household washing machine or household washer-dryer, including on the Internet, which describes its specific technical parameters includes the energy efficiency class of that model and the range of energy efficiency classes available on the label, in accordance with Annex VII;

(g)an electronic label in the format and containing the information as set out in Annex III is made available to dealers for each model of household washing machine and of household washer-dryer;

(h)an electronic product information sheet, as set out in Annex V, is made available to dealers for each model of household washing machine and of household washer-dryer.

2.The energy efficiency class and the acoustic airborne noise emission class are defined in Annex II and shall be calculated in accordance with Annex IV.

Article 4
Obligations of dealers

Dealers shall ensure that:

(a)each household washing machine or household washer-dryer, at the point of sale, including at trade fairs, bears the label provided by suppliers in accordance with point 1(a) of Article 3, with the label being displayed for built-in appliances in such a way as to be clearly visible, and for all other appliances in such a way as to be clearly visible on the outside on the front or top of the household washing machine or household washer-dryer;

(b)in the case of distance selling and sale through the internet, the label and product information sheet are provided in accordance with Annexes VII and VIII;

(c)any visual advertisement for a specific model of household washing machine or household washer-dryer contains the energy efficiency class of that model and the range of energy efficiency classes available on the label, in accordance with Annex VII;

(d)any technical promotional material concerning a specific model of household washing machine or household washer-dryer, including on the Internet, which describes its specific technical parameters, includes the energy efficiency class of that model and the range of energy efficiency classes available on the label, in accordance with Annex VII.

Article 5 
Obligations of internet hosting platforms

Where a hosting service provider as referred to in Article 14 of Directive 2000/31/EC allows the direct selling of household washing machines or household washer-dryers through its Internet website, the service provider shall enable the showing of the electronic label and electronic product information sheet provided by the dealer on the display mechanism in accordance with the provisions of Annex VIII and shall inform the dealer of the obligation to display them.

Article 6
Measurement methods

The information to be provided pursuant to Articles 3 and 4 shall be obtained by reliable, accurate and reproducible measurement and calculation methods, which take into account the recognised state-of-the-art measurement and calculation methods set out in Annex IV.

Article 7
Verification procedure for market surveillance purposes

Member States shall apply the procedure laid down in Annex IX when performing the market surveillance checks referred to in paragraph 3 of Article 8 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1369.

Article 8
Review

The Commission shall review this Regulation in the light of technological progress and present the results of this review including, if appropriate, a draft revision proposal, to the Consultation Forum no later than [OP – please insert the date - six years after day of entry into force of this Regulation].

The review shall in particular assess the following:

(a)the improvement potential with regard to the energy consumption, functional and environmental performance of household washing machines and household washer-dryers;

(b)the appropriateness of maintaining two scales for the energy performance of household washer-dryers;

(c)the effectiveness of existing measures in achieving changes of end-user behaviour in purchasing more energy and resource efficient appliances and using more energy and resource efficient programmes; 

(d)the possibility to address circular economy objectives.

Article 9
Repeal

Regulation (EU) No 1061/2010 is repealed as of 1 March 2021.

Directive 96/60/EC is repealed as of 1 March 2021.

Article 10
Transitional measures

As from [OP – please insert the day of entry into force of this Regulation] until 28 February 2021, the product fiche required under point (b) of Article 3 of Regulation (EU) No 1061/2010 may be made available on the product database established by Article 12 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1369 instead of being provided in printed form. In this case the supplier shall ensure that if specifically requested by the dealer, the product fiche shall be made available in printed form.

As from [OP – please insert the day of entry into force of this Regulation] until 28 February 2021, the fiche required under paragraph 3 of Article 2 of Directive 96/60/EC may be made available on the product database established by Article 12 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1369 instead of being provided in printed form. In this case the supplier shall ensure that if specifically requested by the dealer, the fiche shall be made available in printed form.

Article 11
Entry into force and application

This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

It shall apply from 1 March 2021. However, Article 10 shall apply from [OP – please insert the day of entry into force of this Regulation] and points 1(a) and 1(b) of Article 3 shall apply from 1 November 2020.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 11.3.2019

(1)    Regulation (EU) 2017/1369 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2017 setting a framework for energy labelling and repealing Directive 2010/30/EU (OJ L 198, 28.7.2017, p. 1).

(2)    Closing the loop - An EU action plan for the Circular Economy". COM(2015) 614 final, 2.12.2015

(3)    Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 1061/2010 of 28 September 2010 supplementing Directive 2010/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to energy labelling of household washing machines (OJ L 314, 30.11.2010, p.47).

(4)    Commission Directive 96/60/EC of 19 September 1996 implementing Council Directive 92/75/EEC with regard to energy labelling of household combined washer-driers (OJ L 266, 18.10.1996, p. 1).

(5)    Ecodesign and energy label preparatory study on Washing machines and washer-dryers, available at:     http://susproc.jrc.ec.europa.eu/Washing_machines_and_washer_dryers/documents.html  

(6)     http://susproc.jrc.ec.europa.eu/ScoringSystemOnReparability/index.html  

(7)    Commission Regulation (EC) No 1275/2008 of 17 December 2008 implementing Directive 2005/32/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to ecodesign requirements for standby and off mode electric power consumption of electrical and electronic household and office equipment (OJ L 339, 18.12.2008, p. 45).

(8)    Directive 2014/35/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to the making available on the market of electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits (OJ L 96, 29.3.2014, p. 357).

(9)    Directive 2014/53/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to the making available on the market of radio equipment and repealing Directive 1999/5/EC (OJ L 153, 22.5.2014, p. 62).

(10)    Directive 2014/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to electromagnetic compatibility (recast) (OJ L 96, 29.3.2014, p. 79).

(11)    Directive 2012/19/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2012 on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) (OJ L 197, 24.7.2012, p. 38).

(12)    Directive 2011/65/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2011 on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (OJ L 174, 1.7.2011, p. 88).

(13)     Kemna, R.B.J., Methodology for the Ecodesign of Energy-related Products (MEErP) – Part 2, VHK for the European Commission, 2011 (MEErP).

(14)     http://susproc.jrc.ec.europa.eu/Washing machines and household washer dryers/index.html

(15)     https://ec.europa.eu/info/consultations/public-consultation-ecodesign-and-energy-labelling-refrigerators-dishwashers-washing-machines-televisions-computers-and-lamps_en

(16)    SMEs < 250 employees

(17)    Roxanne van Giesen, Millie Elsen, Thijn van der Linden, Bram Bruisten, Tim Meeusen, Femke Maes, "Study on consumer understanding of draft energy labels for household washing machines, household washer-dryers and household dishwashers", CentERdata., July 2018 commissioned by the EC under No. FWC ENER/C3/2015-631/04

(18)    Commission Regulation (EU) No 1015/2010 of 10 November 2010 implementing Directive 2009/125/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to ecodesign requirements for household washing machines (OJ L 293, 11.11.2010, p. 21).

(19)    Initiative ARES (2015) 476416 and initiative ARES (2018) 476380

(20)    OJ L 198, 28.7.2017, p. 1.

(21)    Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 1061/2010 of 28 September 2010 supplementing Directive 2010/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to energy labelling of household washing machines (OJ L 314, 30.11.2010, p. 47).

(22)    Commission Directive 96/60/EC of 19 September 1996 implementing Council Directive 92/75/EEC with regard to energy labelling of household combined washer-driers (OJ L 266, 18.10.1996, p. 1).

(23)    Communication from the Commission Ecodesign working plan 2016-2019 (COM(2016)773 final, 30.11.2016).

(24)    Directive 2009/125/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 establishing a framework for the setting of ecodesign requirements for energy-related products (OJ L 285, 31.10.2009, p. 10).

(25)    Commission Regulation (EU) No 1015/2010 of 10 November 2010 implementing Directive 2009/125/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to ecodesign requirements for household washing machines (OJ L 293, 11.11.2010, p. 21).

(26)    Directive 2006/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2006 on machinery (OJ L 157, 9.6.2006, p. 24).

(27)    Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on European standardisation, amending Council Directives 89/686/EEC and 93/15/EEC and Directives 94/9/EC, 94/25/EC, 95/16/EC, 97/23/EC, 98/34/EC, 2004/22/EC, 2007/23/EC, 2009/23/EC and 2009/105/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Council Decision 87/95/EEC and Decision No 1673/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 316, 14.11.2012, p. 12).

(28)    Directive 2000/31/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2000 on certain legal aspects of information society services, in particular electronic commerce, in the Internal Market (OJ L 178, 17.7.2000, p. 1).

(29)    Directive 2014/35/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to the making available on the market of electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits (OJ L 96, 29.3.2014, p. 357).

(30)    Directive 2014/53/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to the making available on the market of radio equipment and repealing Directive 1999/5/EC (OJ L 153, 22.5.2014, p. 62).

ANNEX I
Definitions applicable for the annexes

The following definitions shall apply:

(1)‘Energy Efficiency Index’ (EEI) means the ratio of the weighted energy consumption to the standard cycle energy consumption;

(2)‘programme’ means a series of operations that are pre-defined and which are declared by the supplier as suitable for washing, drying or continuously washing and drying certain types of textile;

(3)‘washing cycle’ means a complete washing process as defined by a selected programme, consisting of a series of different operations including washing, rinsing, and spinning;

(4)‘drying cycle’ means a complete drying process as defined by the required programme, consisting of a series of different operations including heating and tumbling;

(5)‘complete cycle’ means a washing and drying process, consisting of a washing cycle and a drying cycle;

(6)‘continuous cycle’ means a complete cycle without interruption of the process and with no need for user intervention at any point during the programme;

(7)‘quick response’ (QR) code means a matrix barcode included on the energy label of a product model that links to that model’s information in the public part of the product database;

(8)‘rated capacity’ means the maximum mass in kilogram stated by the supplier at 0,5 kg intervals of dry textiles of a particular type, which can be treated in one washing cycle of a household washing machine, or in one complete cycle of a household washer-dryer respectively, on the selected programme, when loaded in accordance with the supplier's instructions;

(9)‘rated washing capacity’ means the maximum mass in kilogram stated by the supplier at 0,5 kg intervals of dry textiles of a particular type, which can be treated in one washing cycle of a household washing machine, or in one washing cycle of a household washer-dryer respectively, on the selected programme, when loaded in accordance with the supplier's instructions;

(10)‘rated drying capacity’ means the maximum mass in kilogram stated by the supplier at 0,5 kg intervals of dry textiles of a particular type, which can be treated in one drying cycle of a household washer-dryer on the selected programme, when loaded in accordance with the supplier's instructions; 

(11)‘eco 40-60’ means the name of the programme declared by the supplier as able to clean normally soiled cotton laundry declared to be washable at 40°C or 60°C, together in the same washing cycle, and to which the information on the energy label and in the product information sheet relates;

(12)‘rinsing effectiveness’ means the concentration of the residual content of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) in the treated textiles after the washing cycle of a household washing machine or household washer-dryer (IR) or the complete cycle of a household washer-dryer (JR), expressed in gram per kilogram of dry textile;

(13)‘weighted energy consumption (EW)’ means the weighted average of the energy consumption of the washing cycle of a household washing machine or a household washer-dryer for the eco 40-60 programme at rated washing capacity, and at half and at a quarter of the rated washing capacity, expressed in kilowatt hour per cycle;

(14)‘weighted energy consumption (EWD)’ means the weighted average of the energy consumption of the household washer-dryer for the wash and dry cycle at rated capacity and at half of the rated capacity, expressed in kilowatt hour per cycle;

(15)‘standard cycle energy consumption’ (SCE) means the energy consumption taken as a reference, as a function of the rated capacity of a household washing machine or of a household washer-dryer, expressed in kilowatt hour per cycle;

(16)‘weighted water consumption (WW)’ means the weighted average of the water consumption of a the washing cycle of a household washing machine or of a household washer-dryer for the eco 40-60 programme at rated washing capacity, and at half and at a quarter of the rated washing capacity, expressed in litre per cycle;

(17)‘weighted water consumption (WWD)’ means the weighted average of the water consumption of a household washer-dryer for the wash and dry cycle at rated capacity and at half of the rated capacity, expressed in litre per cycle;

(18)‘remaining moisture content’ means for household washing machines and for the washing cycle of household washer-dryers, the amount of moisture contained in the load at the end of the washing cycle;

(19)‘final moisture content’ means for household washer-dryers the amount of moisture contained in the load at the end of the drying cycle;

(20)‘cupboard dry’ means the status of treated textiles dried in a drying cycle to a final moisture content of 0 %;

(21)‘programme duration’ (tW) means the length of time beginning with the initiation of the programme selected, excluding any user programmed delay, until the end of the programme is indicated and the user has access to the load.

(22)‘cycle duration’ (tWD) means, for the complete cycle of a household washer-dryer, the length of time beginning with the initiation of the programme selected for the washing cycle, excluding any user programmed delay, until the end of the drying cycle is indicated and the user has access to the load;

(23)‘off mode’ means a condition in which the household washing machine or the household washer-dryer is connected to the mains and is not providing any function; the following shall also be considered as off mode:

(a)a condition providing only an indication of off mode;

(b)a condition providing only functionalities intended to ensure electromagnetic compatibility pursuant to Directive 2014/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council 1 ;

(24)‘standby mode’ means a condition where the household washing machine or the household washer-dryer is connected to the mains and provides only the following functions, which may persist for an indefinite time:

(a)reactivation function or reactivation function and a mere indication of enabled reactivation function, and/or

(b)reactivation function through a connection to a network; and/or

(c)information or status display, and/or

(d)detection function for emergency measures;

(25)‘network’ means a communication infrastructure with a topology of links, an architecture, including the physical components, organisational principles, communication procedures and formats (protocols); 

(26)‘wrinkle guard function’ means an operation of the household washing machine or of the household washer-dryer after completion of a programme to prevent excessive wrinkle building in the laundry;

(27)‘delay start’ means a condition where the user has selected a specified delay to the beginning or end of the cycle of the selected programme;

(28)‘guarantee’ means any undertaking by the retailer or supplier to the consumer to:

(a)reimburse the price paid; or

(b)replace, repair or handle the household washing machine and the household washer-dryer in any way if they do not meet the specifications set out in the guarantee statement or in the relevant advertising;

(29)‘display mechanism’ means any screen, including tactile screen, or other visual technology used for displaying internet content to users;

(30)‘nested display’ means visual interface where an image or data set is accessed by a mouse click, mouse roll-over or tactile screen expansion of another image or data set;

(31)‘tactile screen’ means a screen responding to touch, such as that of a tablet computer, slate computer or a smartphone;

(32)‘alternative text’ means text provided as an alternative to a graphic allowing information to be presented in non-graphical form where display devices cannot render the graphic or as an aid to accessibility such as input to voice synthesis applications.

ANNEX II

A. Energy efficiency classes

The energy efficiency class of a household washing machine and of the washing cycle of a household washer-dryer shall be determined on the basis of its Energy Efficiency Index (EEIW) as set out in Table 1.

The EEIW of a household washing machine and of the washing cycle of a household washer-dryer shall be calculated in accordance with Annex IV.

Table 1
Energy efficiency classes of household washing machines and of the washing cycle of household washer-dryers

The energy efficiency class of the complete cycle of a household washer-dryer shall be determined on the basis of its Energy Efficiency Index (EEIWD) as set out in Table 2.

The EEIWD of the complete cycle of a household washer-dryer shall be calculated in accordance with Annex IV.

Table 2
Energy efficiency classes of the complete cycle of a household washer-dryer

B. Spin-drying efficiency classes

The spin-drying efficiency class of a household washing machine and of the washing cycle of a household washer-dryer shall be determined on the basis of the remaining moisture content (D) as set out in Table 3.

The D of a household washing machine and of the washing cycle of a household washer-dryer shall be calculated in accordance with Annex IV.

Table 3
Spin-drying efficiency classes

C. Acoustic airborne noise emission classes

The acoustic airborne noise emission class of a household washing machine and of a washing cycle of a household washer-dryer shall be determined on the basis of the acoustic airborne noise emissions as set out in Table 4.

Table 4
Acoustic airborne noise emission classes

ANNEX III

A. Label for household washing machines

1.LABEL FOR HOUSEHOLD WASHING MACHINES

1.1.Label

1.2.The following information shall be included in the label:

I.QR code;

II.supplier’s name or trade mark;

III.supplier’s model identifier;

IV.scale of energy efficiency classes from A to G;

V.the energy efficiency class determined in accordance with Annex II;

VI.weighted energy consumption per 100 cycles in kWh, rounded to the nearest integer in accordance with Annex IV;

VII.rated capacity, in kg, for the eco 40-60 programme;

VIII.weighted water consumption per cycle in litres, rounded to the nearest integer in accordance with Annex IV:

IX.duration of the eco 40-60 programme at rated capacity in h:min rounded to the nearest minute;

X.Spin-drying efficiency class, determined in accordance with point B of Annex II;

XI.airborne acoustic noise emissions of the spinning phase, expressed in dB(A) re 1 pW and rounded to the nearest integer, and airborne acoustic noise emission class, determined in accordance with point C of Annex II;

XII.the number of this Regulation, that is ‘2019/XXX’ [PO- please insert the number of this Regulation in this point and in the right bottom corner of the label].

2.LABEL DESIGN FOR HOUSEHOLD WASHING MACHINES

The design of the label shall be as in the figure below.

Whereby:

(a)The label shall be at least 96 mm wide and 192 mm high. Where the label is printed in a larger format, its content shall nevertheless remain proportionate to the specifications above.

(b)The background of the label shall be 100 % white.

(c)The typefaces shall be Verdana and Calibri.

(d)The dimensions and specifications of the elements constituting the label shall be as indicated in the label design for household washing machines.

(e)Colours shall be CMYK – cyan, magenta, yellow and black, following this example: 0,70,100,0: 0 % cyan, 70 % magenta, 100 % yellow, 0 % black.

(f)The label shall fulfil all the following requirements (numbers refer to the figure above):

the colours of the EU logo shall be as follows:

–the background: 100,80,0,0;

–the stars: 0,0,100,0;

the colour of the energy logo shall be: 100,80,0,0;

the QR code shall be 100 % black;

the supplier’s name shall be 100 % black and in Verdana Bold, 9 pt;

the model identifier shall be 100 % black and in Verdana Regular 9 pt;

the A to G scale shall be as follows:

–the letters of the energy efficiency scale shall be 100 % white and in Calibri Bold 19 pt; the letters shall be centred on an axis at 4,5 mm from the left side of the arrows;

–the colours of the A to G scale arrows shall be as follows:

·A-class: 100,0,100,0;

·B-class: 70,0,100,0;

·C-class: 30,0,100,0;

·D-class: 0,0,100,0;

·E-class: 0,30,100,0;

·F-class: 0,70,100,0;

·G-class: 0,100,100,0;

the internal dividers shall have a weight of 0,5 pt and the colour shall be 100 % black;

the letter of the energy efficiency class shall be 100 % white and in Calibri Bold 33 pt. The energy efficiency class arrow and the corresponding arrow in the A to G scale shall be positioned in such a way that their tips are aligned. The letter in the energy efficiency class arrow shall be positioned in the centre of the rectangular part of the arrow which shall be 100 % black;

the value of the weighted energy consumption per 100 cycles shall be in Verdana Bold font 28 pt; ‘kWh’ shall be in Verdana Regular font, 18 pt; the number ‘100’ in the icon representing 100 cycles shall be in Verdana Regular 14 pt. The value and unit shall be centred and 100 % black;

the pictograms shall be as shown as in the label design and as follows:

–the pictograms' lines shall have a weight of 1,2 pt and they and the texts (numbers and units) shall be 100 % black;

–the texts under the 3 top pictograms shall be in Verdana Bold 16 pt with the units in Verdana Regular 12 pt, they shall be centred under the pictograms;

–the spin-drying energy efficiency pictogram: the range of spin-drying energy efficiency classes (A to G) shall be centred under the pictogram, with the letter of the applicable spin-drying energy efficiency class in Verdana Bold 16 pt and the other letters of the spin-drying energy efficiency classes in Verdana Regular 10 pt;

–the airborne acoustical noise emission pictogram: the number of decibels in the loudspeaker shall be in Verdana Bold 12 pt, with the unit ‘dB’ in Verdana Regular 9 pt; the range of noise classes (A to D) shall be centred under the pictogram, with the letter of the applicable noise class in Verdana Bold 16 pt and the other letters of the noise classes in Verdana Regular 10 pt;

the number of the regulation shall be 100 % black and in Verdana Regular 6 pt.

B. Label for household washer-dryer

1.LABEL FOR HOUSEHOLD WASHER-DRYERS

1.1.Label:

1.2.The following information shall be included in the label:

I.QR code;

II.supplier’s name or trade mark;

III.supplier’s model identifier; 

IV.scales of energy efficiency classes from A to G for the complete cycle (on the left side) and for the washing cycle (on the right side); 

V.the energy efficiency class for the complete cycle (on the left side) determined in accordance with Annex II; and for the washing cycle (on the right side) determined in accordance with Annex II;

VI.weighted energy consumption per 100 cycles in kWh, rounded to the nearest integer in accordance with Annex IV, for the complete cycle (on the left side); 

VII.weighted energy consumption per 100 cycles in kWh, rounded to the nearest integer in accordance with Annex IV for the washing cycle (on the right side);

VIII.rated capacity for the complete cycle (on the left side) and for the washing cycle (on the right side);

IX.weighted water consumption per cycle in litre, rounded to the nearest integer in accordance with Annex IV for the complete cycle (on the left side) and for the washing cycle (on the right side);

X.cycle duration at rated capacity for the complete cycle (on the left side) and for the washing cycle (on the right side);

XI.Spin-drying efficiency class, determined in accordance with point B of Annex II;

XII.airborne acoustic noise emission class of the spinning phase of the eco 40-60 programme and value in dB(A) re 1 pW and rounded to the nearest integer;

XIII.the number of this Regulation, that is ‘2019/XXX’ [PO- please insert the number of this Regulation in this point and in the right bottom corner of the label].

2.LABEL DESIGN FOR HOUSEHOLD WASHER-DRYERS

Whereby:

(a)The label shall be at least 96 mm wide and 192 mm high. Where the label is printed in a larger format, its content shall nevertheless remain proportionate to the specifications above.

(b)The background of the label shall be 100 % white.

(c)The typefaces shall be Verdana and Calibri.

(d)The dimensions and specifications of the elements constituting the label shall be as indicated in the label design for household washer dryers.

(e)Colours shall be CMYK – cyan, magenta, yellow and black, following this example: 0,70,100,0: 0 % cyan, 70 % magenta, 100 % yellow, 0 % black.

(f)The label shall fulfil all the following requirements (numbers refer to the figure above):

the colours of the EU logo shall be as follows:

–the background: 100,80,0,0;

–the stars: 0,0,100,0;

the colour of the energy logo shall be: 100,80,0,0;

the QR code shall be 100 % black;

the supplier’s name shall be 100 % black and in Verdana Bold, 9 pt;

the model identifier shall be 100 % black and in Verdana Regular 9 pt;

the A to G scales shall be as follows:

–the letters of the energy efficiency scales shall be 100 % white and in Calibri Bold 19 pt; the letters shall be centred on an axis at 4 mm from the left side of the arrows;

–the colours of the A to G scale arrows shall be as follows:

·A-class: 100,0,100,0;

·B-class: 70,0,100,0;

·C-class: 30,0,100,0;

·D-class: 0,0,100,0;

·E-class: 0,30,100,0;

·F-class: 0,70,100,0;

·G-class: 0,100,100,0;

the internal dividers shall have a weight of 0,5 pt and the colour shall be 100 % black;

the letter of the energy efficiency class shall be 100 % white and in Calibri Bold 26 pt. The energy efficiency class arrow and the corresponding arrow in the A to G scale shall be positioned in such a way that their tips are aligned. The letter in the energy efficiency class arrow shall be positioned in the centre of the rectangular part of the arrow which shall be 100 % black;

the value of the weighted energy consumption per 100 cycles shall be in Verdana Bold 16 pt; ‘kWh’ shall be in Verdana Regular 10 pt; the number ‘100’ in the pictogram representing 100 cycles shall be in Verdana Regular 6 pt. The text shall be centred and 100 % black;

the pictograms shall be as shown as in the label designs and as follows:

–the pictograms' lines shall have a weight of 1,2 pt and they and the texts (numbers and units) shall be 100 % black;

–the texts at the right and left of the pictograms shall be in Verdana Bold 14 pt with the unit in Verdana Regular 10 pt;

–the spin-drying energy efficiency pictogram: the range of spin-drying energy efficiency classes (A to G) shall be centred under the pictogram, with the letter of the applicable spin-drying energy efficiency class in Verdana Bold 16 pt and the other letters of the spin-drying energy efficiency classes in Verdana Regular 10 pt;

–the airborne acoustical noise emission pictogram: the number of decibels in the loudspeaker shall be in Verdana Bold 9 pt, with the unit ‘dB’ in Verdana Regular 7 pt; the range of noise classes (A to D) shall be centred under the pictogram, with the letter of the applicable noise class in Verdana Bold 16 pt and the other letters of the noise classes in Verdana Regular 10 pt;

the number of the regulation shall be 100 % black and in Verdana Regular 6 pt.

ANNEX IV
Measurement methods and calculations

For the purposes of compliance and verification of compliance with the requirements of this Regulation, measurements and calculations shall be made using harmonised standards the reference numbers of which have been published for this purpose in the Official Journal of the European Union, or other reliable, accurate and reproducible methods, which takes into account the generally recognised state-of-the-art, and in line with the following provisions.

The eco 40-60 programme shall be used for the measurement and calculation of the energy consumption, Energy Efficiency Index (EEIW), maximum temperature, water consumption, remaining moisture content, programme duration, washing efficiency, rinsing effectiveness, spin-drying efficiency and airborne acoustical noise emissions in the spinning phase for household washing machines and the washing cycle of household washer-dryers. The energy consumption, maximum temperature, water consumption, remaining moisture content, programme duration, washing efficiency and rinsing effectiveness shall be measured concurrently.

The wash and dry cycle shall be used for the measurement and calculation of the energy consumption, Energy Efficiency Index (EEIWD), maximum temperature in the washing phase, water consumption, final moisture content, cycle duration, washing efficiency and rinsing effectiveness for household washer-dryers. The energy consumption, maximum temperature, water consumption, final moisture content, cycle duration, washing efficiency and rinsing effectiveness shall be measured concurrently.

When measuring the parameters of this annex for the eco 40-60 programme and for the wash and dry cycle, the highest spin speed option for the eco 40-60 programme shall be used at rated capacity, at half of the rated capacity and, where relevant, at a quarter of the rated capacity.

For household washing machines with a rated capacity lower than or equal to 3 kg and for household washer-dryers with a rated washing capacity lower than or equal to 3 kg, the parameters for the eco 40-60 programme and for the wash and dry cycle shall be measured at rated capacity only.

The duration of the eco 40-60 programme (tW) at rated washing capacity, at half of the rated washing capacity and at a quarter of the rated washing capacity, and the duration of the wash and dry cycle (tWD) at rated capacity and at half of the rated capacity, are expressed in hours and minutes and rounded to the nearest minute.

Airborne acoustical noise emissions are measured in dB(A) with respect to 1 pW and rounded to the nearest integer.

1.RATED CAPACITY OF HOUSEHOLD WASHER-DRYERS

The rated capacity of household washer-dryers shall be measured, using the wash and dry cycle.

If the household washer-dryer provides a continuous cycle, the rated capacity of the wash and dry cycle shall be the rated capacity for this cycle.

If the household washer-dryer does not provide a continuous cycle, the rated capacity of the wash and dry cycle shall be the lower value of the rated washing capacity of the eco 40-60 programme and the rated drying capacity of the drying cycle achieving cupboard dry status.

2.ENERGY EFFICIENCY INDEX

2.1.Energy Efficiency Index (EEIW) of household washing machines and the washing cycle of household washer-dryers

For the calculation of the EEIW, the weighted energy consumption of the eco 40-60 programme at the rated washing capacity, half of the rated washing capacity and a quarter of the rated washing capacity is compared to its standard energy consumption.

(a)The EEIW is calculated as follows, and is rounded to one decimal place:

EEIW = (EW / SCEW) × 100

where:

EW is the weighted energy consumption of the household washing machine or the washing cycle of the household washer-dryer;

SCEW is the standard cycle energy consumption of the household washing machine or the washing cycle of the household washer-dryer.

(b)The SCEW is calculated in kWh per cycle and rounded to three decimal places as follows:

SCEW = -0,0025 × c2 + 0,0846 × c + 0,3920

where c is the rated capacity of the household washing machine or the rated washing capacity of the household washer-dryer for the eco 40-60 programme.

(c)The EW is calculated in kWh per cycle as follows and rounded to three decimal places:

where:

EW,full is the energy consumption of the household washing machine or of the washing cycle of the household washer-dryer for the eco 40-60 programme at the rated washing capacity and rounded to three decimal places;

EW,½ is the energy consumption of the household washing machine or of the washing cycle of the household washer-dryer for the eco 40-60 programme at half of the rated washing capacity and rounded to three decimal places;

EW,1/4 is the energy consumption of the household washing machine or of the washing cycle of the household washer-dryer for the eco 40-60 programme at a quarter of the rated washing capacity and rounded to three decimal places;

A is the weighting factor for rated washing capacity and rounded to three decimal places;

B is the weighting factor for half of the rated washing capacity and rounded to three decimal places;

C is the weighting factor for a quarter of the rated washing capacity and rounded to three decimal places.

For household washing machines with a rated capacity lower than or equal to 3 kg and for household washer-dryers with a rated washing capacity lower than or equal to 3 kg, A shall be equal to 1; B and C shall be equal to 0.

For other household washing machines and household washer-dryers, the values of the weighting factors depend on the rated capacity according to the following equations:

where c is the rated capacity of the household washing machine or the rated washing capacity of the household washer dryer.

(d)The weighted energy consumption per 100 cycles of the household washing machine or of the washing cycle of the household washer-dryer is calculated as follows and rounded to the nearest integer:

EW × 100

2.2.Energy Efficiency Index (EEIWD) of the complete cycle of household washer-dryers

For the calculation of the EEIWD of a household washer-dryer model, the weighted energy consumption of the wash and dry cycle at the rated capacity and half of the rated capacity is compared to its standard cycle energy consumption.

(a)The EEIWD is calculated as follows, and is rounded to one decimal place:

EEIWD = (EWD / SCEWD) × 100

where:

EWD is the weighted energy consumption of the complete cycle of the household washer-dryer;

SCEWD is the standard cycle energy consumption of the complete cycle of the household washer-dryer.

(b)The SCEWD is calculated in kWh per cycle and rounded to three decimal places as follows:

SCEWD = –0,0502 × d2 + 1,1742 × d – 0,644

where d is the rated capacity of the household washer-dryer for the wash and dry cycle.

(c)For household washer-dryers with a rated washing capacity lower than or equal to 3 kg, the EWD is the energy consumption at rated capacity and rounded to three decimal places.

For other household washer-dryers, the EWD is calculated in kWh per cycle as follows and rounded to three decimal places:

where:

EWD,full is the energy consumption of the household washer-dryer for the wash and dry cycle at rated capacity and rounded to three decimal places;

EWD,½ is the energy consumption of the household washer-dryer for the wash and dry cycle at half the rated capacity and rounded to three decimal places.

(d)The weighted energy consumption per 100 cycles of the complete cycle of the washer-dryer is calculated as follows and rounded to the nearest integer:

EWD × 100

3.WASHING EFFICIENCY INDEX

The washing efficiency index of household washing machines and of the washing cycle of household washer-dryers (Iw) and the washing efficiency index of the complete cycle of household washer-dryers (Jw) shall be calculated using harmonised standards the reference numbers of which have been published for this purpose in the Official Journal of the European Union, or other reliable, accurate and reproducible methods, which take into account the generally recognised state-of-the-art, and rounded to two decimal places.

4.RINSING EFFECTIVENESS

The rinsing effectiveness of household washing machines and of the washing cycle of household washer-dryers (IR) and the rinsing effectiveness of the complete cycle of household washer-dryers (JR) shall be calculated using harmonised standards the reference numbers of which have been published for this purpose in the Official Journal of the European Union, or other reliable, accurate and reproducible method based on the detection of the linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) marker, and rounded to one decimal place.

5.MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE

The maximum temperature reached for 5 minutes inside the laundry being treated in household washing machines and in the washing cycle of household washer-dryers shall be determined using harmonised standards the reference numbers of which have been published for this purpose in the Official Journal of the European Union, or other reliable, accurate and reproducible method, and rounded to the nearest integer.

6.WEIGHTED WATER CONSUMPTION

(1)The weighted water consumption (WW) of a household washing machine or the washing cycle of a household washer-dryer is calculated in litres and rounded to the nearest integer:

WW = (A × WW,full + B × WW,1/2 + C × WW,1/4)

where:

WW,full is the water consumption of the household washing machine or of the washing cycle of a household washer-dryer for the eco 40-60 programme at rated washing capacity, in litres and rounded to one decimal place;

WW,½ is the water consumption of the household washing machine or of the washing cycle of a household washer-dryer for the eco 40-60 programme at half of the rated washing capacity, in litres and rounded to one decimal place;

WW,1/4 is the water consumption of the household washing machine or of the washing cycle of a household washer-dryer for the eco 40-60 programme at a quarter of the rated washing capacity, in litres and rounded to one decimal place;

A, B and C are the weighting factors as described in point 2.1(c).

(2)For household washer-dryers with a rated washing capacity lower than or equal to 3 kg, the weighted water consumption is the water consumption at rated capacity and rounded to the nearest integer.

For other household washer-dryers, the weighted water consumption (WWD) of the wash and dry cycle of a household washer-dryer is calculated as follows and rounded to the nearest integer:

where:

WWD,full is the water consumption of the wash and dry cycle of a household washer-dryer at rated capacity, in litres and rounded to one decimal place;

WWD,½ is the water consumption of the wash and dry cycle of a household washer-dryer at half of the rated capacity, in litres and rounded to one decimal place.

7.REMAINING MOISTURE CONTENT

The weighted remaining moisture content after washing (D) of a household washing machine and of the washing cycle of a household washer-dryer is calculated in percentage as follows and rounded to the nearest whole percent:

where:

Dfull is the remaining moisture content for the eco 40-60 programme at rated washing capacity, in percentage and rounded to one decimal place;

D1/2 is the remaining moisture content for the eco 40-60 programme at half of the rated washing capacity in percentage and rounded to one decimal place;

D1/4 is the remaining moisture content for the eco 40-60 programme at a quarter of the rated washing capacity in percentage and rounded to one decimal place;

A, B and C are the weighting factors as described in point 2.1(c).

8.FINAL MOISTURE CONTENT

For the drying cycle of a household washer-dryer, cupboard dry status corresponds to 0 % final moisture content, which is the thermodynamic equilibrium of the load with the ambient air conditions of temperature (tested at 20 ± 2 °C) and relative humidity (tested at 65 ± 5 %).

The final moisture content is calculated in accordance with the harmonised standards the reference numbers of which have been published for this purpose in the Official Journal of the European Union and rounded to one decimal place.

9.LOW POWER MODES

The power consumption of the off mode (Po), standby mode (Psm) and where applicable delay start (Pds) are measured. The measured values are expressed in W and rounded to two decimal places.

During measurement of the power consumption in low power modes, the following shall be checked and recorded:

–the display or not of information;

–the activation or not of a network connection.

If a household washing machine or a household washer-dryer provides for a wrinkle guard function, this operation shall be interrupted by opening the household washing machine or household washer-dryer door, or any other appropriate intervention 15 minutes before the measurement of energy consumption.

10.ACOUSTIC AIRBORNE NOISE EMISSION

The acoustic airborne noise emission of the spinning phase of household washing machines and household washer-dryers shall be calculated for the eco 40-60 programme at rated washing capacity, using harmonised standards the reference numbers of which have been published for this purpose in the Official Journal of the European Union, or other reliable, accurate and reproducible methods, which take into account the generally recognised state-of-the-art, and rounded to the nearest integer.

ANNEX V
Product information sheet

1.Household washing machines

Pursuant to point 1(b) of Article 3, the supplier shall enter into the product database the information as set out in Table 5.

The user manual or other literature provided with the product shall clearly indicate the link to the model in the product database as a human-readable Uniform Resource Locator (URL) or as QR code or by providing the product registration number.

Table 5
Content, order and format of the product information sheet

2.Household washer-dryers

Pursuant to point 1(b) of Article 3, the supplier shall enter into the product database the information as set out in Table 6.

The user manual or other literature provided with the product shall clearly indicate the link to the model in the product database as a human-readable Uniform Resource Locator (URL) or as QR code or by providing the product registration number.

Table 6
Content, order and format of the product information sheet

ANNEX VI
Technical documentation

1.For household washing machines, the technical documentation referred to in point 1(d) of Article 3 shall include:

(a)information as set out in point 1 of Annex V;

(b)information as set out in Table 7; these values are considered as the declared values for the purpose of the verification procedure in Annex IX;

(c)where appropriate, the references of the harmonised standards applied;

(d)where appropriate, the other technical standards and specifications used;

(e)the details and the results of calculations performed in accordance with Annex IV;

(f)a list of all equivalent models including the model identifier.

2.For household washer-dryers, the technical documentation referred to in point 1(d) of Article 3 shall include:

(a)information as set out in point 2 of Annex V;

(b)information as set out in Table 8; these values are considered as the declared values for the purpose of the verification procedure in Annex IX;

(c)where appropriate, the references of the harmonised standards applied;

(d)where appropriate, the other technical standards and specifications used;

(e)the details and the results of calculations performed in accordance with Annex IV;

(f)a list of all equivalent models including the model identifier.

3.Where the information included in the technical documentation for a particular household washing machine or household washer-dryer model has been obtained by any of the following methods, or both:

–from a model that has the same technical characteristics relevant for the technical information to be provided but is produced by a different supplier,

–by calculation on the basis of design or extrapolation from another model of the same or a different supplier,

the technical documentation shall include the details of such calculation, the assessment undertaken by suppliers to verify the accuracy of the calculation and, where appropriate, the declaration of identity between the models of different suppliers.

ANNEX VII
Information to be provided in visual advertisements, in technical promotional material in distance selling and in telemarketing, except distance selling on the internet

1.In visual advertisements for household washing machines or household washer-dryers, for the purposes of ensuring conformity with the requirements laid down in point 1(e) of Article 3 and point (c) of Article 4, the energy efficiency class and the range of energy efficiency classes available on the label shall be shown as set out in point 4 of this Annex.

2.In technical promotional material for household washing machines or household washer-dryers, for the purposes of ensuring conformity with the requirements laid down in point 1(f) of Article 3 and point (d) of Article 4, the energy efficiency class and the range of energy efficiency classes available on the label shall be shown as set out in point 4 of this Annex.

3.Any paper-based distance selling of household washing machines or household washer-dryers must show the energy efficiency class and the range of energy efficiency classes available on the label as set out in point 4 of this Annex.

4.The energy efficiency class and the range of energy efficiency classes shall be shown, as indicated in Figure 1, with:

(a)for household washing machines: an arrow, containing the letter of the energy efficiency class in 100 % white, Calibri Bold and in a font size at least equivalent to that of the price, when the price is shown;

(b)for household washer-dryers: an arrow, containing the letter of the energy efficiency class for the complete cycle in 100 % white, Calibri Bold and in a font size at least equivalent to that of the price, when the price is shown;

(c)the colour of the arrow matching the colour of the energy efficiency class;

(d)the range of available energy efficiency classes in 100 % black; and,

(e)the size shall be such that the arrow is clearly visible and legible. The letter in the energy efficiency class arrow shall be positioned in the centre of the rectangular part of the arrow, with a border of 0,5 pt in 100 % black placed around the arrow and the letter of the energy efficiency class.

By way of derogation, if the visual advertisement, technical promotional material or paper-based distance selling is printed in monochrome, the arrow can be in monochrome in that visual advertisement, technical promotional material or paper-based distance selling.

Figure 1: Coloured/monochrome left/right arrow, with range of energy efficiency classes indicated

5.Telemarketing-based distance selling must specifically inform the customer of the energy efficiency classes of the product and of the range of energy efficiency classes available on the label, and that the customer can access the label and the product information sheet through the product database website, or by requesting a printed copy.

6.For all the situations mentioned in points 1 to 3 and 5, it must be possible for the customer to obtain, on request, a printed copy of the label and the product information sheet.

ANNEX VIII
Information to be provided in the case of distance selling through the internet

1.The appropriate label made available by suppliers in accordance with point 1(g) of Article 3 shall be shown on the display mechanism in proximity to the price of the product. The size shall be such that the label is clearly visible and legible and shall be proportionate to the size specified in Annex IV. The label may be displayed using a nested display, in which case the image used for accessing the label shall comply with the specifications laid down in point 2 of this Annex. If nested display is applied, the label shall appear on the first mouse click, mouse roll-over or tactile screen expansion on the image.

2.The image used for accessing the label in the case of nested display, as indicated in Figure 2, shall:

(a)for household washing machines: be an arrow in the colour corresponding to the energy efficiency class of the product on the label;

(b)for household washer-dryers: be an arrow in the colour corresponding to the energy efficiency class of the complete cycle on the label;

(c)indicate the energy efficiency class of the product on the arrow in 100 % white, Calibri Bold and in a font size equivalent to that of the price;

(d)have the range of available energy efficiency classes in 100 % black; and,

(e)have one of the following two formats, and its size shall be such that the arrow is clearly visible and legible. The letter in the energy efficiency class arrow shall be positioned in the centre of the rectangular part of the arrow, with a visible border in 100 % black placed around the arrow and the letter of the energy efficiency class:

Figure 2: Coloured left/right arrow, with range of energy efficiency classes indicated

3.In the case of nested display, the sequence of display of the label shall be as follows:

(a)the images referred to in point 2 of this Annex shall be shown on the display mechanism in proximity to the price of the product;

(b)the images shall link to the label set out in Annex III;

(c)the label shall be displayed after a mouse click, mouse roll-over or tactile screen expansion on the image;

(d)the label shall be displayed by pop up, new tab, new page or inset screen display;

(e)for magnification of the label on tactile screens, the device conventions for tactile magnification shall apply;

(f)the label shall cease to be displayed by means of a close option or other standard closing mechanism;

(g)the alternative text for the graphic, to be displayed on failure to display the label, shall be the energy efficiency classes of the product in a font size equivalent to that of the price.

4.The electronic product information sheet made available by suppliers in accordance with point 1(h) of Article 3 shall be shown on the display mechanism in proximity to the price of the product. The size shall be such that the product information sheet is clearly visible and legible. The product information sheet may be displayed using a nested display or by referring to the product database, in which case the link used for accessing the product information sheet shall clearly and legibly indicate ‘Product information sheet’. If a nested display is used, the product information sheet shall appear on the first mouse click, mouse roll-over or tactile screen expansion on the link.

ANNEX IX
Verification procedure for market surveillance purposes

The verification tolerances set out in this Annex relate only to the verification of the measured parameters by Member State authorities and shall not be used by the supplier as an allowed tolerance to establish the values in the technical documentation. The values and classes on the label or in the product information sheet shall not be more favourable for the supplier than the values reported in the technical documentation.

Where a model has been designed to be able to detect it is being tested (e.g. by recognising the test conditions or test cycle), and to react specifically by automatically altering its performance during the test with the objective of reaching a more favourable level for any of the parameters specified in this Regulation or included in the technical documentation or included in any of the documentation provided, the model and all equivalent models shall be considered not compliant.

When verifying the compliance of a product model with the requirements laid down in this Regulation, the authorities of Member States shall apply the following procedure:

1.The Member State authorities shall verify one single unit of the model.

2.The model shall be considered to comply with the applicable requirements if:

(a)the values given in the technical documentation pursuant to Article 3(3) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1369 (declared values), and, where applicable, the values used to calculate these values, are not more favourable for the supplier than the corresponding values given in the test reports; and

(b)the values published on the label and in the product information sheet are not more favourable for the supplier than the declared values, and the indicated energy efficiency class, the airborne acoustical noise emission class and the spin drying efficiency class are not more favourable for the supplier than the class determined by the declared values; and

(c)when the Member State authorities test the unit of the model, the determined values (the values of the relevant parameters as measured in testing and the values calculated from these measurements) comply with the respective verification tolerances as given in Table 9.

3.If the results referred to in points 2(a) or (b) are not achieved, the model and all equivalent models shall be considered not to comply with this Regulation.

4.If the result referred to in point 2(c) is not achieved, the Member State authorities shall select three additional units of the same model for testing. As an alternative, the three additional units selected may be of one or more equivalent models.

5.The model shall be considered to comply with the applicable requirements if for these three units, the arithmetical mean of the determined values complies with the respective tolerances given in Table 9.

6.If the result referred to in point 5 is not achieved, the model and all equivalent models shall be considered not to comply with this Regulation.

7.The Member State authorities shall provide all relevant information to the authorities of the other Member States and to the Commission without delay after a decision being taken on the non-compliance of the model according to points 3 and 6.

The Member State authorities shall use the measurement and calculation methods set out in Annex IV.

The Member State authorities shall only apply the verification tolerances that are set out in Table 9 and shall only use the procedure described in points 1 to 7 for the requirements referred to in this Annex. For the parameters in Table 9, no other tolerances, such as those set out in harmonised standards or in any other measurement method, shall be applied.

Table 9
Verification tolerances

* In the case of three additional units tested as prescribed in point 4, the determined value means the arithmetical mean of the values determined for these three additional units.

ANNEX X
Multi-drum household washing machines and multi-drum household washer-dryers

The provisions of Annexes II and III, following the measurement and calculation methods set out in Annex IV, shall apply to any drum with a rated capacity higher than or equal to 2 kg of multi-drum household washing machines and to any drum with a rated washing capacity higher than or equal to 2 kg of multi-drum household washer-dryers.

The provisions of Annexes II and III shall apply to each of the drums independently, except when the drums are built in the same casing and can, in the eco 40-60 programme or in the wash and dry cycle, only operate simultaneously. In the latter case, these provisions shall apply to the multi-drum household washing machine or to the multi-drum household washer-dryer as a whole, as follows:

(a)the rated washing capacity is the sum of the rated washing capacities of each drum; for multi-drum household washer-dryers, the rated capacity is the sum of the rated capacities of each drum;

(b)the energy and water consumption of the multi-drum household washing machine and of the washing cycle of the multi-drum household washer-dryer is the sum of the energy consumption, or water consumption, of each drum;

(c)the energy and water consumption of the complete cycle of the multi-drum household washer-dryer is the sum of the energy consumption, or water consumption, of each drum;

(d)the Energy Efficiency Index (EEIW) is calculated using the rated washing capacity and energy consumption; for multi-drum household washer-dryers, the Energy Efficiency Index (EEIWD) is calculated using the rated capacity and energy consumption;

(e)the duration is the duration of the longest eco 40-60 programme, or wash and dry cycle, operating in each drum;

(f)the residual moisture content after washing is calculated as the weighted average, according to each drum’s rated capacity;

(g)for household multi-drum washer-dryers, the final moisture content after drying is measured individually for each drum;

(h)the measurement of low power modes, of the acoustic airborne noise emissions and the acoustic airborne noise emissions class apply to the whole household washing machine.

The product information sheet and the technical documentation shall include and present jointly the information required under Annex V and Annex VI, respectively, for all the drums to which the provisions of this annex apply.

The provisions of Annexes VII and VIII apply to each of the drums to which the provisions of this annex apply.

The verification procedure set out in Annex IX applies to the multi-drum household washing machine and to the multi-drum household washer-dryer as a whole, with the verification tolerances applying to each of the parameters determined in application of this annex.

(1)    Directive 2014/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to electromagnetic compatibility (OJ L 96, 29.3.2014, p. 79).

(2)    Commission Regulation (EU) 2019/XXX [OP - please enter the full OJ-L reference of Regulation C(2019)2124].