The main scope of the energy labeling on household appliances is so that the consumer can make an informed purchase as regarding the energy consumption of the appliance. James Spiteri writes

Moreover the labels help consumers to compare different models and brands thus incent the manufacturers to produce more efficient appliances thus resulting in the lowering of energy consumption.

Being a tool of such importance, the labeling are always being modified and improved. For instance as of last November, such labeling on Washing Machines, Dish Washers, Refrigerators/Freezers and Televisions have been improved to a new version. A new framework directive titled Directive 2010/30/EU on the indication by labeling and standard product information of the consumption of energy and other resources by energy-related products has replaced Directive 92/75/EC (repeal date 21 July 2011). The new version is more user friendly as the use of pictograms is applied thus being more straight forward than the old energy labeling. Moreover the new labels incorporate new classes; A+, A++ and A+++. The old energy labels had a maximum class A efficiency, this was a deterrent to manufacturers as even better appliances were being developed but all of them were grouped in the same class. Therefore new classes were introduced. Other features of the new labeling is that noise emissions and (where applicable) water consumption of the appliance are featured thus giving all the information to the consumer.

It is a right for the consumer to be able to make an informed purchase, as such dealers are bound by some obligations. Dealers shall display labels properly, in a visible and legible manner, and make the labels available in the product brochure or other literature that accompanies products when sold to end users. Whenever a product covered by an act is displayed, dealers attach an appropriate label, in the clearly visible position specified in the applicable act, and in the relevant language version. Where Products are offered for sale or hire, by mail order, by catalogue, through the internet, telemarketing or by any other means which imply that the potential end-user cannot be expected to see the product displayed, economic operators shall make provisions to ensure that potential end-users are provided with the information specified on the label.

James Spiteri is Engineer, Market

Surveillance Directorate

Article provided by the Office for

Consumer Affairs

Malta Competition & Consumer Affairs Authority