Eco Design [EU]
An EU directive from 2009 provides for eco-design requirements for energy-related products. It does not apply to vehicles for persons or goods.
Eco-design parameters relate to different stages of the product lifecycle including raw material selection and use, manufacture, package, transport and distribution, installation and maintenance, use, end of life.
In each phase the following aspects of the product must be assessed.
- Predicted consumption of materials of energy and other resources.
- Anticipated emission of air, water, or soil.
- Anticipated pollution, whether noise, radiation, vibration, electromagnetic.
- Expected generation of waste material.
- Possibilities for reuse, recycling and recovery of materials or energy.
Products covered by implementing measures must bear the CE Mark before being placed on the market. Market surveillance must be carried out by authorities in states. They should verify product conformity require  parties to provide necessary information and take samples an subject them to compliance verification.
States must not hinder placing in the market of products which comply with the eco-design requirements. If they do not comply, states must take suitable measures ranging from prohibition or lesser sanction. In each case, the Commissioner is to be informed of the intentions to take steps in respect of noncompliance.
Before being placed in the market, products must undergo a conformity assessment in relation to the ecodesign requirements. Once placed on the market the manufacturer or its representative must keep documents relating to conformity assessment in order to facilitate inspection for the period of 10 years.
Products bearing the community ecolabel are presumed to comply with the eco-design requirements.Where products do not comply, states or the Commission must inform the standing committees established under the directive. The committee is to give an opinion which the Commission is to take into account.
The Commission may assist small and medium size enterprises and small firms in integrating environmental aspects including energy efficiency when designing products. Manufacturers must be able to provide consumers with information on the role they can play and sustainable use of the product concerned as far as the ecological profile of the product and the advantages of eco-design.