EU Environmental Update: New Stand-By Regulation & Substances of Concern

• Draft new ‘stand-by’ regulation issued by the EU Commission
  

The EU Commission has published a draft new ‘stand-by’ regulation which includes maximum energy consumption in off-mode, standby and networked standby for various electrical and electronic equipment, and which will repeal the Commission regulations (EC) No. 1275/2008.

The main difference is extended scope:

• Earlier exemption for products supported from a low voltage external power supply has been proposed removed.
• Printers and games console which earlier had a voluntary scheme, are now included.
• Adjustable furniture is included, and also motor operated shutters, blinds, doors, windows, and similar products.

The lower limit for standby and off-mode remain at 0,5 Watt, but standby with display is reduced to 0,8 Watt. The hearing deadline is 4 February. The new regulation is scheduled for Q4 this year and will be in force 12 -18 months later. The draft regulation can be seen here .

In accordance with Ecodesign Directive 2009/125/EC, products not meeting the new requirements will not be allowed to be placed on the EU market.

• Updated list of substances of very high concern

Under the European REACH directive’s Annex XV, the list of substances of very high concern (SVHC) has been updated with 4 new substances. This brings the total on the list to 223 substances which our customers need to trace and report to EU and their agency ECHA if they are in articles or complex products (ref. the SCIP Database).

The 4 new chemicals are added based on their hazardous properties (reproduction toxicity, endocrine disrupting, etc), but only one of the four is determined to be normally relevant for electrical/electronic products. This chemical may be found in e.g paint, glues and polymers adhesives, sealants, lubricants, fuels, hydraulic fluids, metal working, antioxidant/stabilizer for rubber and plastics.

For further information please contact: JonIvar.Tidemann@nemko.com

(Article is based on text provided by Jonivar Tidemann, edited by T.Sollie)