06192006 歐盟推行《EuP耗能產品指令》

歐盟推行《EuP耗能產品指令》

歐盟即將於今年夏季開始實施《限用六大有害物質指令》(RoHS)，以管制電子及電器設備中有害物質的使用。此外，歐盟亦將於明年實施另一項與能源有關的指令。

◎ 耗能產品指令概述

在2005年7月，歐洲議會通過《耗能產品指令》(EuP) ，並將於2007年8月開始實施。值得注意的是，這項指令只向企業提供建議，而非訂立強制性規範。歐盟坦言，該指令的宗旨是建立一個立法框架，鼓勵廠商為耗能產品制訂壽命周期計畫及環保設計，以提升產品性能。原則上，該指令適用於各類產品及產品壽命中的各個方面，其中環保方面包括能源效益、原材料、生產時所耗用的水及能源、分銷以及包裝。新指令亦顧及產品壽命終結時所產生的廢料和有害物質。目前，該指令不適用的範圍包括運輸以及有關的燃料成本和排放物。

◎ 業者不須承擔額外責任

由於該指令的內容只屬建議，目前並不會為耗能產品供應商及生產商帶來法律責任。不過，一旦針對特定產品的相關實施措施公佈後，對業者造成的影響，不言可喻。目前，歐盟正針對主要耗能和浪費能源的產品進行14項研究，而日後的指令實施措施將根據這些研究結果制訂。歐盟進行諮詢後，將於實施措施內列出環保設計規定，不論其產地在哪裡，只有符合規定的產品才能獲准在歐盟市場銷售。這些措施的目的，是減少二氧化碳的排放，從而達到歐盟在氣候轉變方面所訂的目標。

◎ EuP實施時間表

歐盟將根據產品評估研究的結果，於2007年年底前制訂充電器及街燈的標準，而電腦、電視機和辦公室電燈的標準，以及其他產品的標準，分別於2008年初和2008年底公佈。歐洲議會也將數碼電視轉接器訂為高度優先評估的產品。歐洲議會向業界諮詢意見後，將於《EuP指令》通過後兩年內公佈一項三年工作綱領。換言之，優先評估產品所受的影響將於2007年夏季明朗化。

◎ 生產商須提供環保資料

另外，耗能產品的生產商將須詳述其產品在壽命週期內對環境的影響，並提供環保資料，包括應用環保設計的一般原則，以及特定目標。生產商在編製環保資料時，也須要求零部件及組件供應提供相關資料。

◎ 機會與創造價值

眾所皆知，環境可持續發展與長遠盈利成長及價值的創造息息相關。生產商在創製產品的過程中，應留意產品是否採用環保設計，以及是否符合《耗能產品指令》的規定。除了環境問題以外，有鑑於能源價格節節上升，消費者及商業買家在採購產品時，也會比較各款產品的耗能情況。根據英國公佈的《道德消費者報告2005》顯示，具備能源效益的電器銷售成長了25℅。隨著歐盟通過立法，鼓勵生產商改善產品的環保效能，從而協助減少廢氣排放及遏止氣候轉變。所有相關生產商均須開始考慮如何在產品中採用環保設計，並且及早準備就緒，以因應未來法例的要求。

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資料來源: 《香港貿發網 國際市場簡訊網站》

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IN_Int&w_sid=194&w_pid=697&w_nid=10440&w_cid=
600108&w_idt=1900-01-01&w_oid=207

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Energy use starts new EU cycle

As suppliers in Taiwan get to grips with the requirements of the WEEE and RoHS directives to control the recycling and use of hazardous materials in summer 2006, another set of environmental measures in the pipeline looks likely to add to their business model for electrical and electronic equipment to the EU.

The Energy Using Products Framework Directive (or EuP), was adopted by the European Parliament in July 2005 and has an implementation deadline of August 2007, with legislators more interested in giving companies advice than laying out mandatory rules.

Presumably EuP, the new abbreviation for EU requirements for energy related products, will soon be on both buyers and suppliers lips.

The EU's avowed aim is to create a legislative framework to "encourage" lifecycle planning and eco-design of energy-using products to improve performance.

But in principle, the framework directive can apply to every product and every aspect of a product's life: environmental impact is being considered, including energy efficient usage, raw material extraction, water and energy consumption during manufacturing and distribution and packaging are just some of the issues under the voluntary scheme.

Waste generation and release of hazardous substances at the end of a product's life are also issues addressed by the new legislation.
The scope of EuP currently excludes transportation and associated fuel costs and emissions, which will come as relief to both suppliers and importers.

◎Products create no new legal obligations
As it stands, the Framework Directive does not create any additional legal obligations for suppliers and manufacturers of energy-using products. It is only when subsequent implementing measures applying to specific products are adopted that the legislative impact will be felt - and at present these are advisory only.

Implementing measures will be based on the findings of 14 preparatory studies currently under way that seek to address the use of major energy-using and energy-wasting products.

After appropriate consultation, the measures will specify the eco-design requirements with which products will need to comply before they can be placed on the EU market, irrespective of where they are manufactured.

The aim is to help meet EU targets on climate change by reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

◎ Outline timetable through 2008 hits lighting, electronics
Depending on the outcome of the product assessment studies, the EC has indicated that it would like standards in place for chargers and streetlights by late 2007, followed by computers, televisions and office lighting in early 2008, with standards for other products to follow before the end of 2008.

Digital television adapters are also under scrutiny as a high priority. The EC, working in consultation with industries, is obliged to publish a three-year work plan within two years of the EuP's adoption, which means that the implications for priority product targets should become clearer by summer 2007.

◎ Ecological profiles required from manufacturers
Manufacturers of energy-using products, including those from Hong Kong suppliers, will need to account for their environmental impact throughout the product lifecycle and provide ecological profiles.

"Ecological profiles" will consist of generic and specific requirements, covering on the one hand general principles on the application of eco-design and, specific targets to be met, on the other. Manufacturers will also require suppliers of components and sub-assemblies to provide information to include when building ecological profiles.

◎ Opportunity and value creation
As everyone knows, sustainability is central to long-term, profitable growth and value creation.










Theo Schoenmaker's advice from Philip for manufacturers in Taiwan and other countries in East Asia is: "to have a close look at eco-design in the product creation process. [This includes] whether it's well integrated and fulfils some of the requirements that the EuP framework directive outlines."

He adds: "for Philips, sustainability is part of normal operating procedures. It is not about dealing somewhere in the company with the environment; it is part of doing business in a matrix [orientated] organisation."

Environmental concerns apart, consumers and commercial buyers will compare energy usage when making purchasing decisions against the background of rising energy prices. The Ethical Consumer Report 2005 published in the UK showed a 25% increase in sales of energy-efficient appliances.

EU legislation is designed to encourage this trend by facilitating the improved environmental performance of products to reduce emissions and stem climate change. By looking at how to embed sustainable design practices, manufacturers in Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland should stay ahead of the game and be ready for when the legislation takes shape.

Source: 《International Market News in Tdctrade Website》
http://electronics.tdctrade.com/content.aspx?data=Electronics_content_en&contentid=600108&src=IN_Int&w_sid=194&w_pid=697&w_nid=10440&w_cid=600108&w_idt=1900-01-01&w_oid=207