Paving the way for realistic test methods – ECOS Workshop aftermath

Since the publication of ECOS’ paper “How product testing practices contribute to the loss of energy savings, and how to prevent it” and the fully booked ECOS Workshop on the same topic, a series of actions have taken place which ECOS is pleased to welcome:

• The European Commission has launched a process on an omnibus amendment for Ecodesign and Energy Labelling regulations, in order to close the loophole of verification tolerance abuse by manufacturers. We also look forward to closing the loophole for lighting products;
• The organisation of a second workshop by CECED on “How to improve testing methods for Vacuum Cleaners” that took place on 7 July 2016 in the VDE premises in Offenbach. These events provide a platform for discussions amongst different stakeholders including policy-makers, manufacturers, laboratories, and NGOs. Most importantly, they are important steps towards more transparency on how tests are conducted and standards developed;
• The establishment of an ad-hoc group within CLC/TC59X which demonstrates the willingness of all interested stakeholders to formalise discussions on anti-circumvention and the issue of representativeness of real-life and consumer relevance of testing standards, and to, more importantly, proceed with measures.

We look forward to the continuation of efforts to address the shortcomings in product testing, in order to ensure that the expected energy savings provided by Ecodesign product-specific regulations are delivered, that consumers are provided with as accurate information as possible to make conscious purchasing choices, and that there is a fair playing field of comparison of manufacturers and products in the European market. ECOS will actively contribute to further actions.