Eco-efficiency drive takes on equipment including computers, printers, fax machines and photocopiers
On 9 October 2009, a Consultation Forum is set to convene under the auspices of the EuP Directive, namely, Directive 2005/32/EC on the ecodesign of energy-using products. The forum will discuss a working document on computers, monitors and digital photo frames. The document, produced by the European Commission, essentially imposes Energy Star requirements as mandatory for computers and monitors, and will – once endorsed and approved – become an implementing measure, to be applied to all the goods imported or manufactured in the EU that are covered by it. Three days later, on 12 October 2009, the Consultation Forum will convene to discuss a voluntary agreement served up by industry for imaging equipment (including photocopiers, printers and fax machines), and another one for complex set top boxes.
The working document on computers points out that “computer” means a device which performs logical operations and processes data. Computers are composed of, at a minimum, (1) a central processing unit (CPU) to perform operations; (2) user input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, digitizer or game controller; and (3) a computer monitor screen to output information. For the purposes of this proposed measure, computers include both stationary and portable units, including desktop computers, integrated desktop computers, notebook computers, “thin clients” and workstations. Thin clients are independently-powered computers relying on remote computing resources to obtain primary functionality.
Hong Kong sellers shipping computers to the EU should note that, although computers must be capable of using input devices and computer displays, as noted in the above-mentioned 2 and 3, computer systems do not need to include these devices on shipment to meet this definition. The definitions are based on Energy Star, although with certain adjustments: small-scale servers and game consoles are excluded from the scope of the proposed measure.
The computers covered will have to meet the ecodesign requirements set out in Annex I of the proposed measure, with compliance being tested in accordance with the methods set out in Annex II. The requirements differ according to, among others, idle mode, sleep mode, off mode and typical energy consumption (TEC). The requirements have deadlines by which they must be complied with by manufacturers and importers who plan on selling in the EU: as from six months after entry into force of the future measure; by 31 January 2013; and by 31 January 2014, depending on the type of computer and efficiency requirements. In addition, there are information requirements to be fulfilled, both for technical documentation accompanying the products and on manufacturers’ websites.
On the same day, 9 October, the Consultation Forum will discuss a Commission working document on non-professional electronic displays. The scope of this future implementing measure covers computer monitors and digital photo frames. Excluded are computer monitors larger than 30 inches, as well as those which meet the definition of TV sets or monitors. The latter would be subject to the recently adopted Commission Regulation 642/2009 on televisions. Digital photo frames are described as display screens that are capable of generating own-content, which do not need an external connected computer to provide the primary function of displaying digital images or video. These products need to meet the ecodesign requirements set out in Annex I of the working document, which – as in the case of computers – are to be phased in, from 6 months after the measure enters into force; by 31 October 2012; and by 7 January 2013, depending on the type of display and energy efficiencies set out.
As for imaging equipment, the Consultation Forum will meet on 12 October in order to discuss a voluntary agreement (VA) drafted by industry. Industry in this case includes several big names such as Canon, Toshiba, Panasonic, Samsung and Kodak. The VA covers product categories comprising copiers, multifunction devices, printers and faxes. Only products using the following marking technology would be covered: electrophotography, inkjet, including high performance inkjet, and solid ink. Signatories to the VA would commit to ensuring that as of 1 January 2011, 50% of a signatory’s imaging equipment will comply with the requirements and efficiencies set out in the VA, including Energy Star requirements and the use of environmentally friendly paper. Toner and ink modules/containers must be so designed as to ensure their channeling to reuse or recycling. Information requirements include informing customers about the environmental performance of the products concerned.
Finally, another industry proposal, for complex set top boxes (CSTBs), will also be discussed on 12 October. This is a product having large sales volumes and a significant environmental impact which could be considerably improved through a set of ecodesign requirements. Once put into place, the signatories would individually and collectively agree to, among others, “each make their reasonable efforts” to abide by the general principles of CSTB hardware and software design as set out in Annex A of the VA, covering General Principles of CSTB Design; reduce the energy consumption of CSTBs to the minimum necessary to meet their operational specification while not limiting Service Providers’ ongoing ability to improve functionality and offer service enhancements; and not exceed the maximum energy consumption targets set out in Annex D (Maximum Energy Consumption Targets and Time Schedule) of the VA.
Hong Kong traders of these goods may note with interest that at least some environmentalists are not happy with the proposed voluntary agreements, which – according to critics – fall short of suitable energy-saving potential. As regards the industry draft for imaging equipment, a spokesman from the environmental organisation ECOS has voiced his disappointment, calling it “immature and insufficient”. As for the one on CSTBs, it is criticised as non-transparent on reporting and lacking in ambition. The Commission and Consultation Forum may agree.
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