European Environmental Legislation - Insights into the EuP Process

After the repercussions of the introduction of RoHS and WEEE have slowed down, and the first revisions are on the way, the focus in environmental legislation for electronics is shifting in two major directions: the internationalization of RoHS- and WEEE-like requirements and potential new requirements especially from EuP and REACh directives. After giving an overview of the status of substance restriction for electronics worldwide (RoHS-related developments) the focus is put on explaining the EuP process, which can lead to far-reaching impacts in the product development process. The framework directive for ecodesign of energy using products (EuP) has been in force in Europe since 2005 already, but only now the process for setting eco-requirements for specific products is becoming clear. Compliance to such requirements is still a few years away, but industry needs to be involved throughout the development. The paper will explain the steps and possibilities of that process and the results of the so-called preparatory studies, which prepare the definition of eco-requirements. The authors have been involved in some of the preparatory studies - on external power supplies, TVs, imaging equipment and on standby and off-mode losses - and can ensure that the most recent results are included in the paper and the presentation.