Following the implementation of the RoHS (restriction of the use of certain hazardous substance in electrical and electronic equipment) directive effective from July 1 this year, the European Union will introduce another environment-protection directive””the EUP (Eco-Design Requirements for Energy Using Products) beginning from August 2007.
The Industrial Development Bureau (IDB) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs noted the new EU directive would impact 14 items of electric appliances and consumer electronics, which will affect NT$212.7 billion (US$6.48 billion at US$1:NT$32.8) worth of domestically made products exported to the EU.
According to a survey conducted by the IDB, a total of 27,000 domestic companies would be affected by the proposed directive. IDB said it is studying the EUP regulation and would work out relevant measures to help domestic manufacturers smooth their way into the EU marketplace.
IDB said that by implementing the EUP directive, the EU will request relevant firms improve the energy efficiency of their products to reduce emission of greenhouse gas.
It is expected the EU would complete the formulation of the EUP detail regulations and put them into force in August 2007.
At present, the items included in the EUP directive are boiler, heater, computer, fax machine, photocopier, printer, television set, lighting systems used in office and street, indoor ventilation system, electric motor, electric fan, refrigerator, dish washer, and laundry machine.
From China Economic News