UK Removes Major Appliances From Proposed Water Labelling Scheme

Washing machines, washer-dryers, dishwashers and electric showers are set to be removed from the UK's proposed Mandatory Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme. The revised approach would avoid an additional mandatory water label being applied to these products alongside existing regulatory information.

Key takeaways

• Defra's revised approach removes energy-related products from the proposed scheme, subject to final policy clearances.
• Household washing machines, washer-dryers, dishwashers and electric showers would therefore not need to carry the new mandatory water-efficiency label.
• The scheme will instead focus on plumbing products, while the revised approach is intended to apply consistently across all four UK nations.

What this means for traders

The change would remove a potential additional labelling requirement for manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers of major domestic appliances. Washing machines, washer-dryers and dishwashers already provide regulated water-consumption information through existing energy labels. Avoiding a second mandatory label should reduce the risk of duplicated compliance requirements and differing product information. The revised approach remains subject to final policy clearances, so businesses should continue to monitor the final implementation requirements.

Read the full article on ERT