By law, the European Community Energy Label must be displayed on all new household products displayed for sale, hire or hire-purchase.

The Directive applies to the following types of household appliances, even where these are sold for non-household uses: refrigerators, freezers and their combinations; washing machines, dryers and their combinations; dishwashers; ovens; water heaters and hot-water storage appliances; lighting sources; air-conditioning appliances.

Household appliances offered for sale, hire or hire-purchase must be accompanied by a fiche and a label providing information relating to their consumption of energy (electrical or other) or of other essential resources. Products are generally rated from ‘A’ to ’G’, with ‘A’ being the most efficient (‘A+’ and ‘A++’ for the most efficient fridges and freezers).

The supplier must establish technical documentation sufficient to enable the accuracy of the information contained in the label and the fiche to be assessed.

Council Directive 92/75/EEC