GEN – 790.00. Eurovent Middle East has attended a workshop, in which ESMA informed Eurovent about their new Energy Efficiency Label Design. The implementation is planned to take effect within a short time after publication. Air-conditioners are amongst the products that need to comply. This article provides for an in-depth briefing on the requirements.
Energy Efficiency Label for air conditioners to apply from 1 August 2017
The Energy Efficiency Standardization and Labelling (EESL) Program defines MEPS and labelling for several appliances, including household air conditioners as well as for commercial and central ACs.
Both applications also require a limitation of the AC control to a minimum temperature not below 20C.
Labelling Requirements for household air conditioners
Reference standard UAE.S 5010-1:2016
The EESL Program will require all new products coming on to the market to have the new label from 1 August 2017. Existing products have time until 1 February 2018 to comply.
The label is applicable to non-ducted room air conditioners. The label must be printed by the manufacturer, figure in the manual and placed on the packaging. The label does not have to be affixed to the appliance.
The accompanying Radio-Frequency IDentification (RFID) and Quick Response (QR) adhesive labels can only be printed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They will be affixed once products arrive in the UAE.
Labelling Requirements for commercial and central air conditioners
Reference Standard UAE.S 5010-5:2016
The standard requires the energy efficiency value to be stated along with other required information on the name plate and instruction sheet or manual.
Controlling cooling temperatures
Manufacturers have to ensure that control devices are locked at a minimum temperature not below 20C. For projects and applications where lower temperatures are necessary, an exemption has to be obtained from ESMA.
All current EQM (Emirates Quality Mark) and ECAS (Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme) certificates are no longer valid. Compliance with the new regulation has to be demonstrated.
For ECAS a new application has to be made.
The EQM will resume its validity once the SOC (Schedule of Certificates) is updated. To obtain this, manufacturers will have to write to ESMA explaining the method they implement to show conformity.
ESMA has also indicated that it would step up its market surveillance activities.
Recommended Actions
Manufacturers active in the UAE are encouraged to check the developments through their local agents and to take the necessary action so that shipments would not be blocked. The deadline of 1 August 2017 is quite tight and may require immediate follow up.
The Eurovent Middle East Issue Group is following regulatory developments in the region and is having regular exchange with members on new requirements. We invite manufacturers active in this region to join the the Issue Group. For more information, visit www.eurovent.me.
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