OPSS notice to techUK on enforcement policy for Chapter 7 of the UK "The Ecodesign for Energy-Related Products and Energy Information Regulations 2021 (2021 No. 745)" covering displays

Context

In response to industry concerns around new Tier 2 power limits impacting certain display products from being placed on the UK and European markets, BEIS and OPSS have confirmed a pause in enforcement action while BEIS undertake a review. This notice (see the communication below) effectively allows producers to place products on the market from 1 March 2023.

The communication received by OPSS

The Office for Product Safety and Standards is the UK market surveillance authority for Ecodesign Regulations, including Chapter 7 of the UK "The Ecodesign for Energy-Related Products and Energy Information Regulations 2021 (2021 No. 745)" covering electronic displays.  These regulations set out further requirements which will come into effect from 1 March 2023 and are in relation to the introduction of a Tier 2 regulation for electronic displays, Schedule 19-Table 31 of regulations 2021 No. 745. 

We have been made aware that most displays with resolutions above UltraHD, such as 8K and MicroLED displays, may be unable to meet the new Tier 2 requirements, as the technology has not advanced as predicted when the legislation was written. The UK Government will be conducting a review of Ecodesign regulations, and the associated testing standards, as they apply to “above UltraHD”  displays and MicroLED in due course.  

The Office for Products Safety and Standards, along with our BEIS policy colleagues, recognise these barriers affecting manufacturers. We also appreciate there is a continued need for manufacturers to be able to supply these products and protect consumer choice. 

In light of the circumstances brought to our attention  and the apparent short-term nature of this matter, OPSS will take a flexible and proportionate approach to enforcement of the above regulations. This is supported by our Enforcement Policy. This pragmatic approach will apply from the 1 March 2023 until the applicable regulations have been reviewed and clarity provided regarding electronic displays with resolutions “above UltraHD” and MicroLED only. 

Should any of your members wish to speak directly to OPSS on these matters, then please feel free to contact OPSS using our enquiry service at: [email protected], referencing the regulations and this communique. 

Member and customer queries

Should members wish to speak directly to OPSS on these matters then please feel free to contact OPSS using our enquiry service at:  [email protected] referencing the regulations and this communique.