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Ukraine’s Eco-design Initiative: Technical Requirements for Electronic Displays

This blog was originally posted on 6th December, 2023. Further regulatory developments may have occurred after publication. To keep up-to-date with the latest compliance news, sign up to our newsletter.

AUTHORED BY HANNAH JANKNECHT, REGULATORY ANALYST, COMPLIANCE & RISKS

On 13 November 2023, the Ukrainian State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving proposed a Draft Resolution to Approve Technical Requirements for the Eco-design of Electronic Displays. As part of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, the Draft Resolution in modelled after Regulation (EU) 2019/2021 (ErP ENER Lot 5).

Eco-design Requirements for Electronic Displays

The Draft Resolution sets eco-design requirements for electronic displays, including TV sets, monitors and digital information displays. The conformity assessment must be carried out based on the internal design control procedure set out in Article 5, Annex 3 and Annex 4, including the necessary technical documentation (must entail a list of all equivalent models, including model identifiers).

In accordance with Article 7, it is prohibited to place a device on the market that is able to detect when it is being tested and to respond in a specific way by automatically changing its performance during the test in order to achieve a more favorable efficiency level. Software updates shall not have a negative effect on the energy efficiency level of the product. Not upgrading to a new software shall not have a negative impact either.

Limit Values and Design

Annex 2 sets out the eco-design requirements for displays, including limit values for the ‘on’, ‘off’ and ‘standby’ mode and mandatory settings. Displays must have an automatic standby mode, and the Draft Resolution prescribes different timeframes and warning messages for each type of display. Furthermore, displays must be designed in a way that ensures easy dismantling, recycling and repair, i.e. by using methods of joining, fastening or sealing that do not prevent the removal of components with commonly available tools.

Labelling of Plastic Components and Cadmium Label

Plastic components weighing more than 50 g shall be labelled by indicating the type of polymer with the appropriate standard symbols or abbreviated terms, separated by “>” and “<” as specified in the applicable standards. Components containing flame retardants are additionally marked with the abbreviated polymer term, followed by a hyphen, then the symbol “FR”, followed by the code number of the flame retardant.

Electronic displays with a screen panel in which the concentration of cadmium (Cd) by weight in homogeneous materials exceeds 0.01%, must bear a label reading “Contains cadmium”. The label must be clearly visible, durable, legible, indelible and comply with the size requirements set out in Annex 2. The “Cadmium-free” label shall be used if the concentration of cadmium (Cd) by weight in any part of the display made of homogeneous material does not exceed 0.01%.

The use of flame retardants in the enclosure and stand of electronic displays is prohibited.

Spare Parts

Manufacturers, importers or authorized representatives must make available to professional repairers at least the following spare parts for a minimum period of seven years after the last unit of the model has been put into circulation:

Internal power supply
Connectors for external equipment (cable, antenna, USB, DVD and Blu-ray)
Capacitors over 400 microfarads
Batteries and accumulators
DVD/Blu-ray module (if applicable)
HD/SSD module (if applicable)
External tilting arm
The remote control unit

Manufacturers must ensure that these parts can be replaced with commonly available tools and without irreparable damage to the device. Spare parts for electronic displays shall be delivered within 15 working days after receipt of the order. The manufacturer, importer or authorized representative shall provide access to information on the repair and maintenance of appliances for registered professional repairers on their website.

Enactment and Entry into Force

Information on the minimum guaranteed availability of software updates and firmware, availability of spare parts and product support shall be specified in the product information sheet.

If enacted, the Resolution shall enter into force six months after the date of termination or cancellation of martial law in Ukraine, but not earlier than the date of its publication.