Based on the Law on Efficient Use of Energy (“Off. Gazette RS”, No. 25/2013) which came into force on March 23 2014 and January 1 2014 (Article 43 and Articles 57-62), the Minister of Energy, Development and Environmental Protection supplemented the field of energy efficiency of appliances with the following set of Rulebooks, all of which are in force as of March 1 2014:
- Rulebook on Energy Efficency Labeling of Electric Ovens (“Off. Gazette RS”, No. 24/2014);
- Rulebook on Energy Efficency Labeling of Electric Light Bulbs and Luminaries (“Off. Gazette RS”, No. 24/2014);
- Rulebook on Energy Efficency Labeling of Dishwashers in Households (“Off. Gazette RS”, No. 24/2014);
- Rulebook on Energy Efficency Labeling of Washing Machines in Households (“Off. Gazette RS”, No. 24/2014);
- Rulebook on Energy Efficency Labeling of Refrigerating Appliances (“Off. Gazette RS”, No. 17/2014);
- Rulebook on Energy Efficency Labeling of Television Sets (“Off. Gazette RS”, No. 24/2014) and
- Rulebook on Energy Efficency Labeling of Air Conditioners (“Off. Gazette RS”, No. 24/2014), hereinafter referred to as “the Rulebook” in singular use and as “Rulebooks” when used conjointly.
Firstly, Rulebooks prescribe the responsibilities which manufactures, suppliers and vendors have to fulfil regarding the manufacturing, labelling and delivering technical information about energy efficiency of appliances.
Furthermore, the Rulebooks prescribe the content of the label and the data lists, which vary, depending on the appliance they refer to, but mostly containing the information about technical characteristics of the appliance in question.
In the matter of distance selling, when potential end-users cannot see the product displayed, suppliers and vendors have responsibilities to provide the end-users with information specified on the product label.
All the Rulebooks contain Annexes which prescribe the look and design of the label, determination of energy efficiency class, classifications and methods used for calculations of the energy efficiency index.
Transitional provisions impose the obligation for suppliers and vendors to meet the requirements prescribed by the Rulebooks in three months period, starting from the day on which Rulebooks came into force.