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Key Takeaways
- The Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has delayed the introduction of new MEPS for lighting products.
- This decision follows feedback from the Lighting Industry Association (LIA) and other industry bodies during a Government consultation.
- DESNZ plans to mandate UKCA marking when new standards are introduced, but they have indefinitely extended the use of the CE mark.
- The LIA launched a TM66 Assured product verification scheme to promote circular economy practices in the lighting industry.
- The new timeline for MEPS has not yet been confirmed as manufacturers need more time to comply.
The Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has confirmed it will delay the introduction of new MEPS for lighting products.
In a letter to the Lighting Industry Association (The LIA), DESNZ said the timeline for new MEPS under Ecodesign requirements would be pushed back. It acknowledged the industry needed time to develop new products that conformed to new MEPS.
The decision is in response to feedback from consultees submitted during the Government’s consultation on the new requirements, published in January. The LIA, LIA members and partner associations voiced concerns about the timeline for the new regulations.
In a statement the LIA said: “We would very much like to thank the wider LIA membership (especially those on the MEPS Task Force), the LLG and the BRC who came together to allow us to create not just well-informed consultation returns but also a major rebuttal.”
Government confirms extension of use of the CE mark
DESNZ also confirmed that the Department for Business and Trade’s announcement to indefinitely extend the use of the CE mark. It said this was not intended to affect the lighting proposals which have been consulted on.
DESNZ stated: “As part of the consultation, we set out our intention to mandate UKCA marking for lighting products at the point we bring in the new standards. We will set out our response on this in more detail in the Government response.”
The Government is yet to confirm the new timeframe for the new Ecodesign MEPS.
The LIA: working towards a more sustainable future for lighting
The LIA recently joined forces with CIBSE to introduce an innovative product verification scheme aimed at promoting circular economy practices within the lighting industry. Launched in June 2023 and known as the TM66 Assured, the scheme provides independent verification of lighting manufacturers’ circularity claims.
The scheme leverages CIBSE’s TM66 Creating a Circular Economy in the Lighting Industry guidelines and the TM66 Circular Economy Assessment Methods (CEAM) developed by a cross industry team of manufacturers – including Tamlite Lighting.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has delayed the timeline for new MEPS under Ecodesign requirements following feedback from a Government consultation. Industry bodies, including the Lighting Industry Association (LIA), raised concerns about the original schedule. DESNZ acknowledged that manufacturers require more time to develop compliant products, though a new timeframe has yet to be confirmed. Additionally, the Government is reviewing its intention to mandate UKCA marking alongside these new standards, despite its separate announcement indefinitely extending the use of the CE mark.
