The revised implementing measure for electronic displays was approved by the European Commission on October 1, 2019. It establishes energy efficiency requirements and a variety of other leading ecodesign measures.

Scope

The regulation includes computer monitors, TVs and digital signage displays but excludes specialized displays including small displays (e.g. less than 100 sq. cm – such as in a mobile phones), projectors, all-in-one video conference systems, medical displays, virtual reality headsets displays integrated into military equipment. It also excludes displays that are integrated into products that are already covered by another ecodesign implementing measure – details of the scope are provided in Article 1 of the regulation.

Timeline and Conformity Assessment

The new ecodesign requirements for electronic displays will take effect for products placed on the EU market starting on March 1, 2021 with a stricter set of energy efficiency requirements taking effect two years later on March 1, 2023.

Conformity assessment needs to be either to the internal design control system set out in Annex IV to Directive 2009/125/EC or the management system set out in Annex V to that Directive.

Eco-design Requirements

In addition to the energy efficiency requirements, the ecodesign regulation also includes several “best-in-class” eco-design requirements:

• Auto-standby mode
• Design for dismantling, recycling and recovery
  1. Joining, fastening or sealing techniques do not prevent the removal, using commonly available tools, of the components requiring selective treatment that are specified in the WEEE Directive.
  2. Dismantling information needed to access any of the components specified in the WEEE Directive as requiring selective treatment need to be available on a free-access website
  3. In general, plastic components heavier than 50g need to be marked with the type of polymer and the flame retardant (if applicable).
  4. If the product contains cadmium (e.g. in quantum dots), the product needs to be marked with the “Cd” logo.
  5. Halogenated flame retardants are not permitted in the enclosure and stand
• Design for repair and reuse
  1. Availability of spare parts with a maximum delivery time of 15 working days
  2. Access to repair and maintenance information
• Information availability
  1. Latest available version of firmware must be available for a minimum of 8 years
  2. Product info sheet shall indicate guaranteed availability of software and firmware updates, spare parts, and product support.

The ban on halogenated flame retardants in the enclosure and stand was added late in the regulatory development process and has raised concern in the bromine chemicals industry.