The Government has confirmed that washing machines, dishwashers and other ‘wet’ appliances will be removed from the scope of its proposed Mandatory Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (MWELS).
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) announced the revised approach on 2 October, following industry concerns over the proposed scheme.
Under the changes, energy-related products will no longer be included in MWELS, subject to final policy clearances.
This means household washing machines, washer-dryers, dishwashers and electric showers will not be required to carry the new mandatory water efficiency label.
Instead, the scheme will focus on plumbing products, including toilets, kitchen and basin taps, non-electric showers and urinals.
The revised approach will also see the scheme applied consistently across all four UK nations, addressing concerns around differing requirements across the country.
The Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances (AMDEA) has welcomed the decision after campaigning against the inclusion of wet appliances.
AMDEA argued that washing machines, washer-dryers and dishwashers already provide consumers with regulated information on water consumption through their existing energy labels, and that introducing an additional mandatory label risked duplication and consumer confusion.
Stefan Hay, CEO of AMDEA, said: “We welcome this announcement from Defra. We are delighted that our engagement with departmental colleagues has resulted in a significant outcome for AMDEA and its members that manufacture wet appliances.
“AMDEA has consistently supported effective water demand management and clear consumer information, while making the product-specific case that dishwashers, washing machines and washer-dryers should not be subject to a second mandatory water label, as these products already provide regulated water consumption information through existing energy labels.”
Mr Hay said the association had raised concerns around additional compliance burdens as well as potential inconsistencies between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
AMDEA worked with its members and APPLiA to provide technical and legislative evidence to Defra and Environment Agency officials, while also publishing a position paper on the proposals in September.
Mr Hay added: “We are very grateful to our colleagues at Defra for engaging with us and understanding the need to not include wet appliances in the MWELS scope.
“This outcome demonstrates the value that AMDEA brings to its members. We are committed to being proactive, informed and commercially focused, advocating and campaigning for our members, while working constructively with government, regulators and stakeholders to make a genuine difference.”
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