Ever since 2010, a modulation system aiming at encouraging the ecodesign of household appliances has been set up. In practical terms, the eco-fee is reduced for ecodesigned products while it may be increased in some cases.
How is the modulation applied?
- For lamps, only LED lamps have a reduced eco-fee given their longevity, the absence of hazardous substances and their low energy consumption (€0.16 ex-tax/lamp put on the market against €0.20 ex-tax for other lamp technologies).
- For household electrical equipment, the legislator selected the following two methods based on relevant products and applicable modulation criteria:
- The first method aims at generalising “achievable” good practices by applying a penalty in the event the modulation criterion has not been met. For example, failing to provide the repairers with any technical documentation available leads to the application of a penalty.
- The second method is based on an incentive approach, and should encourage manufacturers to set up more ambitious good practice strategies, applying a bonus in the event the modulation criterion has been met. For example, the absence of plastic parts containing brominated flame retardants leads to the application of a bonus.
Learn more about the modulation scale thanks to OCADE3’s technical note
