EuP Directive Threatens Merchants, Warns BMF

New EU legislation which threatens to cut both heating installers and small merchants out of the supply chain for heating systems is being vigorously opposed by the Builders Merchants Federation.  The BMF is voicing serious concerns about the potential threat to the merchant industry posed by the European Union’s Energy Using Products (EuP) Directive. 

The potential implications of the Directive were discussed by the plumbing and heating syndicate at a recent BMF Supplier Members meeting.

Originally established by the European Commission in 2005, the main aim of the EuP Directive was to create a framework under which further legislation could be developed to provide guidance on improving the energy efficiency and the environmental impact of a wide variety of energy-using products, including domestic water heaters, boilers and radiators.

The proposal currently under consideration is that the heating 'system' (i.e. all components including boiler, pump and controls) will be energy rated by the boiler manufacturer.  The manufacturer would also be expected to take responsibility for the quality of installation - effectively cutting the merchant out of the supply chain.

Chris Pateman, managing director, BMF comments, 'This is an unworkable scenario for the UK and the BMF has made its concerns known to the commissioners representing the UK for this Directive.

'Some serious threats to the merchant industry, as well as other sectors, were raised at the EU consultation forum earlier this year and the majority of member states expressed their opposition.  As a result, a second consultation is taking place in late June.

'We’re liaising closely with our merchant industry colleagues in Europe, as well as other UK stakeholder groups including the Heating & Hotwater Industry Council and BEAMA, who also oppose the legislation, and we’re monitoring the situation closely.'

Web: http://www.bmf.org.uk