Energy efficiency standards and other environmental issues have been incorporated into two new regulations on washing machines and dishwashers which will be marketed from 2011 on.The main aspects common to both acts are the concerns about water and electricity consumption. These criteria will also be applied to other technical equipment like televisions, fridges and freezers. By the end of this year the Commission is expected to issue similar rules on air conditioning, monitors and computers. It should be noted that the legislation has been issued by means of the comitology procedure as modified by the Lisbon treaty, that is, by Commission consultations and without the prior approval of Member States.
See also the regulations on washing machines, dishwashers and ecodesign regulations