ESPR: Upcoming Rules for Ukrainian Manufacturers
“In the coming years, Ukrainian manufacturers will increasingly face new EU ecodesign requirements. This is not just a formality but a matter of competitiveness,” emphasized Hanna Zamazieieva, Head of the State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine (SAEE).
Ukrainian businesses must already begin adapting to these changes to remain on the market, expand exports, and strengthen their positions both domestically and internationally.
What are the benefits of ecodesign?
Ecodesign in manufacturing means:
lower energy consumption for enterprises,
energy-efficient, modern products for consumers,
new market standards: reduced production costs and lower warranty service expenses.
For businesses, this means lower energy bills; for consumers — modern, high-quality products; and for the market as a whole — the gradual phase-out of inefficient goods and the formation of new standards.
Ukraine has already made significant progress in developing ecodesign, having implemented around 90% of EU directives in this field. SAEE plays a key role in this process.
“To date, we have developed 37 technical regulations based on EU standards, approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. Four more require updating, and one — full implementation,” noted Hanna Zamazieieva.
Currently, technical regulations harmonized with EU standards are in force for household appliances (refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, vacuum cleaners, computers, ovens, etc.), electric motors and pumps, as well as lighting equipment.
Last year, the EU adopted a new Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). It covers all stages of a product’s lifecycle and is mandatory for all products sold in the EU, regardless of the country of origin. This means Ukrainian businesses must also take these changes into account and adapt their production accordingly.
In the coming years, the list of product categories subject to ecodesign technical requirements will significantly expand.
What should Ukrainian businesses do now?
Familiarize themselves with the ESPR and check if their products fall within priority categories.
Conduct an internal audit: assess energy efficiency of production processes, materials used, and possibilities for reuse or recycling.
Upgrade equipment and gradually switch to modern technologies.
Introduce energy management systems to monitor resource consumption and mitigate risks of non-compliance with new ecodesign requirements.
“The earlier Ukrainian businesses begin implementing the new requirements, the faster they will gain advantages: modern, energy-efficient products, consumer trust, and greater presence on the European market,” stressed the Head of SAEE.
Background: The new EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), effective since 18 July 2024, replaces Directive 2009/125/EC and sets the framework for ecodesign requirements for specific product groups.
Its goal is to improve product environmental performance, promote the circular economy, and reduce environmental impact by introducing new ecodesign criteria for an expanding range of goods. These changes aim to enhance circularity, energy efficiency, and other aspects of sustainability for products placed on the EU market.
According to European Commission forecasts, the new framework could save up to 132 million tonnes of oil equivalent in primary energy by 2030 — equivalent to 150 billion cubic meters of gas.
These rules are key to achieving the European Green Deal objectives and the broader goal of EU carbon neutrality by 2050.