With Brexit looming, you would be forgiven for thinking that EU legislation wasn’t important. However, if the UK wants to continue selling and marketing goods into the EU then manufacturing companies will have to abide by EU rules and regulations. The ones that affect refrigeration equipment are no exception and new rules are in place which will affect those who sell and market catering equipment into the EU. Here we look at everything you need to know.

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According to the Residential Landlords Association, from April 2018, it will be illegal to rent out a property that doesn’t have an Energy Performance Certificate with a minimum energy performance rating of E. Regulations were also in place from 2016 so tenants can apply to make changes to a privately rented property so it becomes more energy efficient. This goes to show that no sector is immune from being forced to make changes regarding energy efficiency, and this is what is behind the new EU legislation regarding catering equipment.

What is and isn’t covered

Not all commercial refrigeration products are covered by the new legislation and those not covered include walk-in cold stores, condensing units and blast chillers. However, upright refrigerated storage and refrigerated storage which is open to the front will be covered by the rules. Any product which is covered by the rules but does not meet the required standard will not be allowed for sale in the EU.

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Environmental impact

From 1 July 2016, all refrigeration that has been manufactured for commercial use must display energy labels. New test standards must also be adhered to in order for an item to be categorised on a scale of A-G for energy efficiency. Although manufacturers should undertake their own product testing, the National Measurements Office in the UK will do spot checks to make sure that a manufacturer’s own testing is accurate.

Commercial refrigeration equipment, including solid door refrigeration such as that available from https://www.fridgefreezerdirect.co.uk/solid-door-refrigeration, has been identified as an area where there is great potential for energy savings, mainly due to the fact that such equipment is switched on for long periods of time.

For both manufacturers and purchasers, it is important to know that the product you are making or buying complies with the new rules and regulations. Hopefully, this will help you to make sure.