1999/568/EC: Commission Decision of 27 July 1999 establishing the ecological critera for the award of the Community eco-label to light bulbs (notified under document number C(1999) 2439) - (Text with EEA relevance)

COMMISSION DECISION
of 27 July 1999
establishing the ecological critera for the award of the Community eco-label to light bulbs
(notified under document number C(1999) 2439)
(Text with EEA relevance)
(1999/568/EC)
THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 880/92 of 23 March 1992 on a Community eco-label award scheme(1), and in particular the second subparagraph of Article 5(1) thereof,
(1) Whereas the first subparagraph of Article 5(1) of Regulation (EEC) No 880/92 provides that the conditions for the award of the Community eco-label shall be defined by product groups;
(2) Whereas Article 10(2) of Regulation (ECC) No 880/92 states that the environmental performance of a product shall be assessed by reference to the specific critera for product groups;
(3) Whereas by Decision 95/533/EC(2), the Commission established ecological critera for the award of the Community eco-label to single-ended light bulbs, which, according to Article 3 thereof, expired on 30 November 1998;
(4) Whereas, by Decision 96/337/EC(3), the Commission established ecological critera for the award of the Community eco-label to double-ended light bulbs, which, according to Article 3 thereof, expired on 7 May 1999;
(5) Whereas it is deemed appropriate to establish one product group replacing the separate product groups single-ended light bulbs and double-ended light bulbs;
(6) Whereas it is appropriate to adopt a new decision establishing ecological critera for this product group, in order to allow for the participation in the Community eco-label award scheme of manufacturers and importers of light bulbs;
(7) Whereas it is appropriate to revise the criteria which were established by Decisions 95/533/EC and 96/337/EC in order for the energy classification to be expressed in a manner consistent with Commission Directive 98/11/EC(4) implementing Council Directive 92/75/EEC(5) with regard to energy labelling of household lamps and in order to adapt the energy, average life and mercury content requirements to technological innovation and market developments;
(8) Whereas in accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EEC) No 880/92 the Commission has consulted the principal interest groups within a consultation forum;
(9) Whereas the measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee set up pursuant to Article 7 of Regulation (EEC) No 880/92,