TIRANA, March 13 – The Committee for Europe and Foreign Affairs approved a draft law on the labeling of energy-related products.

Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enkelejda Muçaj said the bill introduces eco-design requirements for such products for the first time. She explained that the changes align Albanian legislation with European Union Directive 2009/125/EC.

Muçaj said the draft law aims to reduce environmental impact throughout the product life cycle. It also seeks to improve product competitiveness, ensure consumer transparency, and prepare the market for integration into the European common market.

Meanwhile, the proposal increases the responsibility of economic operators and strengthens administrative control through new legal instruments and environmental standards. Muçaj added that the current framework regulates only energy labeling and not the ecological design of products.

She noted that the market for energy-related products continues to expand. Low-efficiency products and hazardous materials increase environmental risks, energy consumption, and electronic waste.

Muçaj said the new rules will help businesses choose better products to import. She added that the changes will support higher-quality goods and more sustainable market development.

The bill also strengthens market supervision and institutional coordination. Authorities will introduce new obligations for customs and market inspection structures and increase cooperation across the product life cycle.

Muçaj said stronger controls at import points and improved verification systems will help detect unfair trade practices and false labeling, which harm consumers and fair competition.

/a.p./