Home appliances will be required to display labels containing power usage information, under a bill adopted today upon first reading, IPN reports.

Deputy Economy Minister Tudor Copaci said the measure aims to contribute to a more effective use of electrical appliances. Displaying of standard information on energy consumption will be a requirement for manufacturers, importers, suppliers and retailers. The costs of labeling will fall on the manufacturer.

The Agency for Consumer Protection will periodically conduct inspections to check compliance with the labeling requirements. In case of violations, the culprit companies will have to comply within 5 work days or face sanctions.

The proposed bill also requires vendors to provide the relevant information prior to the purchase, whether the appliance is being sold through postal order, catalog, Internet, telemarketing or any other means.

In Moldova, households account for roughly 45% of the country's energy consumption, compared to 25% in the EU.