Barrier Removal to Encourage and Secure Market Transformation and Labeling of Refrigerators

In addressing institutional, technical, information, capacity and market barriers, the project would ensure that energy efficiency and consumption labels are developed and adopted by all local refrigerator manufacturers (who supply 95% of the Tunisian market needs), thereby guaranteeing consumer awareness of the consumption and economic perspective of purchasing any potential unit. The project will also ensure an effective testing, monitoring and enforcement capacity in the country to achieve compliance with labeling standards and requirements. The economic, technological and environmental implications of labeling make it a major action in the implementation of Tunisian policy aiming at sustainable development. Furthermore, critical barrier removal activities will also serve to activate market forces and promote Market Transformation to more efficient models. At the same time, the project will ensure that local manufacturers are able to join market development and comply with labeling criteria and future binding standards that limit consumption. Such standards are expected to be issued around the year 2005.