Inefficient convection boilers continue to be imported into Ukraine, despite the ban, which has been in effect for three years. Such boilers consume up to 25% more energy resources than allowed by the technical standard, which violates the requirements of the Technical Regulation on eco-design, which came into effect on August 29, 2022. About this informs European Business Association (EBA).
According to the EBA, approximately 50% of the boilers sold in Ukraine in 2023 were not energy efficient, which is 55 thousand units. One such boiler overconsumes about 580 m³ of gas every year, and the total overconsumption of gas over 10 years of operation of boilers imported only in 2023 may amount to 319 million m³. Consumers are forced to pay for all this.
The problem lies not only in the violation of technical requirements, but also in the lack of proper state control. The EBA notes that unscrupulous entrepreneurs take advantage of weak market supervision by the State Production and Consumer Service and the absence of customs control, which allows them to import prohibited products without hindrance.
As a result, the market for heating equipment is distorted, as companies that comply with the law and do not import prohibited boilers lose their market share. Non-energy-efficient boilers cost around €100 less, and although consumers save on the initial purchase, they suffer significant losses in the long run due to higher energy costs.
In September 2024, the government adopted Decree No. 1052, which restores state market supervision and customs control for a number of goods, but for space heaters, customs control was not renewed. The EBA emphasizes the need to lift the ban on customs inspections of heaters to prevent violations.
Ensuring effective supervision of the fulfillment of technical requirements is critically important for protecting Ukrainian consumers from inefficient products and preserving the country’s energy resources.
