The rules, proposed by the European Commission in September, are contained in four regulations published on Tuesday. They introduce an A-G scale for televisions, with efficiency classes A+, A++ and A+++ applying in 2014, 2017 and 2020 respectively.

There will be a new scale ranging from A+++ to D for dishwashers, washing machines and fridges and freezers, except for certain types of quiet fridges which will have a G class for the least efficient ones. These represent only about 5% of the fridge market in Europe.

The rules, backed by member states and the European Parliament, will apply from 30 November 2011 for televisions and fridges and freezers, and 20 December 2011 for dishwashers and washing machines. However, certain provisions will apply later.

Minimum efficiency levels for some of these appliances will enter force on Wednesday. Labelling rules are subject to the new comitology procedure introduced by the Lisbon treaty. This means such rules are now adopted by the commission consultations. Previously, the rules had to be approved by member states first.