As many as 30 different electrical appliances could be outlawed in the EU because of the high-wattage required to power them.
A ban is already coming into force on vacuum cleaners which use a great deal of electricity. With effect on Monday, vacuums for sale in Britain may not have a motor operating at more than 1,600 watts.
New proposals following this ban could include high-energy items, such as electric kettles, wifi routers, smartphones and hair dryers.
Current EU legislation covers TVs, washing machines, refrigerators and vacuum cleaners but not smaller electrical appliances in household use.
Günther Oettinger, the German EU energy commissioner, said that legislation preventing consumers from buying high-wattage appliances was necessary to reduce energy consumption and dependence on imports as well as improving the climate.
The EU has a binding target for energy savings of 30% across the EU by 2030.
The proposals on small appliances are expected next spring.
