Mandatory EU Energy Labelling Requirements – Get Your Products Ready
As regulations tighten across the European Union, it is more important than ever for businesses to stay on top of their obligations.
At TBA Global, we’re proud to expand our suite of services to include energy testing and European Union energy labelling compliance, ensuring businesses can access the expert support they need and sell their products in the EU without disruption.
Energy labels play a central role in the EU’s strategy to reduce carbon emissions and encourage sustainable manufacturing. For businesses selling or importing products within the European Single Market, understanding and meeting labelling requirements is not only a legal necessity but also a commercial advantage.
Clear, accurate energy labels help customers make informed choices—while demonstrating your brand’s commitment to efficiency and regulatory compliance.
What is the EU energy labelling scheme?
The EU Energy Labelling Scheme is a mandatory framework requiring energy-related products sold in the EU to display clear and consistent information on their energy consumption. The labelling scheme helps consumers make informed purchasing decisions while encouraging the production of more energy-efficient products.
The current legal basis for the scheme is Regulation (EU) 2017/1369, which provides the overarching framework for energy labelling in the EU. This is supported by a series of product-specific regulations, including:
- Regulation (EU) 2019/2020, 2019/2015 – Lighting products
- Regulation (EU) 2019/2016, 2019/2018 – Refrigerating appliances
- Regulation (EU) 2019/2022, 2019/2017 – Washing machines
- Regulation (EU) 2019/2021, 2019/2013 – Televisions and displays
- Regulation (EU) 813/2013, 811/2013 – Heaters
- Regulation (EU) 626/2011, 2019/2014 – AC & Ventilation equipment
- Regulation (EU) 2019/1782 – External power supplies (chargers)
Each delegated regulation sets out how energy performance should be tested and how information must be presented to consumers.
Energy Scaling System
As of September 2021, the European Union officially replaced the previous energy label scale with a ‘rescaled’ for certain product groups.
The new scale runs from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), eliminating the older A+, A++, and A+++ classifications. This change was introduced to improve clarity for consumers and to create room for future product innovation, as many items had previously clustered in the top tiers under the old system. The rescaled labels currently apply to five product categories:
- Refrigerators and freezers (including wine storage appliances)
- Dishwashers
- Washing machines and washer-dryers
- Electronic displays (e.g. televisions and computer monitors)
- Light sources
Both systems however remain in use and are valid across multiple product categories.
EPREL Registration
All applicable products must be registered on the European Product Registry for Energy Labelling (EPREL) prior to sale. The registration must include the following details:
- Company and product details (including brand, model, dimensions, and technical specifications)
- Energy efficiency test reports clearly marked with wording such as Energy-Related Products (ERP) or Energy Efficiency test (not EMC or CE tests)
- Information can be displayed in the EU language(s) of choice (where applicable)
- A QR code on the label that links directly to the EPREL database entry
This is a one-time registration with no renewal necessary—unless your product or company data changes. TBA Global can manage the entire registration process for you, from technical review to successful submission and issue of the official label.
Frequently Asked Questions
Once I obtain an energy label, how long is it valid for?
An energy label is valid indefinitely once issued, as long as the product (and accompanying information) is not changed. If there are any changes, a re-application is required.
If I am reselling a product, can I use the manufacturer’s existing energy label?
Yes, as long as the product and brand are the same as that of the manufacturer.
Is there a difference between the EU and UK energy labelling systems?
Yes, following the UK’s departure from the EU, energy labelling standards differ in the UK. Non-EU businesses must also appoint an EU Responsible Person in order to register on EPREL.
Please note that businesses selling applicable goods in Northern Ireland must also comply with EU labelling requirements
Ongoing compliance with TBA Global
To complement our extensive range of existing service, we now also provide:
- Energy testing report services, aligned with EU standards
- EPREL database registration and documentation and labelling
- Ongoing compliance monitoring and advisory for product updates or regulatory changes
Our energy testing services are carried out in collaboration with certified labs, and our compliance experts ensure that your products and brands are correctly labelled and fully compliant
