Complete guide to EPREL and energy label requirements in the EU

The European Union’s energy label requirements are essential for manufacturers and suppliers aiming to enter the EU market. Central to these requirements is the European Product Registry for Energy Labelling (EPREL). This guide delves into what EPREL is, who needs to comply, and how to navigate the energy label requirements effectively.

What is EPREL?

The European Product Registry for Energy Labelling (EPREL) is an EU-mandated database designed to provide consumers and market surveillance authorities with detailed information about energy-labelled products. Established under the Energy Labelling Regulation (EU) 2017/1369, EPREL aims to promote energy efficiency and transparency in the market.
The objectives of EPREL are consumer information, by empowering consumers to make informed purchasing decisions. It also aids market surveillance/authorities in monitoring compliance. The environmental impact factor is an important objective as well, EPREL is supposed to encourage innovation and efficient technologies.

Who needs to register in EPREL?

Manufacturers, importers, or authorised representatives supplying energy-related products within the EU are obligated to register their products in EPREL. This requirement applies to a wide range of products, including but not limited to:

Household appliances: Refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers.
Heating and cooling equipment: Air conditioners, heaters, boilers.
Lighting products: Lamps and luminaires.
Electronic devices: Televisions, monitors.

EPREL architecture, source: energy-efficient-products.ec.europa.eu

Responsibilities of Distributors

While distributors are not responsible for registering products in EPREL, they still have the following obligations:

Verify that products display the correct energy labels (update if necessary).
Make sure the energy label is clearly visible to consumers.

Steps to comply with EPREL

Step 1: Product assessment

Determine product scope: Identify whether your product falls under the scope of the Energy Labelling Regulation (EU) 2017/1369 and its relevant delegated acts.

To determine if your product is covered:

Consult the regulation: Review the Energy Labelling Regulation (EU) 2017/1369 and relevant delegated acts specifying which product groups are included.
Check specific delegated acts: Each product category has a delegated act detailing requirements (e.g., Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2013 for electronic displays).
Seek expert advice: If unsure, consult compliance experts or legal advisers like for example us at 24hour-AR:

If your product does not fall under this regulation, EPREL registration is not needed. However, other regulations may apply, such as the General Product Safety Directive or specific product-related legislation.

Step 2: Set up your EPREL organisation

Create an EU Login account on the European commission website and then create your EPREL Organization.

Note: Your organisation will need to be verified, so make sure that all organisational data is filled in correctly.

Step 3: Create your trademarks (brands)

Before registering products, define at least one trademark or brand associated with your products.

Step 4: Data collection

Gather all necessary technical documentation as specified in the regulation:

Energy efficiency metrics: Detailed measurements of energy consumption and performance.
Test reports: Results from conformity assessment procedures conducted according to relevant EU standards.
Product specifications: Technical details and performance characteristics.
Input for product information sheet
EU declaration of conformity: Evidence that the product meets all relevant EU regulations, including ecodesign requirements.
Supporting calculations: Any calculations used to determine energy efficiency classes or other label information.
Model identifier: A unique code that distinguishes a specific product model.

Note: Suppliers are required to keep this documentation for at least 15 years after the last unit of the model has been placed on the market.

Step 5: Register your products in EPREL

Each product model receives a unique EPREL registration number upon successful registration.

Step 6: Energy label creation

Use the EPREL system to create the official EU energy label for your product. The label is generated based on the data you’ve entered during registration.

Step 7: Affixing the energy label

Attach the energy label, complete with the QR code, visibly on the front or top of the product or its packaging. It should be clearly visible and not obscured.

For online sales, display the energy label and the product information sheet prominently on the website or in catalogues, near the price and product description.

Product information sheets should be in the official language(s) of the country where the product is sold.

Note: Labels must not be altered and should be printed in high quality to ensure readability.

Step 8: Maintain compliance

Stay informed about any changes in energy labelling regulations. If there are changes to the product that affect its energy efficiency or other label information, update the data accordingly.

Understanding the energy label, source: energy-efficient-products.ec.europa.eu

The language-neutral logo. The bolt replacing the last letter in the word ENERG replaces a desinence that varies across the various EU languages (e.g. Energy, Energie, Energia, etc.)
QR code with link to EPREL
Energy efficiency classes (with a scale from A to G)
Energy efficiency class of this product model
Energy consumption
Indication of additional non-energy parameters (noise emissions, water consumption, capacity, repairability, reliability class, etc.)
Reference to the regulation

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failing to comply with EPREL registration and energy labelling requirements can have serious consequences. National authorities may impose significant fines. Non-compliant products may be removed from the market altogether. Additionally, non-compliance can damage your reputation, causing a loss of consumer trust and negatively impacting your brand’s credibility in the marketplace.

Conclusion

Navigating the EPREL registration and energy label requirements is a critical step for suppliers in the EU market. By understanding your obligations and following the proper procedures, you can ensure compliance, avoid legal pitfalls, and meet consumer expectations for energy-efficient products.
For more detailed information, consider consulting official EU guidelines or seeking expert advice, for example from us at 24hour-AR: read here how it works!

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if my product falls under multiple delegated acts?2024-11-19T11:03:05+00:00

What should I do if my product falls under multiple delegated acts?

If your product falls under multiple delegated acts, you must ensure compliance with all applicable regulations. This may involve meeting specific requirements for each category and providing comprehensive technical documentation covering all aspects.

Can authorised representatives register products on behalf of manufacturers?2024-11-19T10:57:51+00:00

Can authorised representatives register products on behalf of manufacturers?

Yes, authorised representatives established in the EU can register products in EPREL on behalf of manufacturers located outside the EU. They act as the legal entity responsible for compliance within the EU.

How long is the energy label valid for a product?2024-11-19T10:57:36+00:00

How long is the energy label valid for a product?

The energy label remains valid as long as the product is placed on the market without any significant changes affecting its energy efficiency. If new regulations come into effect or the product is modified, a new label may be required. Creating an energy label for a product does not guarantee that it meets ecodesign requirements. You need to follow the ecodesign delegated acts for market restrictions of the product.

In which languages should the energy label be provided?2024-11-19T10:57:17+00:00

In which languages should the energy label be provided?

Energy labels have a common format across the EU market for each product type. However, product information sheets must be provided in the official language(s) of the EU country where the product is marketed. This ensures that consumers can understand the information regardless of their location within the EU.

Are online retailers required to display energy labels?2024-11-19T10:57:01+00:00

Are online retailers required to display energy labels?

Yes, online retailers and sellers through distance selling methods are required to display the energy label and the product information sheet prominently on their websites. The label should be placed near the price and product description to ensure consumers can easily access the information.

Do I need to update EPREL if my product specifications change?2024-11-19T10:56:45+00:00

Do I need to update EPREL if my product specifications change?

Yes, if there are any changes to your product that affect its energy efficiency, performance, or other information displayed on the energy label, you must update the product’s data in EPREL accordingly. This ensures that consumers and authorities have access to accurate and up-to-date information.

How long does it take to register a product in EPREL?2024-11-19T10:56:26+00:00

How long does it take to register a product in EPREL?

The time required to register a product in EPREL varies depending on the complexity of the product and the completeness of your technical documentation. For a single product with all documentation prepared, the registration can be completed in about one hour. Bulk registrations or products requiring additional data may take longer.

Is there a fee for registering products in EPREL?2024-11-19T10:56:03+00:00

Is there a fee for registering products in EPREL?

No, there is no fee charged by the European Commission for registering products in the EPREL database. The registration process is free of charge for suppliers.

What is the EPREL registration number?2024-11-19T10:55:41+00:00

What is the EPREL registration number?

The EPREL registration number is a unique identifier assigned to each product when it is registered in the EPREL database. It ensures that every product can be uniquely identified, helps avoid confusion with similar products, and is instrumental in creating the QR code printed on the product’s energy label. When scanned, the QR code directs consumers to the product’s detailed page in the public part of the EPREL database.

What types of products require EPREL registration?2024-11-19T11:03:26+00:00

What types of products require EPREL registration?

Products that are subject to the EU Energy Labelling Regulation (EU) 2017/1369 and its delegated acts require EPREL registration. This includes energy-related products such as household appliances, lighting products, heating and cooling equipment, and electronic devices like televisions and monitors.