EU regulation
Energy labelling: product groups, labels and EPREL
Overview
Short answer
Regulation (EU) 2017/1369 establishes the energy labelling framework. It does not immediately require a label for every energy-related product. The applicable delegated act specifies the product group, information requirements and dates. For covered models, suppliers need to coordinate accurate labelling, technical documentation and, where registration is required, EPREL registration. Art. 1,3-4,16.
Legal status
Law in force
The framework Regulation is in force. This review covers the consolidation of 1 May 2021 and Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/994 on EPREL. Product-group delegated acts have their own requirements and dates, which require separate checking.
Part 1
Framework first, product rules next
The framework concerns information about energy use and other relevant product characteristics. Detailed duties are set through delegated acts for specific product groups. Check definitions and exclusions in the correct act before commissioning tests or designing a label. Another product group’s class thresholds or layout are not reliable evidence for your model. Art. 1,16.
Part 2
Suppliers and dealers have different duties
The supplier is responsible for accurate labels and product information sheets, supported by technical documentation. The dealer displays the label and makes the product information sheet available under the rules, including distance selling. Assign responsibility for getting the correct version into the webshop, printed material and other sales channels. Art. 2(14),3,5.
Part 3
Register the correct model in EPREL
For a new model covered by a delegated act, the prescribed information is entered before a unit is placed on the market. EPREL contains public information and a compliance part. Model identification, technical parameters and documentation should form the same evidence set used for the label. Registration does not replace supplier responsibility for accuracy. However, Article 4(5) exempts the heater packages specified there from the registration duties in Article 4(1) and (2) where the dealer alone is responsible for the label. Art. 3-4,12; Annex I.
Part 4
Supplier verification is a separate check
Implementing Regulation 2024/994 sets out supplier verification in EPREL. Only verified suppliers may register models or modify existing registrations. Verification concerns identity and establishment in the EU, among other matters. It should not be confused with testing a model or an authority determining that all published product values are correct. Art. 2-6.
Part 5
Make declared values reproducible
Retain test results, calculations, methods and the explanation behind declared values with the model. Technical evidence must allow the accuracy of information to be assessed. Assign an owner to reconcile the label, product information sheet and EPREL before release. This is a practical control step, not a separate certificate prescribed by the framework. Art. 3.3,12.5.
Part 6
Track product and regulatory changes together
A technical change or a new delegated act may require existing evidence to be revisited. Check model identity, label data and when new requirements apply. Do not assume that all product groups change scales at the same time. Plan updates with dealers so displayed information matches the products supplied. Art. 2(4)-(6),3-6,11,16.
Checklist
Key takeaways
- Find the delegated act for your product group.
- Keep labels, product information sheets and test evidence consistent.
- Register a new model subject to registration before its first unit is placed on the market.
- EPREL registration is not authority approval of the product.
Questions and answers
Frequently asked questions
Do all electrical products need an energy label?
No. Check whether an applicable delegated act covers the product group. Art. 1,16.
Is EPREL product approval?
No. Registration and supplier verification do not replace responsibility for accurate product information. Art. 3-4,8-9.
Must the dealer show the label online?
Yes, for a covered model, under the framework and relevant delegated act. Art. 5.
Can one label template be used for everything?
No. Format and information are specified for the product group. Check the correct version of its rules. Art. 16.3.
Further reading
Official sources
How Verca helps
How Verca can support the process
Verca can connect product structure and documentation to the correct product version. This provides a shared place for the evidence behind an assessment and makes changes easier to follow. The company remains responsible for identifying applicable requirements, evaluating evidence and making product decisions. Verca platform description.