Electrical products and appliances can vary in their energy efficiency. Clear energy labels help drive consumer awareness and better purchasing decisions.

Driving consumer awareness and choice

Manufacturers and retailers are legally required to provide consumers with information about the energy efficiency of certain products. Labelling helps consumers to choose the most energy-efficient product, lowering energy bills and reducing the impact on the environment.

A recognisable format

The EU energy label follows a standard format which is easily recognisable to consumers. The label must be displayed in a visible manner (including online sales) on products covered by the legislation that are on sale.

The European Product Database for Energy Labelling

It is now a legal requirement for suppliers (manufacturers, importers or authorised representatives) of products covered by the EU Energy Labelling Regulations to upload information about their products into EPREL before placing these products on the market in the EU.

For further information click here:

 

Why check the label?

An energy efficient fridge freezer uses only a third of the energy used by a typical 10-year-old model. Choosing energy efficient appliances will save you money on your energy bills and reduce your greenhouse gas emissions in the long run.

Remember, if you can’t find the energy label on a product, you should ask the retailer to provide it.

Products covered

EU energy labels must be provided and displayed by law for the following products:

Retailers and manufacturers responsibilities

Energy labelling was introduced by the EU in the 1990s. It helps consumers make a choice based on the relative energy efficiency, energy consumption, and performance of a product in typical operating conditions. By choosing energy efficient products, consumers are also helping to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

The EU Energy Labelling Regulation (EU 2017/1369) sets out the responsibilities of Manufacturers and Retailers. We have created three guides to help you understand your responsibilities when displaying energy labels in-store, online or in advertisements.

We have created a statement to provide clear guidance to economic operators on the provision or display of UK energy labels in the Republic of Ireland and the European Single Market.

Rescaled energy label

From 1st March 2021 a new rescaled energy label (ranging from A to G only) has been introduced for the following products:

  • Household refrigerators and freezers
  • Washing machines and washer dryers
  • Dishwashers
  • TVs and electronic displays

From 1st September 2021 a new rescaled energy label (ranging from A to G only) has been introduced for the following products:

  • Lighting products

The new label makes it easier for customers to choose the most energy efficient product within their budget range.

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How to read the A - G energy label

The label rates products from dark green (A) to red (G). Products in the darkest green category are the most energy efficient, use less energy and help you to lower your energy bills and CO2 emissions.

A+, A++ and A+++ being phased out

A+, A++ and A+++ performance classes were introduced for certain products some years ago. This was because the energy efficiency of those products had improved greatly, mainly due to the success of the energy labelling scheme. However, as these classes can be confusing, the European Commission is gradually phasing out their use and replacing them with the new rescaled A-G energy label.

Ease of comparison

The label shows you how much energy the product uses under typical operating conditions, in kilowatt hours (kWh) per annum or per 100 cycles, depending on the type of product, so you can easily compare different models. The lower the kWh figure, the less energy it will use, saving you more money on your energy bills.

Product and performance information

The label also gives product information such as screen size (for TVs) and volume (for refrigerating appliances) and other performance information according to the product e.g. washing and drying performance, water consumption, and noise levels.

 

Report non-compliance

If you wish to report a case of a product being sold without an EU Energy Label or label you suspect to be incorrect, you can complete the below form. Please note that we will not follow up on allegations of non-compliance that are not supported by evidence.