Ecodesign for industrial products
Manufactures and importers of industrial fans, power transformers, electrical motors, and welding equipment must follow EU ecodesign regulations. Get detailed guidance and ensure compliance.
The European Union (EU) requirements for ecodesign pave the way for more energy efficient products to enter the market. These requirements have been established based on the EU Ecodesign Directive and product specific regulations.
Product category requirements
EU ecodesign requirements are mandatory for the following categories of products:
- industrial fans
- power transformers
- electrical motors
- welding equipment
Find more information about regulations for each product category below.
Industrial Fans
Industrial Fans
Ecodesign requirements
Mandatory Ecodesign requirements apply to all industrial fans sold within the EU. These guidelines dictate minimum efficiency levels and include stipulations for product labelling and information disclosure.
Energy savings
The transition to more efficient industrial fans has the potential to save Europe 28 TWh of energy and prevent 11 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually by 2030. The actual efficiency of a fan varies, depending on its power requirement-high power fans are, on average, more efficient than low-power fans. By replacing a less efficient model with a more efficient one, operational costs could be reduced by around 20% over a 15-year lifespan.
Note: Energy labelling is not required for industrial fans.
Detailed guidance can be found by clicking the links below:
Power Transformers
Power Transformers
Ecodesign requirements
Ecodesign regulations set minimum energy efficiency levels for transformers with a minimum power rating of 1 kVA that are used in 50 Hz electricity networks or industrial applications. Regulation (EU) No 548/2014 was amended by Regulation (EU) 2019/1783, introducing further specifications.
Energy savings
By complying with these Ecodesign regulations, it's estimated that 16 TWh of energy can be saved per year after 2020. This translates into 3.7 million fewer tonnes of CO2 emissions each year.
Note: Energy Labelling is not required for power transformers.
Detailed guidance can be found by clicking the links below:
Electric Motors and Variable Speed Drives
Electric Motors and Variable Speed Drives
Ecodesign requirements
Ecodesign regulations mandate certain minimum efficiency levels for electric motors and variable speed drives sold in the EU. The Regulation (EU) 2019/1781 came into application as of 1 July 2021, replacing the previous Regulation (EC) No 640/2009.
Energy savings
The adoption of more efficient motors is expected to yield 110 TWh of annual energy savings in the EU by 2030. This equates to a reduction of approximately 40 million tonnes of CO2 emissions per year and savings of around €20 billion on the annual energy bill for EU households and industries
Note: Energy Labelling is not required for electric motors and variable speed drives.
Detailed guidance can be found by clicking the links below:
Welding equipment
Welding equipment
Ecodesign Requirements
Ecodesign rules extend to welding equipment, covering efficiency limits for the power supply and circular economy factors like the availability of spare parts. These requirements will be mandatory as of January, 2023.
Note: Energy Labelling is not required for welding equipment.
Detailed guidance can be found by clicking the links below:
Recent updates
New Ecodesign requirements for industrial fans
The EU has introduced an updated Ecodesign Regulation for industrial fans. Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/1834 entered into force in July 2024 and will apply from 24 July 2026, replacing Regulation (EU) 327/2011. The transition period allows suppliers time to review products and prepare for the new requirements.
Key changes:
The updated regulation reflects advances in technology and the need to reduce energy use and emissions from widely used industrial fans. The new regulation introduces:
- Stricter efficiency requirements aligned with current technologies
- Greater focus on real-life performance, including part-load and variable speed operation
- Clearer scope and product definitions
- More detailed technical documentation and product information requirements
- New repairability and spare parts provisions, supporting longer product lifecycles
What this means for businesses:
Manufacturers and importers should act now to prepare for July 2026 by:
- Reviewing product ranges against new efficiency thresholds
- Identifying products that may require redesign or further testing
- Assessing compliance with updated performance and testing requirements
- Updating technical documentation and Declarations of Conformity
Products that comply today may not meet the new requirements, so early action is recommended.
To meet with the new Regulation, visit: EU Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/1834
Electric motors and variable speed drives
The EU ecodesign requirements for electric motors and variable speed drives (VSDs) were updated in 2019 and entered into force in 2021. The new regulation covers a wider range of motors and sets stricter efficiency requirements.
Key changes include:
- three-phase motors with a rated output between 0.75kW and 1000kW must now meet the IE3 efficiency level, and motors between 75kW and 200kW must meet the IE4 level.
- all VSDs in scope must now reach the IE2 efficiency level.
The new regulation is expected to save around 110 TWh of energy per year by 2030, which is equivalent to the electricity consumption of the Netherlands. This will also reduce CO2 emissions by 40 million tonnes per year and save EU households and businesses around €20 billion per year.
Market surveillance campaign reports
As the MSA, we regularly conduct campaigns on product categories available on the Irish market. Results from campaigns on electric motors and variable speed drives can be found in the summary reports below:
Usuful links and publications
- EPREL platform verification process updates
- Checklist on ecodesign and energy labelling documentation request
- Guidance on EPREL registration from Compliance Service portal
Have questions?
If you have any questions about energy labelling and ecodesign in Ireland, our team is here to help. Contact a member of the MSA to learn more about EU requirements.
Call: 01 8082100
Email: [email protected]