Content updated 21 February 2023.

Energy Labelling Directive

The Energy Labelling regulation 2017/1369 was adopted in July 2017, replacing the former Energy Labelling Directive 2010/30/EU. It includes a reintroduction of the original A–G scale for labelling and a new database (EPREL).

Energy labels are used to help consumers choose products that save energy.

The Energy Labelling  Directive 2010/30/EU extended the energy labelling to energy-related products in the commercial and industrial sectors, for example cold storage rooms and vending machines.

Energy labelling requirements are already in force for a number of products and the Commission will continuously adopt delegated regulations for energy labelling in parallel with the adoption of the Ecodesign regulations.

The regulation for online labelling entered into force in June 2014.

The energy labelling scale

The 2017 labelling regulation reintroduced the original A–G scale for future labels to support market surveillance.

As a result of the development of more and more energy efficient products, and because the difference between A++ and A+++ is less obvious to the consumer, the EU energy labels categories will be gradually adjusted to reintroduce the simpler A to G scale. The class A will initially be empty to leave room for more energy efficient models to be developed. 

The rescaling of the old labelling will apply to a total of 15 product groups – including some of the most energy-consuming home appliances (i.e. refrigerators, washing machines).

The following 5 product groups were ‘rescaled’ in 2021 (other product groups carrying EU energy labels will follow in the coming years):

  • Fridges and freezers
  • Dishwashers
  • Washing machines and washer-dryers
  • Electronic displays including televisions
  • Lighting

European Product Registry for Energy Labelling (EPREL)

From January 2019, suppliers (manufacturers, importers or authorised representatives) need to register their appliances, which require an energy label in the European Product Database for Energy Labelling EPREL), before selling them on the European market. 

Reparability and recyclability 

On 30 March 2022, the Commission proposed a new Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation for more environmentally sustainable and circular products. It was published together with the Ecodesign and energy labelling working plan 2022–2024. View more about the work plan here: Link to eceee web page on Ecodesign.

Overview of existing EU Ecodesign, Energy Labelling and Tyre Labelling measures (March 2022)

The European Commission web page on labelling and ecodesign.