Energy Labeling: Increased Market Control in the EU
Since its launch on January 1, 2019, the European Product Database for Energy Labeling (EPREL) has had a clear and specific goal: to make clear and verified information on the energy performance of various appliance models readily available. The focus on market control is now set to increase even further. Starting from October 22, 2024, all suppliers registering their product models in the database will be required to undergo digital identity verification. “The verification requirement,” the European Commission states in a press release, “will help ensure the quality, reliability, and usefulness of the information provided to consumers and public authorities via the EPREL database, where all energy-labeled products must be registered by suppliers when entering the EU market.” Suppliers without a verified digital ID will not be allowed to register their products.
How does the energy labeling product database work?
The EPREL database was created with a dual purpose: to make the list of labeled products accessible to all consumers and to provide a useful tool for market control authorities. Currently, the database includes:
- Dishwashers
- Washing machines
- Washer-dryers
- Displays
- Refrigeration appliances, freezers, and wine refrigerators
- Refrigeration appliances and freezers with direct sales function, beverage coolers, and ice cream freezers
- Tires
- Light sources
- Air conditioners
- Household ovens
- Kitchen hoods
- Household tumble dryers
- Local space heating appliances
- Professional refrigeration/freezer cabinets
- Residential ventilation units
- Solid fuel boilers
- Sets of solid fuel boilers
- Space heating appliances/mixed heating appliances
- Sets of space heating appliances/mixed heating appliances
- Temperature controls for space heating appliances
- Solar devices for space heating appliances
- Water heaters
- Sets of water heaters
- Hot water tanks for water heaters
- Solar devices for water heaters
Suppliers of the products listed above must enter a series of essential information into the EPREL database before placing a unit of a new model on the market. The system is divided into two parts:
- Compliance Portal: hosted by the European Commission, it contains a secure database for all energy-efficient products introduced by suppliers. This portal serves as the access point for suppliers as well as for market surveillance authorities and Commission officials.
- Public Portal: open to all citizens, retailers, and researchers. The public database is regularly updated with information from the Compliance Portal.
also read Stop incentives for fossil fuel boilers, the EU guidelines