EPREL

In May 2022, the European Commission made public its EPREL program, available to all on its website. This new tool transforms the way European consumers compare energy-related products. Consequently, importers and producers must fulfill the EPREL reporting duties.

What is EPREL?

EPREL stands for the European Product Registry for Energy Labeling. Indeed, EPREL is an organized collection of information about products sold in the European Union (EU). Mainly, its primary function is to compare energy efficiency levels between products sold. Accordingly, Authorities attribute a grade delivered through an energy label. Consequently, every European consumer can easily access the online ERPEL database.

Potential clients can also find a broad range of information about a large category of products, such as:

availability of spare parts
water consumption

noise emission
external dimensions
extension of warranty
duration of product support
others

What are the Benefits of EPREL?

Benefits to Customers

The benefits of EPREL are numerous for clients and businesses.

First, the database allows consumers to develop eco-responsible decisions when choosing a product. Indeed, gathering information about the energy use of a product is often crucial. For example, a customer may purchase an expensive refrigerator and doubts his decision. By checking the EPREL database, the consumer can see the energy consumption of his new product. He can quickly determine whether he is saving money in the long run. Essentially, EPREL offers tools to European customers to make informed purchases. They can compare and identify the products that best fit their specific needs and budget before purchase.

Benefits to Businesses

The European database for energy labeling is also a valuable tool for businesses. First and foremost, it allows companies to register their products in the EU market. Moreover, it facilitates brand trust and standardizes technical documentation.

Most importantly, it helps authorities harmonize and structure products into one database. Therefore, a company that meets eco-friendly standards is easily identifiable, thanks to EPREL.

Who Manages EPREL?

The European Commission is responsible for gathering all data concerning products sold on its territory. Thus, a sub-branch of the Commission oversees the approval of new products to the database.

Those products include:

Television, monitors, and other displays
Dishwashers
Washing machines
Washer-dryers
Light sources

Fridges, freezers, and wine storage
Fridges and freezers with sales function, beverage coolers, and ice cream freezers
Tires
Air conditioners
Domestic ovens

Range hoods
Household tumble driers
others

Procedure to Enter the EPREL Database

The subscription to the database is mandatory for whoever wants to trade in-scope products in the EU.

First, companies must use the European Commission website and submit their product information. However, those registered to the database before 2021 must update their application. Indeed, the company must submit a new request to EPREL, which issues an energy label with a QR code. As a result, customers scan QR codes to access the product’s information on their cell phones.

Here are the registration steps:

STEP 1: Creating a corporate login account

A company wishing to submit its products to EPREL must first create an account on the European Commission website.

STEP 2: Confirming the Account

After creating its account, the company must confirm the provided e-mail and follow a link to create a password.

STEP 3: Accessing EPREL for the first time

The user then needs to authenticate its credentials to access the EPREL platform. Once completed, he must create his organization in the system and fill the general information section. Then he must get a VERIFIED status to proceed.

STEP 4: Publish products publicly

The user can now post its products on the EPREL web page. The products and their descriptions will then be accessible publicly.

EPREL in the Ecodesign Scheme

The European Commission uses these means toward a greener and more eco-responsible future. In this sense, the delegation issues directives and regulations concerning products in the European market. For example, energy labeling is part of the EU ecodesign requirements under Directive 2009/125/EC. The updates to the law closely follow the development of technologies and stricter environmental necessities.

However, this phenomenon is not only apparent in Europe. Other countries related to the EU have also adopted similar decisions, such as Turkey and Canada. Moreover, additional ecodesign labeling obligations may also apply depending on the device, like electronic displays.

Do you have any inquiries on EPREL and energy-related products? Contact Enviropass!