The energy label
Depending on your product portfolio, knowing the energy labeling required for your products may well be essential for you as an Amazon seller. This label provides information about the product’s energy consumption and energy efficiency to the user, helping them to make informed, environmentally sound decisions. The present blog post tells you everything you need to know about the old and the new energy label and the EPREL database. Let’s start with the old energy label.
The old energy label
The old energy label was introduced in 1995 and used until 2021. It featured a scale ranging from A+++ (highest efficiency) to D (lowest efficiency). As more and more products were classified as class A+++, A++ or A+, this scale was becoming more and more confusing for the users because they were no longer able to discern the differences between the top-tier efficiency classes.
The new energy label
To improve clarity and comparability, a new energy label was introduced in March 2021. It uses a simpler scale ranging from A (highest efficiency) to G (lowest efficiency). Due to the new scale, many former A+++ products are now found in a lower class, encouraging the manufacturers to continuously improve their products.
Important changes:
- New efficiency classes: The scale was adjusted: A now stands for the most efficient and G for the least efficient products.
- Standardized design: The new label has a standardized design and includes additional information, e.g., the annual energy consumption in kWh.
- QR code: Each new label contains a QR code that links to the EPREL database (see below), where users can find more information about the product.
Products with the new energy label:
The new energy label is required for a wide variety of products, including:
- Household appliances: Refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, dishwashers and dryers.
- Electronic displays: TVs and monitors.
- Light sources: Light bulbs and lamps.
- Air conditioners and heaters: Air-conditioning systems, heaters and water heaters.
Introduction and transition:
The new energy label was introduced gradually in order to give both manufacturers and sellers time to prepare for the new challenges. During this transitional period, products that had already been on the market had to be sold with the old label until all the stock was sold. New products, on the other hand, have to be equipped with the new energy label from the start.
The EPREL database
The European Product Database for Energy Labeling (EPREL) is a central database where manufacturers are obligated to register their products. It has several advantages:
- Transparency: Users can find detailed information about the product’s energy efficiency and other relevant data.
- Comparability: The database facilitates the comparison of different products.
- Compliance: For you as a seller, registering all your products in the EPREL database is important in order to comply with the statutory requirements.
Why is this important for you as Amazon seller?
Equipping your products with a correct energy label is not only a statutory requirement, but also gives you a competitive edge. Well-informed customers often prefer energy-efficient products that are more environmentally friendly and save money in the long term.
3 simple steps and it is done:
- Product registration: Make sure that all relevant products are registered in the EPREL database.
- Label update: Update the energy label of your products according to the new requirements.
- Provide information: Use the product description on Amazon to tell your customers about the energy efficiency and advantages of your products.
The energy label is closely linked to the new EU Ecodesign Regulation. This Regulation aims at enhancing the environmental compatibility and energy efficiency of products. The energy label supports these objectives by making energy efficiency more transparent. If you want to learn more about the EU Ecodesign Regulation, please read this blog post.
Conclusion
The energy label is an essential aspect of product marketing and legal compliance for Amazon sellers. If you comply with the new regulations and use the EPREL database, you can not only avoid legal troubles, but also strengthen your customers’ trust and satisfaction.
You need assistance?
It is best to book an appointment directly for a free initial consultation.
Who wrote this article?
As an author, Christina fills the blog section of our website with exciting and informative articles, so that our readers can always take care of product compliance in their company in the most well-informed way.
