Ecodesign and energy labelling in manufacturing
Which products need an energy label?
Many types of energy-related products are regulated to ensure that clear and consistent information on their energy usage is readily available. This helps consumers make informed purchasing decisions and encourages competition between manufacturers in relation to improving energy efficiency.
From 1 January 2021, there are some differences in the rules for placing energy-related products on the market in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) and placing energy-related products on the market in Northern Ireland.
From 1 March 2021, certain energy-related products must have a re-scaled energy label displayed alongside them at the point of sale.
From 1 October 2021, lighting products must have a re-scaled energy label on their packaging, showing an A-G scale.
These changes apply across the whole of the United Kingdom.
To find out more information about energy labelling, the changes and how they may affect you, please visit the following websites:
- Energy Saving Trust – Energy Saving Trust is an independent organisation working to address the climate emergency. A respected and trusted voice on energy efficiency and clean energy solutions, it continues to work towards a smart, decarbonised, decentralised energy system.
- Simple Energy Advice – The Simple Energy Advice website has advice on ways to save energy, ranging from how you heat your home to how to use products efficiently.
All products in scope must:
- be supplied with an accurate printed energy label
- display an energy label at the point of sale if in a shop or on a website
- have a reference to the energy efficiency class in visual advertisements
- be accompanied by a product information sheet (also known as a product fiche): a table of information giving specified performance data
- be supported by technical documentation allowing the accuracy of the label and fiche to be assessed
In Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Energy Information Regulations 2011 (as amended) are the underpinning legislation. However, there are differences in how they apply in Great Britain and Northern Ireland, as explained in how to comply with energy labelling requirements.
What is covered?
The regulations cover the following energy-related products:
- air conditioners and comfort fans
- dishwashers
- domestic ovens, hobs and range hoods
- electronic displays including televisions
- lighting products
- local space heaters
- professional refrigerated storage cabinets, blast cabinets, condensing units and process chillers
- refrigerating appliances
- refrigerating appliances with a direct sales function
- smart phones (mobile phones, tablets etc)
- solid fuel boilers
- solid fuel local space heaters
- space heaters
- household tumble driers
- ventilation units
- washing machines and washer-dryers
- water heaters, hot water storage tanks and packages of water heater and solar device
(Products in scope may also be subject to the Ecodesign regulations.)
They do not apply to:
- second-hand products
- means of transport