What EU Energy Labelling Means for Online Retailers in 2026

The EU energy label: a brief overview

The EU energy label was first introduced in 1994 for household appliances. It provides consumers with a standardised way to compare the energy efficiency of products before purchase. According to the European Commission, 93% of EU consumers recognise the energy label, and 75% report using it when making purchasing decisions (Eurobarometer, 2024).

Since 2021, the EU has been rolling out rescaled energy labels that use a simplified A to G scale, replacing the previous A+++ to D system. The rescaled labels are easier for consumers to understand and leave room for future technological improvements at the top of the scale.

The legal framework for energy labelling is established by the Energy Labelling Framework Regulation (EU) 2017/1369. Individual product categories are then covered by delegated regulations that specify the exact labelling requirements for each type of product.

Which product categories require energy labels?

The EU energy labelling framework currently covers over 30 product categories, though not all require an energy label — some only have ecodesign requirements. The main product categories that require an energy label for online display include:

• Electronic displays (TVs, monitors) — Regulation (EU) 2019/2013
• Household washing machines and washer-dryers — Regulation (EU) 2019/2014
• Light sources — Regulation (EU) 2019/2015
• Refrigerating appliances (fridges, freezers) — Regulation (EU) 2019/2016
• Household dishwashers — Regulation (EU) 2019/2017
• Commercial refrigerating appliances with direct sales function — Regulation (EU) 2019/2018
• Tyres — Regulation (EU) 2020/740
• Smartphones and tablets — Regulation (EU) 2023/1669
• Household tumble dryers — Regulation (EU) 2023/2534
• Air conditioners — Regulation (EU) No 626/2011
• Household ovens and range hoods — Regulation (EU) No 65/2014

What must online retailers display?

Online retailers selling energy-labelled products to EU customers must display two things for each covered product: the energy label itself, and the product information sheet (also called a product fiche).

The energy label shows the energy efficiency class on a colour-coded scale, along with key performance data that varies by product category (such as annual energy consumption, noise level, or water consumption). Since the 2021 rescaling, each label includes a QR code that links directly to the product's entry in the EPREL database. According to the European Commission, this QR code always leads to an address beginning with ec.europa.eu.

The product information sheet is a standardised document containing detailed technical data about the product. It is provided in all 24 official EU languages via the EPREL database.

Both the energy label and product information sheet must be accessible near the product price, so that customers can see this information before making a purchase decision.

What is EPREL?

EPREL (European Product Registry for Energy Labelling) is a database set up and operated by the European Commission. It was established under Regulation (EU) 2017/1369 and is further defined by the EPREL Implementing Act (EU) 2024/994.

Manufacturers and importers are required to register their products in EPREL before placing them on the EU market. The database contains the energy label, product information sheet, and technical documentation for each registered model.

Since March 2021, the EPREL database has been publicly searchable. Consumers, retailers, and market surveillance authorities can all access product data through the public interface at eprel.ec.europa.eu.

The European Commission notes that EPREL serves multiple purposes: providing consumers with efficiency information, offering market surveillance authorities access to documentation and supplier contacts, supporting public procurement decisions, and acting as a tool for monitoring technology progress.

Does this apply to sellers outside the EU?

Yes. The obligation to display energy labels applies to any retailer selling covered products to customers in the EU, regardless of where the business is based. If your online shop ships to EU addresses and sells product categories covered by energy labelling regulations, you need to display the energy label and product information sheet.

What happens next?

The EU continues to expand the scope of energy labelling. Smartphones and tablets were added to the framework in 2023, and further product categories may follow. Existing regulations are also periodically reviewed and updated, which can lead to rescaling of the energy classes or changes to the data shown on labels.

For online retailers, staying current means ensuring that energy labels are displayed for all covered products and that the data shown matches what is registered in EPREL. Using the official EPREL database as the source of truth is the most reliable way to keep product energy data accurate and up to date.