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- Regulatory Compliance Analyst at Euverify, specialising in EU and UK product compliance, risk assessments, and technical file audits. Experienced in interpreting directives and standards, conducting conformity assessments, and maintaining detailed compliance documentation. Dedicated to ensuring products meet regulatory requirements with accuracy and consistency across markets.
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How to Register Products in EPREL: Step-by-Step Guide for EU Energy Labelling
EPREL registration is a legal requirement for energy-labelled products sold in the EU, but it is often misunderstood or left too late. In many cases, the problem only surfaces when a retailer or marketplace refuses to list the product.
The European Product Registry for Energy Labelling (EPREL) is more than a formality or a simple database. It is a key regulatory system used by market surveillance authorities across the EU to check energy performance claims and enforce compliance.
In this guide, we explain how EPREL registration works in practice, who is responsible for registering products, what information must be submitted, and where businesses most often run into trouble. We also cover which products require EPREL registration, such as household appliances, lighting products, electronic displays, and other energy-labelled equipment. The examples are based on real-world compliance scenarios that companies regularly face.
What Is EPREL and Why It Exists
EPREL was created under the EU Energy Labelling Framework Regulation, Regulation (EU) 2017/1369. Its role is to bring all energy label information for products sold in the EU into one central system that can be used by authorities, retailers, and consumers.
If a product falls under an EU energy labelling regulation, it must be registered in EPREL before it is placed on the market. This rule applies to every sales route. It covers online listings, sales through distributors, and direct sales to consumers.
In practical terms, EPREL helps authorities:
- Verify declared energy efficiency values
- Compare products from different suppliers
- Spot gaps or inconsistencies between energy labels, test results, and technical files
If a product is not registered, or if the information is incomplete or incorrect, national authorities can take enforcement action.
Who Is Responsible for EPREL Registration
Responsibility for EPREL registration sits with the supplier, as defined under EU law. This is not always the same as the manufacturer.
EU-Based Manufacturers
If the manufacturer is established in the EU, they are responsible for registering the product in EPREL and for keeping all information accurate and up to date.
Importers and Brand Owners
For importers and brand owners, responsibility can shift when the manufacturer is based outside the EU. In these cases, the importer who first places the product on the EU market, or the brand owner whose name appears on the product, may become legally responsible.
Retailers do not register products in EPREL. However, they must make sure the correct energy label and QR code are clearly displayed at the point of sale.
Non-EU Manufacturers
Non-EU manufacturers can register products in EPREL themselves, but they must complete the supplier verification process. In many cases, they also need to appoint an EU Authorised Representative to support regulatory communication and compliance.
A common issue in practice is non-EU brands assuming their EU distributor will handle EPREL registration, only to find later that the product was never registered at all.
Products That Require EPREL Registration
EPREL applies only to products covered by EU energy labelling delegated regulations. These regulations define which product groups are in scope and exactly what information must be declared for each category. Some of the most common product groups include the following.
Refrigerators and freezers
This category includes household refrigeration appliances such as fridge-freezers and wine storage units. Registration requires details on energy consumption, storage volume, noise levels, and the energy efficiency class, all based on standard test methods.
Washing machines and washer-dryers
Domestic washing machines and washer-dryers must be registered with information on energy and water consumption, washing capacity, programme duration, and noise emissions. Washer-dryers are subject to separate rules because of their combined functions.
Dishwashers
Dishwashers are assessed on energy use, water consumption, cleaning and drying performance, and noise. While the scope is defined by the relevant delegated regulation, most household dishwashers fall within EPREL requirements.
Televisions and electronic displays
This group covers televisions, monitors, and certain digital displays. Registration focuses on energy consumption across different operating modes, along with screen size, resolution, and energy efficiency class.
Light sources
Light sources such as LED lamps and luminaires must be registered with data on energy efficiency, luminous flux, colour properties, and expected lifespan. This category is often misunderstood and frequently misclassified.
Air conditioners and comfort fans
Energy labelling applies to certain air conditioners and comfort fans within defined capacity limits. Registration includes energy efficiency values, cooling capacity, and seasonal performance data.
Space heaters
This category includes electric, gas, and other space heating appliances that fall under energy labelling rules. Required information typically relates to energy efficiency, output capacity, and operational performance.
Ventilation units
Residential ventilation units must be registered with information on energy consumption, airflow rates, and efficiency. These products are often overlooked, especially when they are part of larger systems.
Professional refrigeration equipment
Commercial refrigeration products, such as display cabinets and storage units used in professional settings, are covered by separate delegated regulations with specific technical data requirements.
Each product group has its own delegated regulation that clearly sets out what data must be entered into EPREL, which information is made public, and what supporting documentation must be kept.
A common compliance mistake is assuming that older models, low-volume products, or niche variants are exempt. If a product falls within the scope of an energy labelling regulation, EPREL registration is required before it is placed on the EU market, no matter how or where it is sold.
Step-by-Step: How EPREL Registration Works
Step 1: Confirm Applicability
Before starting, suppliers must confirm:
- The product category
- The applicable energy labelling regulation
- The correct supplier entity
Registering under the wrong category or regulation can invalidate the record.
Example:
A supplier registers a wine cooler under domestic refrigerators, when it should be registered under professional refrigeration. This results in a rejected listing by a retailer and requires re-registration.
Step 2: Create an EU Login and EPREL Supplier Account
EPREL access is managed via EU Login. The supplier account must reflect the legal entity responsible for compliance.
Issues often arise when:
- Trade names are used instead of legal names
- Address details do not match official records
- Multiple entities attempt to register the same product
Supplier identity must be clear and verifiable.
Step 3: Complete Supplier Verification
Supplier verification is mandatory and must be completed before product registration.
This process confirms:
- The legal existence of the company
- EU establishment or representation
- Contact details for compliance matters
Real-world issue:
Non-EU manufacturers often face delays at this stage if they cannot demonstrate EU representation or provide consistent documentation.
Step 4: Prepare Energy Labels and Product Information Sheets
Before entering product data, suppliers must prepare:
- Energy labels in the correct format
- Product information sheets (fiches)
- Technical documentation supporting declared values
Energy labels must follow strict layout, colour, and content rules. Incorrect formatting is a common cause of retailer rejection.
Step 5: Enter Product Data in EPREL
Each product model must be registered individually. Required data varies by category but typically includes:
- Model identifiers
- Energy efficiency class
- Performance parameters
- Noise levels or capacity, where applicable
Some data is publicly visible, while other fields are restricted to authorities.
Example:
A supplier enters estimated energy consumption values instead of tested values. During a market surveillance check, the discrepancy triggers further investigation.
Step 6: Generate the QR Code and Link the Energy Label
Once registration is complete, EPREL generates a QR code linking to the public product record.
This QR code must:
- Appear on the energy label
- Link to the correct EPREL entry
- Be displayed consistently across online and offline sales
Retailers often refuse listings if the QR code does not resolve correctly.
Step 7: Maintain and Update EPREL Records
EPREL registration is not a one-time task. Suppliers must:
- Update records if product specifications change
- Withdraw discontinued models
- Ensure consistency across documentation
Failure to update records can still lead to penalties, even if the product is no longer sold.
Common EPREL Registration Problems in Practice
Delays in Supplier Verification
Supplier verification is one of the most frequent causes of delays during EPREL registration. These usually occur when company names differ across documents, EU representative details are missing, or required information is incomplete. Even small inconsistencies can slow down approval and, in some cases, postpone product launches by several weeks.
Incorrect Product Classification
Selecting the wrong product category or regulation can trigger incorrect data requirements, leading to invalid or rejected registrations.
Inconsistent Documentation
All documentation — including energy labels, EPREL entries, and technical files — must be fully aligned. Authorities often cross-check these materials during audits and inspections.
Retailer or Marketplace Rejections
Many online marketplaces now require EPREL registration before products can be listed. Missing or inaccurate EPREL information can result in rejected listings or temporary suspensions.
What Happens If You Do Not Register in EPREL
Failure to register products correctly can result in:
- Market surveillance enforcement
- Product withdrawal orders
- Administrative fines under national law
- Retailer delisting
Enforcement is carried out at member state level, but EPREL allows authorities to share information across borders.
EPREL and the UK: Important Clarification
EPREL applies only to products placed on the EU market. Following Brexit, Great Britain operates its own, separate energy labelling framework.
That said, many businesses sell the same products in both the EU and the UK, which means they must meet parallel compliance requirements. Managing these obligations separately is essential to ensure accuracy and avoid compliance issues.
When EPREL Registration Becomes Complex
EPREL registration often becomes challenging when:
- The supplier is non-EU
- Products fall under multiple regulations
- Technical documentation is incomplete
- Retailers impose tight onboarding deadlines
In these cases, errors can lead to repeated rework and delayed market access.
How Euverify Can Help
Registering products in EPREL requires accurate supplier details, correct product classification, complete documentation, and proper record keeping over time.
Euverify works with manufacturers, importers, and non-EU brands to handle EPREL registration from start to finish. This includes support with supplier verification, reviewing and preparing technical files, entering product data correctly, and coordinating EU Authorised Representation where needed.
Handling these requirements early helps reduce delays, prevents the need for corrections or re-registration, and allows products to be placed on the EU market without unnecessary disruption.
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