The power of the QR code
Since March 2021, the European Product Registry for Energy Labelling (EPREL) has transformed how consumers can access information. This is thanks to the QR code printed on every energy label of products covered by legislations from 2019 onwards. This digital shift is not just about convenience; it’s a game-changer for transparent, sustainable and smart shopping across the EU. Both physical stores and online sellers must show the QR code clearly on product pages or labels.
The black-and-white square is your direct link to EPREL. The QR code confirms whether a product meets the latest standards. Scan it with a smartphone, and you will instantly access information about the
energy efficiency class (A-G) (Understanding the Energy Label),
annual consumption (in kWh),
water use (for dishwashers/washing machines),
noise levels (in decibels),
dimensions and capacity (e.g., fridge volume in litres).
EPREL is constantly evolving and new information is added all the time. A new feature is being developed that will allow users to access comparative data to see how a model compares against others in its category. You will be able to check the exact energy use of two A-rated TVs down to the kilowatt-hour and learn that one could use 30% less energy than the other. EPREL will be able to display the differences so you can save money, cut carbon and make informed and future-proof choices. The new A-G scale introduced in 2021 is stricter, so an A today means top-tier efficiency.
But what is EPREL?
EPREL (Visit EPREL) is the EU’s official online database for energy labelling. It was created to empower consumers with detailed, standardised information about millions of products.
Every product with an energy label sold in the EU must without exception be registered in EPREL before they are sold in the EU, or companies face penalties for non-compliance. Comparisons are fair and accurate as the technical data is based on uniform testing methods: greenwashing is avoided as the energy use of a washing machine is measured under the same conditions, whether it is sold in Portugal or Poland.
It is even possible to report non-compliant products to national market surveillance authorities to remove illegal items from the market (How to Report a Non-Compliant Product).
Why this matters
Energy labels are your smart guide to saving money, cutting carbon, and making informed choices about millions of products. Whether you buy a fridge, a light bulb, or even a new home, the energy efficiency label helps you compare products at a glance so you can pick the best for your wallet and the planet.
Verifiable green credentials
Companies also gain from this. Customers increasingly choose sustainable brands so companies stand out when they highlight their energy-efficient products. This in turn, encourages innovation: Labels push manufacturers to design greener and smarter products consuming less energy, reducing waste and using fewer raw materials. Energy-efficient equipment cuts costs, reduces overheads and improves profitability. Last but not least, companies avoid fines and bad press when they meet regulations.
EU’s Green Deal in action
But EPREL is not just about labels: It is a cornerstone of the European Green Deal. Energy efficiency is the lowest-hanging fruit in the fight against climate change and EPREL gives every consumer the power to buy products that contribute to the green transition whether it is a lamp or a fridge.
If every household chose A-rated appliances, European consumers would cut millions of tonnes of CO₂ annually. This will help enable the EU to cut emissions by 55% by 2030 and make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. It will also pay back here and now. The EU estimates that consumers can save up to € 317 (2024 prices) on energy bills alone. This is expected to increase to € 480 per year per household in 2030 (2025 EIA Overview Report).
Let’s make efficient the new normal – one purchase at a time! #EnergyLabelsWork! #EUGreenDeal
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