1、 Regulatory framework and scope of application
Washing machines exported to the European Union must meet two mandatory regulatory systems simultaneously: the Energy Efficiency Labeling
Regulation and the Eco Design Directive (ErP). The core regulations include:
EU 2019/2014 Energy Efficiency Labeling Regulation: stipulates the unified format and content of energy efficiency labels, adopting the A to G seven
level energy efficiency grading system (which has replaced the old A+++to D grading system since 2021).
EU 2019/2023 Ecological Design Implementation Regulation: Specific ecological design requirements for washing machines, covering energy efficiency,
water consumption, maintainability, spare parts supply, etc.
(EU) 2023/826 "New Regulation on Standby Power Consumption": Mandatory from May 9, 2025, the power consumption limit for washing machines
in standby and off modes is 0.50 watts.
2、 Requirements for Energy Efficiency Label Content
The new energy efficiency label must clearly display the following information:
Supplier name or trademark and product model
Energy efficiency level (A-G, A is the most efficient)
Annual electricity consumption (kWh/year)
water consumption
Washing performance and dehydration efficiency
Noise level (decibel value)
EPREL QR code: Consumers can scan the code to redirect to the official EU database and query complete product energy efficiency information
The label must be printed in the specified size (minimum 20mm × 54mm) on the product body and prominent position on the outer packaging,
and uploaded synchronously on the e-commerce platform details page.
3、 Core technical indicators of ecological design
The washing machine must meet the following mandatory performance limits:
Energy Efficiency Index (EEI): A core indicator for measuring energy efficiency levels, which comprehensively calculates the energy consumption and
load capacity under typical usage scenarios throughout the year.
Washing efficiency index: Washing machines with a rated capacity greater than 3kg must be greater than 1.03; The weight equal to or less than 3kg
must be greater than 1.00.
Water consumption limit: Wt ≤ 5 × c+35 (c is the rated capacity).
Maintainability and spare parts availability: Regulations provide clear requirements for spare parts supply periods, maintenance information acquisition, etc.
4、 EPREL database registration
All washing machines sold in the EU market must complete the EU's official Energy Efficiency Product Database (EPREL) registration before being put
on the market
Obtain a unique registration number and QR code after registration.
Non EU companies must entrust an EU authorized representative (EU representative) to carry out operations.
Registration is a one-time process, and updates are required when product or company information changes.
5、 Certification application process
The complete process is divided into four steps:
Step 1: Product energy efficiency testing
Entrust a laboratory with ISO/IEC 17025 qualification to conduct comprehensive testing in accordance with EU coordinated standards such as EN 60456,
including EEI, power consumption, water consumption, washing performance, dehydration efficiency, noise level, etc.
Step 2: Technical documentation preparation
After the laboratory issues the test report, the enterprise needs to prepare technical construction documents (TCF), including product manuals, circuit
diagrams, BOM lists, trademark registration certificates, manufacturer information, etc.
Step 3: EPREL database registration
Submit product information and generate compliant energy efficiency labels through European login to EPREL system.
Step 4: Labeling and Platform Upload
Attach labels to products and packaging, and display information on e-commerce platforms.
6、 Application cycle and cost reference
Complete cycle: usually 2-3 weeks. The energy efficiency test takes about one week, and the preparation of technical documents and EPREL registration
takes about 3-5 working days. If the information is complete and there are no design improvements, it can be completed in at least 2 weeks.
Testing fee: The single ERP energy efficiency testing (including report and filing consultation) is approximately RMB 2000-4000, and the actual cost
fluctuates due to product complexity.
7、 Important Compliance Tips
CE marking association: ErP/energy efficiency requirements have been integrated into the CE marking framework and must be reflected in the EU
declaration of conformity.
EU authorized representative: Non EU enterprises without verified EU representatives will have invalid labels generated from registration.
Regulatory update trend: The joint work plan for 2025-2030 of the European Union's Sustainable Product Eco Design Regulation (ESPR) has been released,
with washing machines as a key regulated product. The new version of the regulation will be updated between 2026 and 2030, and it is recommended that
companies plan ahead.
