1、 Basic concepts of ERP certification
ERP (Energy related Products Directive) is a mandatory energy efficiency and environmental directive under the EU CE certification framework. For
LED lighting fixtures, it is not a simple certificate, but a complete compliance system that proves that the product meets EU standards in terms of
energy consumption, environmental protection, and lifespan.
The ERP Directive (2009/125/EC) replaced the earlier EuP Directive in 2009, expanding the scope of control to all products that affect energy
consumption. In the CE certification system, LVD is responsible for safety, EMC is responsible for electromagnetic compatibility, and ERP is responsible
for energy efficiency and environmental compliance. Without ERP, CE certification is incomplete.
2、 Core applicable regulations
The compliance of LED lighting ERP is jointly constrained by two regulations:
Ecological design requirements: The European Commission Regulation (EU) 2019/2020, also known as the Single Lighting Regulation (SLR), specifies
the ecological design requirements for light sources and independent control devices, replacing the previous (EC) No 244/2009, (EC) No 245/2009,
and (EU) No 1194/2012.
Energy Efficiency Labeling Requirements: The European Commission has authorized Regulation (EU) 2019/2015, also known as the Energy Labeling
Regulation (ELR), which specifies the labeling requirements for light sources and replaces Regulation (EC) No 874/2012.
The framework regulation is (EU) 2019/2021. The above regulations officially came into effect in September 2021, and since then, the EU has gradually
tightened its requirements.
3、 New A-G Energy Efficiency Classification
The EU has completely abolished the old A+++to D rating system and adopted a simplified A-G seven level system. LED lighting fixtures are classified
according to the total grid luminous efficiency (η TM, unit lm/W):
A-level (≥ 210 lm/W): Ultra high efficiency, belonging to the future high-end level, currently not widely used
B-class (185-<210 lm/W): High efficiency, top-level LED product
C-level (160-<185 lm/W): High efficiency, high-performance commercial product
D-level (120-<160 lm/W): Standard efficiency, minimum entry threshold for general lighting from 2026 onwards
E-level (85-<120 lm/W): entry-level, compliant but below optimal state
F-level (60-<85 lm/W): Low efficiency, outdated technology, gradually being phased out
G-class (<60 lm/W): Extremely low efficiency, equivalent to incandescent/halogen lamps, actually prohibited
Special attention should be paid: Many products that were rated as A++under the old system may only be equivalent to D or E levels under the new
standards. This is not a decrease in product quality, but rather a significant increase in energy efficiency thresholds by the European Union.
4、 Requirements for Core Technical Indicators in 2026
Minimum luminous efficiency threshold: Starting from 2026, general lighting LED fixtures must reach Class D or above, with a luminous efficiency of no
less than 120 lm/W. High end commercial projects typically require B-level (≥ 185 lm/W) or C-level (160-185 lm/W).
Standby power consumption limit: The normal standby power shall not exceed 0.5W; the standby power of a network with networking function shall
not exceed 2.0W.
Flashing performance indicator: Short term flashing indicator (PstLM) must be ≤ 1.0; The flicker effect visibility (SVM) must be ≤ 0.4. The flicker
requirements have been further tightened after 2024.
Lifespan and Light Attenuation: Manufacturers must provide L70/B50 lifespan data to demonstrate that the product can maintain a performance of not
less than 70% of the initial luminous flux after at least 6000 hours. In 2026, some requirements also require passing a 3600 hour durability test, and the
luminous flux maintenance rate after the test shall not be lower than 80% of the initial value.
Power factor and color rendering: Power factor (PF), color rendering index (CRI), and start-up time all have clear limits.
Circular Economy Design: Key and Difficult Points for Compliance in 2026. Regulations require lamps to adopt a double-layer structure design that
separates "durable parts" and "consumables", and the use of irreversible bonding processes such as thermal conductive double-sided tape is strictly
prohibited. LED modules and drivers must be disassembled without damage for easy maintenance and recycling.
5、 Specific requirements for energy efficiency labels
All compliant products must have the new A-G energy efficiency labels clearly printed on their retail packaging, and the label content must include:
Energy Efficiency Rating Diagram (Deep Green Grade A to Red Grade G)
Annual electricity consumption in kWh/1000h units
QR code linking to EPREL database
The unique registration number of the product in the official EU database
For products sold through e-commerce channels, sellers also need to upload label images in the online product information.
6、 EPREL database registration
EPREL (European Product Registry for Energy Labeling) is the official energy efficiency product database of the European Union. All products with
energy efficiency labels must complete registration before being put on the market.
Non EU manufacturers cannot register directly and must designate an EU authorized representative (EU representative) or seek assistance from a
third-party service agency. After successful registration, the system will generate a unique registration number and QR code, which must appear on
the energy efficiency label.
7、 Certification process and required documents
ERP certification follows the compliance path of "third-party testing+technical documents+self declaration":
Product testing: Send the samples to a laboratory with ISO 17025 or CNAS/CMA qualifications for full project testing in accordance with (EU) 2019/2020,
including light efficiency, spectrum, electrical parameters, standby power consumption, flicker, and durability testing.
Technical document preparation: A list of product models, high-definition exterior photos (including internal structural diagrams), explosion diagrams,
circuit schematics, PCB layouts, a list of key components (LED light source models, driver power supplies, control module brands and parameters),
multilingual instruction manuals, comprehensive testing reports, energy efficiency level calculation basis, and an EC declaration of conformity (DoC)
signed by the manufacturer are required.
EPREL system registration: Create a supplier account using an EU authorized representative account, enter product models and technical parameters,
and upload technical documents.
File retention period: From the date of product launch, complete technical files must be kept for at least 10 years for future reference.
8、 Scope of application and exemption situations
Mandatory applicable products: Almost all LED lighting fixtures sold in the European Union must comply, including indoor general lighting, commercial
lighting, architectural decoration lighting, display cabinet and furniture lighting, COB light strips, and LED lighting fixtures with various waterproof levels
(IP20/IP54/IP65/IP67). The LED strip/module sold as a component to lighting manufacturers is also applicable.
Exemption situation (limited): Light sources with a luminous flux below 60 lumens or above 82000 lumens; Emergency lighting; Pure battery powered
lighting fixtures; Stage drama lighting; Some professional industrial lighting fixtures.
9、 Consequences of Violation
Products that do not meet ERP requirements will be considered as' prohibited for new installation ', with specific consequences including:
Detained by customs at the EU border, unable to clear customs and enter the country
Remove from e-commerce platforms such as Amazon
Direct economic losses caused by inventory backlog
Each product model faces fines ranging from 5000 to 50000 euros
10、 Common cognitive misconceptions
Misconception 1: Confusing CE with ERP. CE includes LVD (safety), EMC (electromagnetic compatibility), and ERP (energy efficiency), all of which are
indispensable. The CE mark alone cannot prove ERP compliance.
Misconception 2: Use the old version A++grade to judge product quality. The old A++system has been abolished and must be re evaluated according
to the new A-G level.
Misconception 3: Only focus on wattage without considering light efficiency. The EU market should compare efficiency (lm/W) rather than simply
comparing power (W). The minimum requirement for all projects in 2026 is ≥ 120 lm/W.
Misconception 4: Ignoring flicker indicators. Flashing (PstLM/SVM) is a mandatory compliance project and a test report must be requested.
Misconception 5: Believing that waterproof lighting fixtures can be exempted from ERP. The IP protection level does not exempt energy efficiency
requirements, and all waterproof LED lighting fixtures must comply with ERP.
Misconception 6: Trusting verbal compliance commitments lightly. Suppliers must be required to provide written evidence: ERP test reports issued
by accredited laboratories, energy efficiency labels with EPREL numbers, compliance statements, and technical documents.
