I. Introduction
From 20 June 2025, the new EU energy efficiency regulations for smartphones and tablets have been fully enforced. Under Regulation (EU) 2023/1669 (Energy Labelling) and Regulation (EU) 2023/1670 (Ecodesign), all relevant products exported to the EU must complete energy efficiency testing, affix the new label, and complete EPREL database registration. Failure to comply will result in customs detention, platform delisting, and even fines.
II. Certification Requirements: Two Core Regulations in Parallel
The new regulations impose requirements on products from two dimensions: energy performance and ecodesign.
Energy Labelling Regulation (EU) 2023/1669 requires products to display a uniform energy label in a prominent position. The information must include:
A‑G energy class
Battery endurance and cycle life (e.g., ≥80% capacity retention after 800 charge/discharge cycles)
Repetitive drop reliability class
IP dust/water ingress protection rating
Screen Mohs hardness class
Repairability score
Ecodesign Regulation (EU) 2023/1670 focuses on intrinsic product requirements:
Optimised battery management to improve charging efficiency
At least 5 years of operating system update support
Plastic parts must be marked with polymer type for recyclability
Must meet reliability design requirements for drop resistance and screen scratch resistance
The scope covers smartphones, tablets with a visual diagonal between 7 and 17.4 inches, and certain cordless phones.
III. Certification Process: Four Steps to Compliance
ERP certification is part of the CE marking requirements and must be declared alongside LVD, EMC, and other directives. The standard path is as follows:
Step 1: Product energy efficiency testing – Send samples to a CNAS/ISO 17025‑accredited laboratory for testing in accordance with EN 50564 (standby power) and IEC 62087‑3 (active power). Obtain the official energy efficiency test report.
Step 2: Prepare technical documentation – Compile a complete technical file including product specifications, circuit diagrams, exploded views, test reports, and the Declaration of Conformity (DoC). This documentation must be kept for at least 10 years for EU market surveillance inspections.
Step 3: EPREL database registration – The EU Authorised Representative (EU Rep) enters product information and test data into the official EU EPREL system. Upon approval, a unique registration number and QR code are generated.
Step 4: Label affixing and information upload – Print the new energy label with QR code and affix it to the product body or packaging in a prominent position. For online sales, the label must also be displayed on the product detail page.
IV. Certification Timeline and Cost Estimates
With complete documentation and a first‑time pass, the overall cycle is approximately 2 to 3 weeks, of which laboratory testing takes about 5‑7 working days, and EPREL registration and review takes about 7‑10 working days. If product design defects require corrective actions, the timeline will be extended accordingly.
Costs are not fixed and typically consist of product testing fees, technical documentation review fees, and EPREL registration service fees (including EU Rep services). Package service prices generally range from several thousand to tens of thousands of RMB, depending on product complexity and whether adapter testing is included. Choosing a “testing + registration” one‑stop service is usually more cost‑effective.
V. Where to Find a Certification Body: Choosing a Professional Third Party
Since EPREL registration requires non‑EU manufacturers to appoint an EU Authorised Representative, finding a professional and reliable third‑party service provider is essential. Shenzhen Zhongwei Inspection, as a professional third‑party testing body with CNAS and CMA accreditations, operates an energy efficiency laboratory and provides full‑process one‑stop services covering EU ERP testing and EPREL label registration. From product pre‑testing and technical documentation preparation to EU Rep liaison and label registration, the company helps manufacturers efficiently solve EU energy efficiency compliance challenges and ensure smooth product exports.
