For monitors exported to the EU and the United Kingdom, energy efficiency compliance covers two interrelated yet legally distinct regimes: mandatory energy labelling and ecodesign regulations, plus the voluntary EU Ecolabel.
Products without completed EPREL database registration or missing valid energy labels risk being blocked at customs or delisted from e-commerce platforms.
01 Regulatory Framework: Parallel Compliance for EU and UK
EU: Energy Labelling and Ecodesign
EU energy efficiency rules for electronic displays are governed by two core regulations:
Regulation (EU) 2019/2013 (Energy Labelling): Defines A–G energy efficiency classes, label format and EPREL registration obligations
Regulation (EU) 2019/2021 (Ecodesign): Sets minimum energy performance requirements and power management rules
Scope: Televisions, monitors and digital signage displays.Exclusions: Displays with screen area ≤100 cm², medical monitors, VR headsets and other special categories.
UK: Independent Labelling Regime post-Brexit
Since 1 January 2021, Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) has adopted the UK energy label, replacing the EU label for the UK market.
The new label also uses the A–G rating scale. Core energy efficiency metrics align closely with EU rules, yet the registration portal and compliance pathway operate independently.
02 Mandatory Energy Efficiency Certification: 3-Step Workflow
Step 1: Energy Efficiency Testing & Index Calculation
Core metric: EEI_label (Energy Efficiency Index), which accounts for the visible screen area, on-mode power consumption and correction factors.
Testing conditions: Measurements shall be carried out under both SDR and HDR modes; HDR measurements require metadata activation.
Special allowances:
Monitors equipped with ABC (Automatic Brightness Control) that meet criteria qualify for a 10% power consumption deduction
Enhanced Performance Displays (EPD) may receive additional power allowances based on colour gamut coverage
Step 2: EPREL Database Registration
Non-EU manufacturers cannot register directly. An EEA (European Economic Area) Authorised Representative must be appointed.
The authorised representative uploads technical files, product information sheets and energy parameters into the system.
The platform generates a QR-coded electronic label and product information sheet available for distributors to download.
Step 3: Deployment of Labels and Information Sheets
A printed energy label must accompany every unit, or be printed/affixed on product packaging.
Whenever visual advertisements or technical materials reference the model specifications, the energy class and available label class range must be disclosed.
Distributors must display the electronic label and product information sheet at points of sale, including remote online sales.
03 Voluntary EU Ecolabel: Premium Environmental Qualification
Brands seeking superior environmental credentials may apply for the EU Ecolabel, which sets stricter energy efficiency thresholds than mandatory legislation:
The monitor must rank within the top two energy efficiency classes among products of the same resolution and type in the EPREL database (the class must contain at least 25 registered models to be deemed valid)
On-mode power consumption ≤64 W under the standard configuration
Beyond energy consumption, EU Ecolabel also addresses:
Restriction of hazardous substances (e.g. REACH SVHCs)
Marking of plastic components
Design for disassembly
Recycled material content
During the certificate validity period, the holder shall demonstrate compliance with the top-tier energy class once every two years. This certification has a longer timeline and heavier documentation burden, suited for brands with clear green marketing objectives.
04 Required Document Checklist & Timeline Estimation
Mandatory Technical Documentation
Energy efficiency test report: Issued in accordance with Annex IV of (EU) 2019/2013, covering SDR and HDR power consumption
Technical file: Including circuit diagrams, BOM, panel specifications and EEI calculation records for EPREL upload
Product information sheet: Prepared following the format defined in Annex V of the regulation
Authorised Representative documents: Appointment letter and credentials of the EEA Authorised Representative for non-EU enterprises
Power management declaration: Confirmation that fast-start function is disabled by default and standby power meets limits
Timeline Estimation
The typical lead time from project kick-off to completed registration is 2–3 weeks, subject to test scheduling and EPREL review speed.
If EU Ecolabel application is included, the timeline may extend due to additional chemical testing and disassembly assessment.
Testing usually takes the largest share of the schedule. Pre-testing is recommended in parallel during product finalisation.
05 Our Services
As a professional third-party testing and certification body, we provide services for monitor energy efficiency certification for the EU and UK markets:
Accreditation: CNAS/CMA accredited laboratory; reports recognised by EU and UK market surveillance authorities
Full-scope testing: SDR & HDR power measurement, EEI calculation, ABC function verification, colour gamut testing and more
End-to-end service: Product assessment, sample testing, technical file drafting, EUAR coordination, EPREL registration and label generation in one package
Dual-market coverage: EU ErP certification and UK energy label registration available concurrently
EU Ecolabel support: Assistance with applications for premium environmental certification
