- EPREL is the official EU database where all energy label products are registered before being sold on the European market.
- The new energy labels with A-G scale, pictograms and QR code allow you to compare consumption and access detailed technical information on EPREL.
- Manufacturers, importers, and representatives must verify their identity with a qualified NTR-based electronic seal certificate to operate in EPREL.
- The system reinforces transparency and energy efficiency, driving innovations such as more efficient LED mirrors and smart labeling tools.
If you work in the electronics sector or sell household appliances in the European Union, the name EPREL will sound increasingly familiar. It's not a passing fad, but rather the official system that the European Commission uses to record and display the energy information of products that are sold on the European market. And as a consumer, even if you don't see it directly, it affects you every time you choose a washing machine, a TV, or even an LED mirror.
In the following lines you will find a A practical and comprehensive manual for the EPREL system, geared towards consumers and electronics companies.What is it, how does the database work, what role do energy labels play, what obligations do manufacturers and importers have, what on earth is the famous EPREL Certificate, and why does everything now revolve around the NTR code and the qualified electronic seal? Let's get down to business.
What is EPREL and why does it exist?
EPREL stands for European Product Registry for Energy Labelingor, in other words, the European Register of Products for Energy Labelling. It is a central database maintained by the European Commissionwhere suppliers (manufacturers, importers or authorized representatives) are required to register product models that carry an energy label.
The legal basis for this system is in the Regulation (EU) 2017 / 1369which mandates that information on energy-labeled products be uploaded to a database accessible to authorities and, to a large extent, to the public. EPREL is already available in the 24 official languages of the EU and has become the benchmark for checking technical data, energy classes and conformity documentation.
From the January 1, 2019 Suppliers wishing to sell in the EU, the EEA (Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) and, under the Northern Ireland Protocol, also in Northern Ireland, must Register your products with EPREL before putting them on the marketWithout that registration, there is no valid energy label and, in practice, the product should not be marketed.
How EPREL helps the consumer
EPREL is not just a bureaucratic obligation for companies; it is also a key tool for buyers. Through this platform, users can consult the information sheets and energy labels of a huge variety of energy-related products.
The information is organized by product groups (for example, washing machines, refrigerators, electronic displays, light sources, etc.). The system allows filters to be applied according to specific characteristics of each category: energy class, noise level, water consumption, Eco cycle duration, load capacity, technology used, dimensions, screen resolution and a long etcetera.
Access to the data can be done in two very practical ways: by directly entering the equipment characteristics or, more convenient nowadays, scanning the QR code on the energy labelThat QR code links to the product's EPREL data sheet, where the consumer can review more detailed information than fits on the physical sticker.
Energy labelling: from A+++ to the new AG scale
The European energy label has been with us since 1994And it has been key in guiding buyers towards more efficient products. For years, scales like A+, A++, and A+++ were used, but with technological advancements, they became too limited: too many products were concentrated in the higher categories, and the labeling became unclear.
With the recent reform, the EU has once again implemented a simple scale from A to G for many product families. The classes correspond, as always, to a color grading ranging from dark green (A, very efficient) to red (G, inefficient)This makes it easy to quickly compare appliances of the same type based on their energy consumption.
Since 2021, this new AG scale without "+" signs has been applied, among others, to: domestic and hotel refrigerators, commercial refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, televisions and monitors, signage displays and also to light bulbs and lamps. Other products have been gradually incorporated with their own labeling regulations.
It's important to know that Products with the old label can no longer be sold Once the transition periods stipulated by each regulation have passed, this requires suppliers to update their catalogs and ensures that consumers always see information based on the current scale.
What information does the new energy label show?
The modern label not only indicates the AG class; it integrates several key elements. First, at the top appears the Supplier name or brand and model identifierwhich allows it to be located in EPREL. Right next to it, the AG scale icon is displayed with the product class clearly highlighted.
One of the most visible changes is the mandatory inclusion of a QR code in the upper right cornerBy scanning it with a mobile phone, the user accesses the EPREL data sheet, where they can see more extensive parameters, manuals, technical documentation and, in general, information that does not fit on the physical label.
In the central part, the label clearly highlights the energy consumption of the deviceThis value is typically expressed in kWh per year, 100 cycles, 1000 operating hours, etc., depending on the product type. This value is standardized to ensure the fairest possible comparison between models.
Several appear in the lower section. Specific pictograms that summarize key featuresFor example, load capacity, noise level in decibels, Eco program duration, luminous flux, noise class, compartment volume, or any other data relevant to that category. Some icons have been retained, others have been updated, and new symbols have also been created to better reflect the current functions of the appliances.
Obligations of manufacturers, importers and distributors
If you produce, import, or represent a manufacturer of energy-labeled products in the EU, you must comply with a series of very clear obligations linked to the EPREL systemIgnoring them can put you out of the market altogether.
First, the company has to Register your organization with EPRELThis involves creating an EU Login account and completing a digital identity verification process, which includes electronic seals and signatures regulated by eIDAS. Without this verification, the organization is marked as "not verified" and may be blocked from registering models.
Once the company is registered, it is mandatory Register each product model that requires an energy label before selling the first unit in the EU. EPREL automatically generates the energy label and product information sheet, including the QR code, provided the product falls within the scope of the post-2019 standards.
The energy label must to be placed visibly at the point of saleThis applies both in physical stores and online. For distance selling, the seller can display the full label or just the energy class arrow next to the price, always with a clear link to the full label and the EPREL data sheet.
The supplier is also obligated to provide key parameters to generate the label and the recordas well as any technical documentation that market surveillance authorities may request during their compliance checks. This documentation is used to verify that the declared information is accurate and that the product meets eco-design requirements.
Online sales, QR codes and access to information
The rise of e-commerce has meant that energy labeling has had to adapt. In an online store, the information on the energy class and access to the label They must be just as clear as in a physical store. Otherwise, it will be considered a violation of the regulations.
Companies can choose to upload the label and the product information sheet directly to their websiteor by linking to the corresponding record in EPREL. Both options are valid, provided that the consumer has easy and direct access to the documents and that the energy class is visible near the price.
The QR code printed on the label, meanwhile, has become the direct gateway to European EPREL registration for each specific modelScanning this code is the easiest way for any user to compare commercial information with the official record registered with the Commission.
The role of electronic certificates and the eIDAS Regulation
In order for EPREL to be able to trust that whoever claims to be a supplier truly is one, it relies on the framework of Electronic identification and trust services eIDAS (Regulation (EU) No 910/2014). This regulation defines, among other things, qualified electronic signatures and qualified electronic seals.
Un Qualified Electronic Seal (QESealC) It's the digital equivalent of a company's traditional seal, but with enhanced legal guarantees. It's an electronic data point that is logically attached to or associated with other data to certify its origin and integrity. In other words, it ensures that the data comes from the specified legal entity and hasn't been modified since it was issued.
In the context of EPREL, this seal is used to verify the legal identity of the organization that registers as a supplier and to authenticate certain automated administrative actions, such as company registration or the registration of forms. EPREL delegates this verification to Qualified Trust Service Providers (QTSP/PCSC), which are the entities accredited to issue qualified certificates in accordance with eIDAS.
From VAT/LEI identifier to NTR: key changes in verification
For a time, different types of identifiers were allowed to identify companies in the qualified certificates that EPREL accepted, such as the VAT (VAT number), the LEI (Legal Entity Identifier) or internal codes such as PSD. However, practical experience has shown that this variety generated inconsistencies and verification difficulties between countries.
In response to these problems, the verification guidelines have been updated: starting with April 22, 2025 EPREL will only accept qualified electronic seal certificates that include an NTR (National Trade Register) identifierThis is the identifier from the national commercial register or other equivalent company register.
This has forced service providers and companies to adapt. Existing certificates based on other identifiers (VAT, LEI, etc.) will be phased out. progressively losing validity until April 22, 2027, the date on which they will no longer be accepted. Therefore, all organizations using EPREL must review their certificates and renew them with an NTR if they want to continue registering products without any problems.
The company's unique European identifier (EUID), which can be searched on search engines such as Business Registers of the European e-Justice Portal or in the Companies Search Engine of the Registrars in Spain, it also plays an important role in unequivocally linking the legal entity with its records and certificates.
EPREL Certificate: what it is and who needs it
The call EPREL Certificate It is not a mysterious certificate different from the others, but a specific type of qualified electronic seal certificate that meets the requirements demanded by the European Commission to operate in the EPREL system.
This certificate is used for digitally identify the company as a legal entityallowing it to complete the registration of its products that require an energy label: washing machines, dishwashers, dryers, refrigerators and freezers, electronic displays and televisions, light bulbs and lamps, air conditioning and heating equipment, boilers, professional refrigeration equipment, tires, etc.
Without such a certificate, the organization will be labeled as an "unverified supplier" and the European Commission may prevent the registration of new modelsIn practice, this means that the company It will not be able to market energy-labeled products in the EU, the EEA or Northern Ireland until he regularizes his situation.
Only those who can issue this type of certificate Qualified Trust Service Providers (QTSPs) recognized within the eIDAS framework. Not all Member States have accredited providers for qualified electronic seals, which has led companies from countries such as Denmark, Sweden or even the United Kingdom (outside the EU) to have to resort to providers from other countries, for example Spanish entities specializing in EPREL certificates.
How to obtain a qualified EPREL certificate
The process for obtaining a qualified electronic seal certificate suitable for EPREL is usually quite structured, although each provider may add their own touches. Generally speaking, the company must gather the documentation that proves its existence and the representation of the person acting on its behalf (deeds, commercial registers, powers of attorney, etc.).
Next, the certificate is requested from the chosen qualified provider, who performs a subscriber identity verificationThis is becoming increasingly common through remote video identification systems combined with automated checks against official records. Once validation is complete, the certificate is issued on a secure medium.
Nowadays, it is common for the certificate not to be delivered on a cryptographic card or physical token, but to be stored in a centralized cloud-based signature platformThese solutions allow the certificate to be used from different devices, with exclusive control by the company and strong security measures (MFA, HSM custody, traceability of uses, etc.).
The advantage of this cloud-based issuance is that the certificate can be put into service in a matter of hours Once the checks are completed, there's no need for physical shipments or complicated installations on the customer's equipment. For organizations that manage many models in EPREL or experience frequent changes to their catalog, this agility can make all the difference.
EPREL organization registration and verification process
When a supplier wants to start operating in EPREL, the first step is Create an EU account Loginwhich is the European Union's digital identity system for accessing numerous institutional services. These credentials grant access to the EPREL portal and initiate the creation of the "EPREL Organization," which legally represents the provider.
At that moment, EPREL demands that it Provide a Qualified Electronic Seal issued by a QTSPwhere the NTR and other identifying information of the company are correctly stated. This seal serves to certify the actual existence of the organization, its establishment in the EU/EEA territory or Northern Ireland, and the right of the provider administrator to act on its behalf within the system.
With that information, EPREL can automate a set of checks: Verify legal identity, confirm that the company is established where the regulations stipulate.and validate that the user profile designated as Supplier Admin is indeed authorized to register models. This entire verification mechanism aims to reduce the risk of unauthorized entry. illegitimate or fraudulent content in the database.
Authenticity and integrity of data in EPREL
The European Commission's insistence on the use of qualified electronic seals is not arbitrary. The objective is twofold: on the one hand, guarantee authenticity that the data for a model actually comes from the responsible company and not from a third party impersonating it; on the other hand, ensure the integrity of the informationThat is, it has not been altered between the issuance and the consultation.
These two pillars—authenticity and integrity—are fundamental for market surveillance authorities and consumers can trust EPRELIf the recorded data can be manipulated without leaving a trace, the energy label would lose some of its value as a regulatory and environmental transparency tool.
Application of EPREL labeling to specific products: the case of LED mirrors
A good example of how EPREL is permeating the market are the mirrors with LED lightingAlthough at first glance they may seem like a simple decorative element, the reality is that they are lighting products subject to European regulations on energy labelling and light sources, provided they meet certain technical conditions.
LED mirrors that are sold as independent units, with integrated light source, direct connection to the electrical network and power greater than 0,5 WThey must be registered with EPREL and display their corresponding energy label. The manufacturer must declare in the registration data such as the estimated annual consumption, luminous flux, LED lifespan, color rendering index, color temperature (warm, neutral, cool) and details on repairability and availability of spare parts.
For the consumer, this means that the energy label of an LED mirror allows quickly compare the impact on the electricity bill between different models. In a product that may be switched on for several minutes a day in bathrooms and makeup areas, going from class A to E can make a significant difference in consumption in the medium term.
In practice, this labeling is pushing the sector to improve the efficiency of lighting systemsThe use of the latest generation of LEDs becomes widespread; smart mirrors that regulate intensity according to use, presence sensors that turn on the light only when needed, or reflective materials that optimize light distribution. Furthermore, mirrors that do not reach certain minimum efficiency thresholds simply They cannot be marketed in the EU.
Not all lighted mirrors fall within the scope of EPREL. For example, the following are excluded: models powered solely by rechargeable batteries without a direct connection to the mainsCertain products are inseparably integrated into furniture, or those that use independent light sources with their own EPREL registration. Therefore, the absence of an energy label on an LED mirror does not always imply non-compliance: it may simply be exempt by design.
Digitization, “smart labels” and the future of labeling
Energy labeling is not isolated from the rest of the digital transformation. Sectors such as automotive, IoT, and aerospace are incorporating solutions from “smart labeling”where a single physical label provides access to large volumes of information in the cloud, which can also be updated without reprinting the media.
In this context, QR codes linked to EPREL function as a first step towards more dynamic labels: a static label on the product, but live data in the European databaseThrough apps and online portals, consumers can view manuals, extended instructions, maintenance data, repair and recycling information, and even notifications about regulatory changes or efficiency updates.
Everything points to us seeing a even closer integration between EPREL, electronic signature services and product information systems in the coming years. As sustainability and circularity requirements become stricter, the energy label is likely to incorporate even more indicators related to repairability, durability, and recycled content.
The EPREL system, with its combination of public database, robust supplier verification, qualified certificates, and clear user labelingIt has become a central element in the European strategy to improve the energy efficiency of electrical and electronic products. Understanding how it works not only helps companies comply with regulations smoothly, but also allows consumers to make more informed purchasing decisions by comparing energy ratings, consumption, and performance with objective and verified data.
