The EU product database EPREL.
The most important facts about the new database.
The EPREL product database ("EU Product Registration database for Energy Labelling") is an electronic database for energy-related products, such as household appliances, for sale within the EU.
Light sources are also prominent energy consumers. They have already displayed the energy label since its introduction in the 1990s. Now, since 2019, all products that need to show an energy label must be registered in the EPREL database by the manufacturer with various background information.
Who makes the registration in EPREL?
The manufacturer is exclusively responsible for the entries in the product database. This also includes sellers of light sources who, for example, have LED modules manufactured exclusively for them. Luminaire manufacturers who offer light sources already placed on the market together with their own luminaires will only have a very limited obligation to register from 2022.
Dealers only have to show the energy label, but they do not have to register or enter anything for it.
What is EPREL for?
The EPREL product data bank enables customers and users to obtain information on energy consumption-relevant products - in our case, light sources. Furthermore, it serves as a means of support for the market surveillance authorities and it also enables the European Commission and the member states to have a market overview for future regulations.
The resulting monitoring possibilities should ensure transparency, easy comparisons and high quality standards - and also prevent product piracy and customs or tax fraud.
Therefore, the database consists of a publicly accessible and a non-publicly accessible part (conformity part):
Public
Anyone can freely access the public part of the EPREL product database. The product information sheet and the energy label of a product can be found there.
Conformity part
The conformity part is only accessible to market surveillance authorities and the European Commission. The technical documentation is also stored here.
How do I access the EPREL product information sheet?
If you have a product on hand, you can simply scan the QR code on the energy label with your smartphone and access the corresponding data sheet. Alternatively, you can search for the desired product directly in the online database from 01.09.2021.
Which products must be registered?
Light sources - both separately and in a surrounding luminaire - must be entered into the EPREL database. Luminaires without a light source and control gear are exempt from the obligation to register. More detailed information can be found in the directive.
When does the data have to be maintained?
The directive sets out a timetable according to which various data must be maintained:
From 01.01.2019 to 01.09.2021.
Certain lamps and LED modules that have been placed on the market from 01.08.2017 - or will still be - must be entered into EPREL before being placed on the market in accordance with the 2012 Energy Label Directive.
Since 01.05.2021
Products that have been placed on the market before 01.05.2021 and will still be placed on the market thereafter, the manufacturer must enter additional values for the new product data sheet. All other products may already be entered in the EPREL from now on in accordance with the new Energy Label Directive of 2019.
From 01.09.2021
All light sources and removable light sources in luminaires must be entered in the EPREL database before being placed on the market. In addition, the technical documentation must now be adapted and entered into the conformity part of the EPREL database.
From 01.03.2022
The obligation to register luminaires applies.
Luminaires where the light source is not permanently installed, but which are sold with a replaceable light source, must be registered. However, this registration is only a registration with reference to the complete entry of the included light source. If the included light source is newly placed on the market, it must first be fully registered in the product database. If the light source is permanently installed, the above paragraph applies (full entry from 01.09.2021).
For details, please refer to the directive.
Conclusion: As a manufacturer, we consistently assume responsibility for our products and thus all entry obligations in the European product database EPREL.
If you have any further questions about the EPREL database, please do not hesitate to contact us. Simply leave us a message via our contact form and we will get in touch with you.