Energy labels are linked to online product database

The energy labels will be linked to an online product database, in which consumers can find more information and easily make comparisons between devices. There will also be an update in which the ‘+’ indications for the A-class will disappear.

The European Parliament and the European Council have agreed that energy labels should be updated to keep up with ‘technological progress’. Consumers should have easy access to a detailed database with more information about the consumption of products through the labels. The EU speculates that consumers can access the database via QR codes, links or apps. In addition to insight into consumption, the database should make it easy to compare products.

A new scheme for energy labels without the A+, A++ and A+++ designations will be introduced by the end of 2019 at the earliest. products sold in the EU fall within the A class, or half of them are in the A and B classes. It is not known what this distribution is now on average.

Based on the agreed provisional rules, the European Commission should set up the database with an online portal and draft guidelines for testing and exchanging information about the products. In the future, consumers may be able to get their money back and be eligible for compensation if consumption does not match the statement on the energy label, is the consideration.

Energy labels are mandatory in the EU for a range of appliances, including televisions, vacuum cleaners, lamps, washing machines and dryers.