From 1 January 2021, there are some differences in the rules for placing energy-related products on the market in Great Britain England, Scotland and Wales and placing energy-related products on the market in Northern Ireland. Those differences are explained on this page. You can also
Find out about placing manufactured goods on the market in Great Britain. Find out about placing manufactured goods on the market in Northern Ireland. Find out about placing manufactured goods on the market in the EU. From 1 March 2021, certain energy-related products must have a re-scaled energy label displayed alongside them at the point of sale. From 1 October 2021, lighting products must have a re-scaled energy label on their packaging, showing an A-G scale. These changes apply across the whole of the UK. The new requirements for suppliers and dealers are explained on this page. To find out more information about energy labelling, the changes and how they may affect you, please visit the following websites
Overview
Many types of energy-related products are regulated to ensure that clear and consistent information on their energy usage is readily available. This helps consumers make informed purchasing decisions and encourages competition between manufacturers in relation to improving energy efficiency. All products in scope must
In Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Energy Information Regulations 2011 as amended are the underpinning legislation. However, there are differences in how they apply in Great Britain and Northern Ireland, as explained below. What is covered
The regulations cover the following energy-related products
Products in scope may also be subject to the Ecodesign regulations. They do not apply to
Extent of obligation
The supplier manufacturer, authorised representative or importer that first places a regulated product on the Great Britain GB or Northern Ireland NI market, or puts it into service, is responsible for its compliance. This extends to any means of online selling, distance selling, hire and hire purchase. The dealer retailer also has obligations and is required to clearly display an energy label when selling products. This includes in store and via distance selling methods such as internet sales and catalogues. How to comply
Suppliers must produce energy labels and fiches in accordance with the regulations, and the supporting technical documentation, allowing their accuracy to be assessed. They must also
Energy labels for certain products are being gradually re-scaled to display A G energy rating classes instead of A G energy rating classes. The first phase of re-scaling took place in March 2021. The new re-scaled energy label has been introduced for light sources from 1 October 2021. For light sources placed on the market from 1 October 2021, suppliers will be required to print rescaled labels on to the packaging. For light sources placed on the market before 1 October 2021, upon request by dealers, suppliers must provide rescaled energy labels which are intended to replace existing labels to dealers. For existing printed labels this would be in the form of a printed sticker of a size which permits it to cover existing labels. No label, mark, symbol, or inscription can be shown that could mislead consumers about the energy efficiency of a product. For all energy labels, dealers must display the labels so that they are clearly visible, attaching them to the product where appropriate, and make the fiche available to consumers. For any means of distance selling, the information on the label and fiche must be provided to consumers before they buy the product. New rules for dealers from 1 March 2021 and 1 October 2021 for light sources
There are new requirements on dealers when it comes to displaying the new, re-scaled energy labels for certain products. The products affected by these changes are
Dealers had until 18 March 2021 to replace old labels on display with rescaled labels for these products except light sources. For light sources placed on the market before 1 October 2021 which bear the old energy label, dealers had until 1 April 2023 to replace the old labels on display with rescaled labels in such a way as to cover the existing label, including when the label is printed on or attached to the packaging. For this purpose, dealers can request rescaled labels from suppliers in the form of a printed sticker.
Further requirements
If, at the point of sale, a product model is only displayed in the packaging not taken out of the packaging for display the dealer must ensure visibility of the label for the consumer. Requirements for all energy labels
The energy label is common across the UK, with variations according to GB or NI placement on market, and must include
From 1 January 2021 the energy label, for products placed on the GB market, must also include
GB energy labels can be accessed using the Create an energy label service. To help you comply with the regulations there is a UK Energy Label Generator. This covers all the products listed under the What is Covered section. From 1 January 2021, the energy label, for products placed on the NI market, must include
Suppliers placing products on the NI market can create their own energy labels using the EPREL database. The role of the Office for Product Safety and Standards OPSS
OPSS is the appointed Market Surveillance Authority in Great Britain and Northern Ireland for suppliers. Local authorities are responsible for enforcing the regulations in relation to dealers. The Advertising Standards Authority ASA is responsible for enforcing the marketing of products with energy efficiency information. Our approach to addressing non-compliance by those we regulate is set out in our Enforcement Policy, which should be read alongside guidance on the specific enforcement actions available to us under the regulations, and associated rights to make representations or appeal. Read our Enforcement Policy
Read our guidance on enforcement actions and associated rights
Where to find out more
If placing products on the market or making products available on the market in Great Britain
This gives guidance for dealers
Guidance on how to describe a products energy efficiency class ASA
If placing products on the market or making products available on the market in Northern Ireland
Contact us
If you have a specific enquiry about compliance or wish to contact us regarding suspected non-compliance please email OPSS.enquiriesbusinessandtrade.gov.uk.