Amid the growing challenges of climate change and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the European Union has adopted new ecodesign regulations for electrical and electronic devices. Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/826, published in April 2023, updates energy requirements for devices in off, standby, and networked standby modes. This step aims to promote sustainability and harmonize standards across the EU market.
Why are the new regulations necessary?
The regulation replaces earlier directives, including Regulation (EC) No. 1275/2008, which set energy consumption requirements for devices in off and standby modes. A review conducted by the European Commission revealed that technological advancements and the need for further emission reductions called for updated standards.
The goal of the new rules is to reduce energy consumption by 4 TWh annually by 2030, equivalent to cutting 1.36 million tons of CO2 emissions.
Key changes in the regulation
Regulation (EU) 2023/826 introduces the following changes and new requirements:
Lower energy consumption limits:
- Devices in off mode may consume a maximum of 0.50 W. After two years, this limit will drop to 0.30 W.
- In standby mode, the maximum energy consumption is 0.50 W, or 0.80 W for devices with an information display.
Expanded scope of regulation:
The regulation now covers new product categories, such as:
- Battery-powered devices that draw energy from the grid when not in use,
- Electrically adjustable furniture and motorized building components, e.g., blinds and windows.
Energy management requirements:
Devices must automatically switch to energy-saving mode when not in use. This feature must be enabled by default and tailored to the device's specifications, e.g.:
- For coffee machines, the switch time ranges from 5 to 40 minutes, depending on the model.
Information requirements:
Manufacturers must provide detailed energy consumption information for different operating modes and guidance on power management. This information must be included in:
- User manuals,
- Manufacturer websites.
Preventing efficiency manipulation:
The regulation prohibits devices from automatically altering their parameters under test conditions to achieve better performance ratings.
Products covered by the regulations
The new rules apply to a wide range of devices, including:
- Household appliances: dryers, ovens, toasters, coffee makers, cooking devices,
- Office and IT equipment: printers, networking devices,
- Consumer electronics: radios, video players, speakers, gaming consoles,
- Electrically adjustable furniture: desks, beds, and chairs,
- Motorized building components: blinds, doors, awnings.
Exemptions:
- 3D printers,
- Desktop computers and servers covered by other EU regulations.
Measurement and compliance requirements
To ensure uniformity and accuracy in compliance assessments, the regulation mandates that manufacturers use harmonized measurement standards.
Technical documentation must include detailed data on measurement methods and device parameters, such as energy-saving mode transition times.
What do these changes mean for manufacturers?
Manufacturers must adapt their products to meet the new requirements, which involves:
- Modifying technologies,
- Updating production processes,
- Investing in research and development.
Compliance with the new standards also provides an opportunity to build a competitive edge by offering more energy-efficient products.
Benefits for consumers
The updated regulations offer several advantages for end-users:
- Lower energy costs: Devices with reduced energy consumption translate into smaller electricity bills.
- Transparency of information: Enhanced informational requirements provide consumers with greater awareness of product energy efficiency.
- Support for sustainability: Choosing energy-efficient devices helps consumers contribute to environmental protection.
Future outlook
Regulation (EU) 2023/826 takes effect in May 2025, giving manufacturers time to adapt to the new requirements. The European Commission plans to review the rules in 2027, to evaluate their effectiveness and identify potential areas for further updates.
Potential future developments include:
- Expanding the scope of regulations to cover additional product groups,
- Further lowering energy consumption limits.
The introduction of new ecodesign requirements is a significant step toward enhancing the energy efficiency of electrical and electronic devices. This regulation not only supports the EU's climate goals but also fosters technological innovation and responsible product design.
Both manufacturers and consumers have an essential role to play in building a sustainable future.
If your company needs support in adapting to the new requirements, visit rcc.com.pl. We offer professional consulting and assistance in designing and verifying product compliance with EU regulations. Join us in building a future focused on efficiency and innovation!
