Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

To purchase the most efficient products on the market once the new energy label comes into force, will class A products be immediately available?

No, it is not certain that products in class A of the new energy label will be immediately available. Indeed, it is very likely that class A will be initially empty, as it was designed to accommodate future market developments. The best performing products available, therefore, could be placed in classes B or C.

How will the adoption of the new energy scale be monitored?

Member states supported by market surveillance authorities take the necessary measures to ensure their application through effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions. Following Article 7.4 of the European Regulation 2017/1369, the member states set the rules relating to the penalties applicable in the event of a violation of the framework regulation for energy labelling, including the unauthorized use of labels. A complete list of all European Market Surveillance Authorities is available at the following link: ec.europa.eu/docsroom/documents/42281

Will there be any limitations on participation in public tenders if the new energy scale is not adopted? If so, since when?

If a supplier does not adopt the new energy scale after the entry into force of the framework regulation for energy labelling, it will not be possible to participate in public tenders since the regulations are legal acts defined in Article 288 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) of general application, binding in all their elements and directly applicable in all member states. The administrative action must comply with the principles of legality, impartiality and good performance, and if it were to accept an offer formulated in violation of the new energy scale it would commit a clear legal offence.

Are there any contributions to incentivise the new energy scale?

The European Commission is funding several projects that aim to facilitate the energy transition towards greater sustainability by informing and supporting all interested parties (stakeholders). The measures will be supported by further initiatives to increase the capacity of public administrations. For example, by strengthening tools for exchanging best practices and offering more training opportunities. As for national incentives, these will be granted within the limits of European State aid rules.

I would like to buy a new appliance and would need to purchase a product corresponding to the previous energy class A +++. What is the corresponding class in the rescaled system?

It is not possible to establish a priori to which new energy class a product that is in the previous class A +++ will correspond. The simplest way to compare the differences between old and new energy scales is to use the information contained in the new labels.

Besides the labels, how can I compare the performance of an old device I have in A +++ with a new one in A?

Objective evaluations and comparisons will be possible thanks to the EPREL database. From the end of 2020, a section of the database of products subject to rescaling will be accessible, specifically dedicated to professional buyers and consumers, which can be accessed via the dedicated platform on the EU website. As manufacturers are obliged to make available many technical information of the products concerned, it will be possible to deepen the details and compare the products of the different suppliers on the same platform. Until March 1st 2021 the data referring to the previous labelling will be available; from March 1st 2021 the data referring to the new labelling.

What additional information will be introduced in the new labels?

The new labels will allow you to have technical data sheets at your fingertips thanks to their QR codes. For each product, the new label presents a QR code directly linked to the EPREL database, through which it will be possible to immediately consult the product information sheets. In this way, it will be possible to access all strategic information, for a more rapid and effective evaluation of economic opportunities in terms of performance, savings and compliance with regulations (see paragraph 9).

Will the new label be a practical tool for social accountability and corporate social responsibility?

Yes, the new labelling will contribute to the accountability needs of a company, making it a practical tool updated to the most recent guidelines and consolidated international standards on the subject (ISO 26000, GRI 302, AA1000). The new labelling will provide the opportunity to highlight the company’s attention to environmental and energy issues with a tool that is accountable and easily recognisable by stakeholders, facilitating the transmission of information on the social responsibilities taken by the company.