EPREL Registration Guide: Ecodesign and Energy Labelling for Fridges and Freezers

Navigating the European Product Registry for Energy Labelling is a mandatory and critical step for manufacturers and importers introducing household cooling appliances to the European market. Utilizing a professional EPREL registration service ensures seamless compliance with the latest European Commission standards and boosts product visibility. As of March 2021, the EU strictly enforces Regulation (EU) 2019/2019 for ecodesign requirements and Regulation (EU) 2019/2016 for energy labelling. These modernised frameworks apply to all electric mains-operated refrigerating appliances boasting a total storage volume between 10 and 1,500 litres. Conversely, most professional refrigerated storage cabinets and commercial blast cabinets remain excluded from this specific consumer-focused directive.

Understanding the core ecodesign requirements is essential for swift product approval and a successful EPREL registration. The updated regulations represent a significant shift toward the European circular economy by establishing mandatory baseline criteria for product reparability and recyclability. Appliance manufacturers are now legally required to design fridges and freezers that guarantee an extended operational lifespan, simplified maintenance protocols, and efficient end-of-life waste handling. Alongside these physical design mandates, the European Commission has completely overhauled the consumer energy labelling system. The contemporary EU energy label evaluates refrigeration appliances on a rescaled A to G efficiency index, where A represents the most efficient technology on the market. This standardized label provides consumers with transparent data regarding annual energy consumption, precise frozen and chilled storage compartment volumes, and airborne acoustical noise emission classes.

Fulfilling specific supplier obligations within the EPREL database is vital to prevent market surveillance penalties and maintain consumer trust. Suppliers are legally bound to enter comprehensive technical documentation and standardized product information sheets directly into the registry before any appliance is offered for sale or distance selling. Each officially approved appliance is assigned a distinct QR code that links shoppers straight to its verified EPREL database entry. Beyond the digital registry, suppliers must ensure that physical products arrive at dealer locations with accurate, highly visible printed energy labels. Furthermore, the legislation dictates that all visual advertisements and digital technical promotional materials must clearly state the specific model’s energy efficiency class alongside the full A to G rating spectrum. Relying on an expert EPREL registration service simplifies this rigorous data entry and documentation process, guaranteeing full adherence to EU energy compliance laws while accelerating overall market access.

European Commission – Energy Efficient Products Registry (EPREL) Webpage on Fridges and Freezers
Published: 1 October 2019 | Document reference: EU 2019/2019 & EU 2019/2016
Regulation basis: Regulation (EU) 2019/2019 on Ecodesign and Regulation (EU) 2019/2016 on Energy Labelling

View Official Webpage – European Commission EPREL Portal

Publication date: 5 May 2026

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