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Introduction: Why Energy Labels Are Changing
In 2021, the European Union introduced a major revision to its energy labeling system for lighting products — commonly known as Energy Label 2.0. This update, which officially came into force under Regulation (EU) 2019/2015 and Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2015, completely reshaped how energy efficiency is measured and displayed on lighting products sold in Europe.
For B2B lighting manufacturers, importers, and distributors, understanding Energy Label 2.0 isn’t just a compliance issue — it’s a competitive advantage. The new framework rewards true efficiency, transparency, and innovation.
If you manufacture or distribute GU10, MR16, or AR111 LED bulbs, these changes directly affect how your products are tested, labeled, and marketed across the EU and U.K.
What Is Energy Label 2.0?
Energy Label 2.0 is the new version of the EU energy efficiency label designed to help consumers and professionals compare products more easily. The key change is a return to the simple A–G scale, removing the confusing “A++” and “A+++” grades introduced under the previous directive.
“The rescaled label will leave the top A class empty at first to encourage further technological progress,” explains the European Commission (source).
The update applies to all light sources placed on the EU market — including LED bulbs, integrated luminaires, and spotlights.
Why the Change?
Between 2010 and 2020, LED technology improved dramatically. Most modern LEDs achieved A+ or A++ ratings under the old system, leaving little room for differentiation. As a result, the label lost its usefulness to both buyers and policymakers.
Energy Label 2.0 aims to:
- Rebalance efficiency ratings to reflect current LED performance.
-
Promote innovation by reserving Class A for future products.
-
Simplify consumer understanding of energy efficiency.
-
Enhance transparency with scannable QR codes linking to official product data.
This reform aligns lighting with the EU’s broader sustainability goals under the European Green Deal and Ecodesign Directive.
The New A–G Efficiency Scale
The new label uses a linear energy efficiency index (EEI) to calculate a lamp’s performance based on luminous flux (lumens) and power input (watts).
| Class | Efficiency Index (EEI) | Description | Example (typical LED) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | EEI < 0.10 | Best available tech (future-proof) | Very few products (top 1–2 %) |
| B | 0.10 ≤ EEI < 0.125 | Excellent efficiency | Premium LED modules |
| C | 0.125 ≤ EEI < 0.150 | Above average | Most current high-quality LEDs |
| D | 0.150 ≤ EEI < 0.200 | Average efficiency | Mid-range LEDs |
| E–G | EEI ≥ 0.200 | Low efficiency | Legacy products, CFLs, halogens |
According to the LightingEurope position paper (2021), “A luminaire that was previously A++ might now fall into Class C under the new scale.” (LightingEurope)
This doesn’t mean the product became less efficient — the scale was tightened to future-proof the labeling system.
QR Codes and the EPREL Database
One of the most visible changes under Energy Label 2.0 is the QR code printed on every packaging label. Scanning this code links directly to the product’s technical file stored in the European Product Registry for Energy Labelling (EPREL).
The EPREL database provides:
- Verified energy performance data (luminous flux, lifetime, CRI, power factor, etc.)
-
Regulatory documentation and testing results.
-
Traceability for authorities and B2B buyers.
Manufacturers are legally required to upload this data before placing the product on the EU market.
(European Commission EPREL portal)
This transparency benefits both compliance officers and procurement teams, who can now verify efficiency claims directly from the EU’s official registry.
Impact on Common LED Bulb Types (GU10, MR16, AR111)
The most common LED retrofit bulbs — GU10, MR16, and AR111 — are heavily affected by the rescale. Under the new system, even premium bulbs that achieved A++ ratings previously may now appear as Class C or D.
| Bulb Type | Typical Power (W) | Luminous Flux (lm) | Typical New Rating | Old Rating Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GU10 5 W LED | 5 W | 350–400 lm | Class C–D | A++ |
| MR16 6 W LED | 6 W | 450–500 lm | Class C | A+ |
| AR111 15 W LED | 15 W | 1,200–1,500 lm | Class B–C | A++ |
(Data compiled from product listings of Signify, Osram, and Tecolite sample tests, 2024.)
This “downgrading” can surprise buyers if not properly communicated. It’s essential for brands to educate customers that the new label doesn’t mean poorer performance — it reflects the stricter 2021 standards.
Testing and Compliance: What Manufacturers Need to Do
To comply with Energy Label 2.0, manufacturers and importers must perform the following steps before launching or re-certifying products:
- Test the product using harmonized standards such as EN 15193-1 and IEC 62612 for LED lamps.
Calculate the EEI based on total power and measured light output.
- Register the product in the EPREL database and upload supporting test data.
Print the new label with:
A–G rating
- QR code
-
Energy consumption per 1,000 hours (kWh/1000 h)
Remove outdated labels (A+++, A++, A+) from packaging or websites after the transition deadline.
The European Commission set the transition period to end in March 2023, after which non-compliant labels are prohibited. (European Commission, 2023 guidance)
Broader Market Implications for B2B Buyers
For distributors and project specifiers, Energy Label 2.0 brings greater clarity — but also a need to retrain sales teams and update catalogs.
Key Business Impacts
- Product portfolio alignment: Some SKUs may need retesting or redesign to reach Class B or C.
-
Marketing updates: Visual labels and datasheets must be refreshed to avoid misleading efficiency claims.
-
Procurement transparency: Buyers can verify claims through EPREL, fostering fair competition.
-
Market differentiation: Brands with higher-class LEDs (Class B or better) will stand out.
-
End-user confidence: Clearer, simpler labels help reduce confusion and improve purchase trust.
EU Ecodesign Requirements Working Alongside Label 2.0
Energy Label 2.0 works hand-in-hand with the Ecodesign Regulation (EU 2019/2020), which defines minimum performance thresholds for products to enter the EU market.
This regulation sets requirements on:
- Efficacy (lm/W)
-
Power factor
-
Lifetime (L70 ≥ 50,000 h typical)
-
Flicker and stroboscopic effects
-
Standby and network power consumption
According to the European Commission, these combined measures will “save the equivalent of 150 TWh of electricity annually by 2030 — roughly equal to the annual consumption of Sweden.” (EU Commission energy efficiency statement, 2021)
This underscores the strategic intent: energy labels are not just marketing tools, but policy instruments driving measurable reductions in energy use and emissions.
Comparing Old vs. New Label Design
| Feature | Old Label (pre-2021) | New Label (Energy Label 2.0) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating Scale | A+++ to E | A to G |
| Database Connection | None | Linked via QR to EPREL |
| Information Format | Luminous flux & power | Luminous flux, power, energy consumption per 1,000 h |
| Scope | Lamps & luminaires separately | All light sources combined |
| Purpose | Promote efficiency | Simplify understanding & drive innovation |
New labels must follow a standardized format and include a QR code on the top right corner, an A–G bar scale, and energy usage metrics below.
How Tecolite and Other Manufacturers Are Adapting
At Tecolite, as a specialized LED bulb manufacturer focused on GU10, MR16, and AR111 product lines, adapting to the new standard meant re-engineering optical and electrical designs to achieve higher efficacy per watt while maintaining color quality (CRI ≥ 90) and beam precision.
Key initiatives include:
- Upgrading driver ICs for >90% efficiency and lower thermal loss.
-
Optimizing aluminum and ceramic housings to enhance heat dissipation (reducing junction temperature by 8–10 °C).
-
Conducting independent photometric testing under accredited EN IEC 62612 labs.
-
Registering all models under EPREL, ensuring transparency and traceability for European distributors.
By taking these steps early, Tecolite ensures full compliance and strengthens its position as a trusted OEM partner for energy-efficient lighting.
Practical Tips for Distributors and OEM Buyers
If you distribute or private-label LED bulbs, here’s what you should do:
- Verify EPREL entries: Check the QR code and verify your supplier’s registration.
-
Align marketing materials: Ensure packaging, datasheets, and website visuals display the correct A–G label.
-
Reassess your portfolio: Prioritize bulbs rated Class B or C to stay competitive in tenders and green-procurement programs.
-
Educate your customers: Train sales reps and installers to explain that “C” today is equivalent to “A++” before.
-
Leverage sustainability messaging: Highlight reduced lifecycle cost and environmental impact in your proposals.
The U.K. Perspective
Post-Brexit, the United Kingdom retained a version of the EU energy label, now branded as the UK Energy Label, governed by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).
While the framework mirrors the EU’s system, products must be registered in the UK Energy Label Service (UKEL) database rather than EPREL.
(UK Government Energy Labelling Guidance)
Manufacturers selling into both regions must therefore maintain two databases and ensure labeling accuracy for each market.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Energy Efficiency in Lighting
The next decade will bring further tightening of standards as LEDs approach theoretical efficiency limits. The European Commission plans to review the label thresholds every 10 years, adjusting the criteria as technology evolves.
Emerging trends include:
- Adaptive lighting systems that optimize energy use dynamically.
-
Smart control integration measured under real-use conditions.
-
Circular economy design, emphasizing repairability and recyclability.
-
Environmental footprint labeling beyond energy metrics (material content, COâ lifecycle).
For lighting manufacturers, continuous improvement and transparency will remain central to brand value.
Conclusion: Energy Label 2.0 as an Opportunity, Not a Burden
Energy Label 2.0 reshapes how the lighting industry communicates performance and sustainability. While the transition requires effort — from testing to packaging redesign — it ultimately benefits quality-focused manufacturers and informed buyers.
For professional distributors and OEM clients, partnering with a manufacturer that proactively complies and invests in R&D ensures regulatory peace of mind, competitive product ratings, and long-term trust in the marketplace.
Call to Action
At Tecolite, we specialize in producing high-performance GU10, MR16, and AR111 LED bulbs engineered to meet the latest Energy Label 2.0 and Ecodesign standards.
If you’re a distributor, OEM brand, or project contractor seeking EPREL-registered, high-efficiency lighting solutions with customizable specifications, contact our technical sales team today.
Visit tecolite.com to explore our professional LED product lines and discover how Tecolite can power your next sustainable lighting project.
