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The European Commission has unveiled plans to simplify the EU’s energy and tyre labelling rules, aiming to reduce administrative costs for manufacturers and retailers while maintaining clear information for consumers. The proposals are designed to make the labelling framework more flexible for digital sales channels and modern retail environments without changing its core purpose.

For eeNews Europe readers, the changes are significant because they affect manufacturers of electronics, appliances, HVAC equipment and other energy-related products, while also expanding the use of digital product information. The proposals could also reduce compliance costs and simplify product updates across the European market.

Digital labels and more flexibility

The Commission says the revised framework reflects how products are increasingly sold online, through installers, or in business-to-business channels where traditional paper labels are often impractical.

Instead of requiring printed labels in every situation, suppliers could use alternatives such as electronic shelf displays, QR codes or digital documentation where appropriate. For example, heating and cooling equipment sold through installers would display the energy label as part of the contractual offer rather than requiring customers to view the product in a showroom.

The proposal also makes it easier for manufacturers and retailers to update labels when energy rating scales are revised. Responsibilities for representatives of non-EU manufacturers would also be clarified, helping improve compliance across the supply chain.

For tyre labelling, the Commission proposes removing the requirement for vehicle dealers to display tyre labels when selling new cars, arguing that buyers are rarely offered a choice of tyres during the purchase. Other changes aim to simplify updates to tyre labels while making greater use of the European Product Registry for Energy Labelling (EPREL) to support procurement and market surveillance.

Lower costs without changing consumer information

According to the Commission, the proposals preserve the familiar energy label while making compliance less burdensome. The measures are expected to save businesses and market surveillance authorities up to €125 million annually over the next decade, contributing to the EU’s broader target of reducing administrative costs by €37.5 billion by 2029.

The Commission also highlights the continued role of energy labels in improving product efficiency. In addition to energy performance, newer labels for products such as smartphones already include durability and repairability information to help consumers choose products with longer lifetimes.

Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, said: “Energy labels empower consumers to make informed choices that save them money, and in today’s context, that matters more than ever. Our proposal is ambitious and makes the rules fit for the digital age, clearer for consumers, easier for businesses, stronger on standards.”

Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen added: “European consumers deserve clear, accessible information on the energy performance of the home appliances and electronic devices they want to purchase. EU energy labels are already estimated to save consumers around €100 billion every year. With this proposal, we want to build on that success, unlocking even greater savings for households while making it simpler and less burdensome for businesses to provide and display this information. This is a proposal that benefits consumers and companies alike.”

The proposal now moves to the European Parliament and the Council for consideration before any changes become law.

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