Its certification mark is based on the general ErP Directive (Energy-related Products Directive 2009/125/EC) and the directive concerning light sources (EU) 2019/2020. Manufacturers can use it to prove that their products are energy-efficient and meet requirements. The test mark thus supports the sustainable circular economy, which utilises products, materials and resources more efficiently and extends their lifecycle.
TÜV SÜD Segment Manager for Lighting, Luminaires and Multimedia Devices Florian Hockel stated: “In future, the certification mark will supplement the existing draft certification marks Ecodesign, Standby Power and Energy. In addition to consumer electronics, household, audio, video and power supply devices, electrical toys and sports and leisure products, we can now also comprehensively certify the sustainability of lighting products.”
The new certification mark is based on the EU’s ErP Directive, which is part of the Ecodesign Directive. Both set requirements for the design of products with particularly low energy consumption.
According to TÜV SÜD, the ErP Directive attaches great importance to product information. Manufacturers and importers in the EU are responsible for providing lighting products with product information sheets, technical documentation and labelling. The latter is based on energy efficiency classes, ranging from A+++ for very energy-efficient products to G for very inefficient products. This information must be recorded in the European Product Database EPREL. For products with outdated labelling, the ErP Directive specifies transitional periods during which they must be provided with the newly scaled labels A-G.
“The product’s energy consumption, service life and light output must also be labelled,” said Hockel. “The information helps consumers to make sustainable purchasing decisions.”
The directive sets limit values, for example, for the power consumption of LED lamps in standby mode. If a product exceeds these limits, it may not be sold in the EU. Further requirements are set for service life, luminous flux in lumens and colour rendering. Procedures are listed for dealing with non-compliant products.