Energy labels are a transparent tool that helps consumers effectively compare products across categories and choose more energy-efficient models. These models not only reduce their energy bills, but also protect the natural environment and contribute to energy security.
Given dynamic market developments, new and updated energy labels are being introduced to ensure that consumers can make informed purchasing decisions.
New energy label for smartphones and slate tablets
All smartphones and slate tablets placed on the market from 20 June 2025 must be equipped with a completely new energy label. This provides buyers with information not only on energy efficiency, but also on several other product characteristics that are relevant to purchasing decisions. These include durability after a free fall, repairability, and protection against liquid ingress. The labels also show battery life per charge cycle and the battery’s total lifespan.
The new mandatory product requirements also ensure that all models offered in the EU meet a defined level of quality and efficiency. Products failing to meet these requirements may no longer be sold on the EU market.
Key mandatory requirements include:
- Batteries must withstand at least 800 charge and discharge cycles while retaining at least 80% of their initial capacity.
- Suppliers must ensure the availability of critical spare parts within 5–10 working days for at least seven years after the end of sales of the product model on the EU market.
- Longer availability of operating-system upgrades is mandatory.
- Professional repairers must have access to any software or firmware necessary for updates or repairs.
According to a study prepared for the European Commission (Ecodesign Impact Accounting Overview Report 2024), these measures are expected to bring significant savings to consumers:
- By 2030, total energy savings in the EU will amount to 2.2 TWh per year, representing a 31% reduction compared with a baseline scenario without these measures.
- Consumer savings in 2030 are projected to reach €20 billion, almost entirely due to longer product lifespans reducing the need for new purchases. Energy savings of €0.6 billion and additional repair and maintenance costs of €0.8 billion are negligible by comparison.
Updated energy labels and minimum energy-efficiency requirements for household tumble dryers
New tumble-dryer models placed on the market from July 2025 will feature updated energy labels and comply with stricter minimum energy-efficiency requirements. The changes concern energy-efficiency requirements, condensation efficiency, low-energy modes, the availability of spare parts, the scope of information provided to consumers, and the clarity of information on energy labels.
Thanks to these stricter requirements, from July 2025 onwards, only heat-pump tumble-dryer models will be permitted on the EU market. This step will generate further significant energy-cost savings for consumers. Older, less efficient models that remain on sale will also have to display the new energy label and may continue to be sold without a time restriction.
Another key enhancement of consumer rights is the guaranteed availability of spare parts for at least ten years after the last unit of a given tumble-dryer model is placed on the market. These parts must be delivered within 15 working days of receiving an order. It is estimated (Ecodesign Impact Accounting Overview Report 2024) that these measures relating to tumble dryers will have significant benefits:
- Switching to the most efficient tumble dryers can reduce electricity consumption by around 60%.
- The savings resulting from these measures could match Lithuania‘s total electricity consumption in 2030.
Juraj Krivošík, juraj.krivosik @ svn.cz
