Ecodesign requirements – off mode, standby mode and networked standby energy consumption of electrical and electronic household and office equipment

SUMMARY OF:

Regulation (EU) 2023/826 on ecodesign requirements for off mode, standby mode and networked standby energy consumption of electrical and electronic household and office equipment

WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE REGULATION?

The regulation aims to limit the environmental impact of electrical and electronic equipment placed on the European Union (EU) market through a set of rules on energy efficiency.

It repeals Regulations (EC) Nos 1275/2008 and 107/2009.

KEY POINTS

The regulation sets out ecodesign* requirements relating to off mode, standby mode and networked standby energy consumption for electric and electronic equipment household and office equipment. Specifically, it applies to any product listed in Annex II which satisfies the following conditions:
- dependent on energy input from the mains power source in order to work as intended;
- designed for use with a nominal voltage rating of 250 volts or less.
The regulation is an implementing measure of Directive 2009/125/EC (see summary).
The regulation does not apply to:
- products covered by:
  - Regulation (EU) No 617/2013,
  - Regulation (EU) 2019/424 (see summary),
  - Regulation (EU) 2019/2021 (see summary),
  - Regulation (EU) 2019/2022 (see summary), and
  - Regulation (EU) 2019/2023 (see summary); and
- projectors with mechanisms for exchanging lenses with others with different focal lengths.
The ecodesign requirements are set out in Annex III.
The regulation specifies which conformity assessment procedures apply.
EU Member States’ national authorities must apply the verification procedures laid down in Annex V when carrying out market surveillance checks.
The regulation specifically forbids devices designed to alter their performance under testing.
Annex VI sets out indicative benchmarks for the best-performing equipment and technology available on the market.
The European Commission must review this regulation, including the specific assessment of certain requirements, in the light of technological progress and present its results to the Consultation Forum no later than 9 May 2027.

FROM WHEN DOES THE REGULATION APPLY?

It applies from 9 May 2025. However, Article 6(1) has applied since 8 May 2023.

BACKGROUND

Directive 2009/125/EC established a framework to set ecodesign requirements for energy-related products. The Commission must set these requirements for products which are widely sold and traded in the EU and have a significant environmental impact.

For further information, see:

The new ecodesign measures explained (European Commission)
About the energy label and ecodesign – Energy savings (European Commission).

KEY TERMS

Ecodesign. Policy to improve, through better design, products’ environmental performance throughout their life cycle, especially their energy efficiency.

MAIN DOCUMENT

Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/826 of 17 April 2023 laying down ecodesign requirements for off mode, standby mode, and networked standby energy consumption of electrical and electronic household and office equipment pursuant to Directive 2009/125/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Commission Regulations (EC) No 1275/2008 and (EC) No 107/2009 (OJ L 103, 18.4.2023, pp. 29–47).