Ecodesign Directive: is your company in compliance with the new European legislation?

The directive EcoDesign, relating to EU regulation 2019/2020, provides for a series of changes in the CE certification mode of lighting devices, integrating luminaires and technologies that were not previously included in the regulation, such as LED modules, LED strips, flexible neon-type LED tubes, power supplies and much more, and updating compliance parameters and labeling for all others. The legislation does not speak of decorative lights and therefore applies exclusively to white light sources, for example excluding RGB devices but including tunable LEDs.

The European Ecodesign directive includes a series of technical parameters and provisions that aim to increase the energy efficiency of devices, lengthen their life expectancy and facilitate their repair or disposal when necessary. An operation that aims at the same time to improve the overall offer on the European LED lighting market, increase the efficiency of the devices and promote dynamics of a circular and sustainable economy.

The Ecodesign legislation is divided into two regulations: Single Lighting Regulation (SRL) and Energy Label Regulation (ELR): the first deals with the energy and luminous efficiency requirements that the devices must satisfy, the second deals with the labeling and mandatory data for the marketing of lighting products.

Since when has the Ecodesign legislation been in effect?

The Ecodesign directive officially entered into force on 1 September 2022, therefore all the product categories affected by the standard, starting from that date, must meet the requirements set by the Single Lighting Regulation and in the case of retail sale must present the label described in the Energy Label Regulation. All products must also be registered in the EPREL database.

Until last March 1, 2023, it was expected that all products with technical requirements in line with the SLR but without the new labeling could continue to be sold with the old energy label. From March 1, however, it is mandatory that all products simultaneously meet the standards of the Single Lighting Regulation and that, if sold to the public, bear the new label as per the ELR regulation.

Ecodesign: not just a matter of product 

Another thematic area introduced by Ecodesign that is particularly interesting for LED professionals such as sign makers, designers and architects, is linked to the specifications of eco-friendly design. These arrangements make sure that the light sources and ballasts in case of failure can have easy access to be easily removed, replaced or repaired. This ensures a longer life potential for your systems and the ability to repair or replace failed parts rather than having to dispose of the entire system. A very important step towards a more sustainable and circular economy.

Is your company in compliance with the Ecodesign legislation?

To find out if your company is aligned with the Ecodesign directive, there are two questions to ask yourself: do my lighting devices comply with the Ecodesign legislation? Do my designs meet accessibility, removal, and replacement requirements?

The answer to the second question depends entirely on the company's design and operating method and can easily be modified or adapted to be in line with the regulation.

As far as the devices used are concerned, it is essential that they are CE certified and that they meet all the technical requirements required by law. Responsibility for supplying compliant products and all documentary evidence rests with the supplier.

All products in the Verbax store meet the requirements of the Ecodesign directive.

The Verbax quick guide to the Ecodesign directive

To learn more about the issues introduced in this article, Verbax invites you to download here its quick guide to the Ecodesign directive, which explains the compatibility criteria of the products subject to the standard and details the technical aspects of the regulation.