What is EU EPR Energy Efficiency?

What is ErP Energy Efficiency Certification?

ErP (Energy-related Products) certification is a requirement under the EU's CE marking framework. It is based on the erp directive, which is part of the European Union’s updated CE marking regulations. As a CE marking directive, the ErP Directive must be implemented in conjunction with other directives such as the Low Voltage Directive (LVD), Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC), and Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS). Products covered by the implementing measures of the ErP Directive must comply before being exported to Europe and bearing the CE marking.

Why is Energy Efficiency Important?

For most people, 50-60% of their energy bill comes from heating. The higher the efficiency of your boiler, the lower your energy costs. Additionally, inefficient boilers emit more carbon into the atmosphere. Replacing an 88% efficient boiler with a 91% model may not yield huge savings, but replacing an old G-grade boiler with a modern heating system can result in significant cost reductions.

Scope of ErP Testing:

1. Energy-saving lamps: ErP Requirement No. 244

2. AV and IT products: ErP Requirement No. 1275

3. Televisions: ErP Requirement No. 642

4. Set-top boxes: ErP Requirement No. 107

5. Ballasts and fluorescent lamps: ErP Requirement No. 245

6. External power supplies, adapters, chargers: ErP Requirement No. 278

Key ErP Testing Parameters for Lighting Products:

1. Photometric Distribution Test

 - Measures light distribution to determine if the lamp is directional or non-directional.

2. Switching Test

 - 15,000 switching cycles (3 seconds ON, 3 seconds OFF).

 - Failure rate must not exceed 5%.

3. Integrating Sphere Test

 - Startup time < 0.5 seconds

 - Warm-up time < 2 seconds

 - Color Rendering Index (CRI): >80 for general, >65 for outdoor/industrial

 - Color consistency: chromaticity tolerance < 6 SDCM (Standard Deviation Color Matching)

 - Power Factor:

 - P ≤ 2 W: No requirement

 - 2 W < P ≤ 5 W: PF > 0.4

 - 5 W < P ≤ 25 W: PF > 0.5

 - P > 25 W: PF > 0.9

4. Aging Test

 - Measures and compares initial and aged luminous output.

 - Since Sep 1, 2013: 1,000-hour continuous aging required.

 - Since Sep 1, 2014: 6,000-hour aging mandatory.

 - Failure rate must be ≤ 10%, with luminous maintenance ≥ 80%.

How to Effectively Obtain ErP Certification:

Follow the internal design control procedure outlined in Annex IV of Directive 2005/32/EC to conduct a conformity assessment.

The simplest and most effective method is based on Annex IV (EuP Directive), which includes:

1. Providing an LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) report for the product

2. Supplying test reports as required by the eco-design implementing rules

3. Offering all necessary product-related information

Note: The most effective method is internal control.

ErP Certification Process:

1. Conformity Assessment

 - Manufacturers may choose between:

 - Internal Design Control (ErP Directive Annex IV)

 - Environmental Management System (ErP Directive Annex V)

2. Technical Documentation (TDF)

 - Manufacturers must prepare technical documentation

 - It should include information on design, manufacturing, operation, and disposal

 > Details are specified in the implementing measures for each product category.

3. Declaration of Conformity (DoC)

 - Must include basic info and the directives/standards followed

4. CE Marking

 - Perform testing per harmonized standards (e.g., EMC, LVD)

 - Affix the CE marking

ErP Certification Timeline:

- Typical processing time: 2–3 weeks

- Expedited service available at an additional cost