On 20 June 2025, the EU officially brought smartphones and tablets under mandatory energy labelling requirements, under Regulation (EU) 2023/1669 (Energy Labelling Regulation) and Regulation (EU) 2023/1670 (Ecodesign Regulation). This means that tablets (≤ 17.4 inches) and smartphones exported to the EU must complete energy efficiency testing and EPREL database registration before affixing the energy label. Failure to comply will result in customs detention, e‑commerce platform delisting, and even fines.
So, where can you find a professional testing body for smartphone and tablet EU energy efficiency testing and energy label registration? Shenzhen Zhongwei Inspection is a professional third‑party export energy efficiency testing and label registration body, with years of focus on energy efficiency testing and extensive experience in EU energy label registration, offering a one‑stop service for tablet and smartphone EU energy efficiency testing.
I. EU Energy Label Registration Process for Tablets and Smartphones
The energy label registration for tablets and smartphones must strictly follow a three‑step process of “testing – registration – labelling”:
Step 1: Product energy efficiency testing. The manufacturer must send the product to a CNAS‑ or ISO 17025‑accredited laboratory for testing. Compared to traditional household appliances, the test items are more complex, including:
Energy Efficiency Index (EEI): Determines the A‑G energy class.
Battery endurance: Measured under three real‑world scenarios (talk time, web browsing, video playback).
Battery cycle life: ≥ 80% capacity retention after 800 charge/discharge cycles.
Drop resistance: 26 free falls from 1.5 metres without functional failure.
Dust and water ingress protection: IP code measured in practice.
Repairability score: A 0‑10 scale corresponding to A‑E grades.
Step 2: EPREL database registration. Non‑EU companies cannot directly open an account in the EPREL system; they must appoint an authorised representative (EU Rep) located within the European Economic Area. During registration, log in to the EPREL official website, use EU Login to create a supplier organisation, fill in product information (brand, model, energy class, etc.), and upload the test report and technical documentation (including repair manual, spare parts supply plan, raw material source declaration, etc.). After submission and system review, a unique EPREL number and energy label QR code are generated.
Step 3: Affix the label and display it. The label must be clearly printed on the product body, packaging, and outer carton, with a minimum size of 36 mm × 72 mm. E‑commerce platforms (e.g., Amazon, Temu) must display the energy label on the product detail page and upload the EPREL registration number.
II. Timeline for EU Energy Label Registration for Tablets and Smartphones
The overall project cycle is typically around 2 weeks, with testing taking approximately 10‑12 working days and EPREL system review about 3‑5 working days. However, note that battery cycle life testing (800 charge/discharge cycles) is time‑consuming, and it is advisable to allow extra time. For products with complex structures or first‑time applicants, it is recommended to allow 2 weeks to accommodate supplementary testing or document corrections.
III. Costs for EU Energy Label Registration for Tablets and Smartphones
The cost of EU energy label registration varies depending on the product type and the complexity of test items. The costs mainly include: energy efficiency testing fees (battery cycle life, drop, IP rating, etc.), EU Rep service fees, EPREL registration service fees, and label design and production fees. The exact cost depends on the product model and test plan. If different colours or memory configurations share the same power consumption structure, a “family model” can be declared to reduce testing costs.
IV. Why Choose Shenzhen Zhongwei Inspection – Professional, Efficient, One‑Stop Service
Shenzhen Zhongwei Inspection is a professional third‑party export energy efficiency testing body with CMA, CNAS, and IAS accreditations. It has long provided domestic customers with EU energy efficiency certification, US DOE, California CEC, and UK energy efficiency certification services, serving more than 2,000 energy efficiency clients. With over ten years of experience in energy efficiency testing and label registration, Zhongwei offers a full‑process service – from product testing and label design to EPREL registration and platform compliance guidance – helping your products obtain energy labels smoothly and export overseas with ease.
The EU energy label has moved from a “nice‑to‑have” to a “must‑have”. Manufacturers are advised to plan early, allowing sufficient time for testing and registration to ensure smooth entry into the EU market.
Tablets and smartphones are the latest products added to the EU energy certification scope. For those unfamiliar with the new regulations, it is essential to update your EU compliance strategy in a timely manner.
If you have tablets, smartphones, or other products requiring EU energy labels, welcome to consult the Shenzhen Zhongwei Inspection EU Energy Efficiency Certification team!
