I. Market Status: EU Demand for Fan Heaters and Energy Efficiency Thresholds
Fan heaters, with their instant heating and compact size, have long been a winter essential for European households. As Europe undergoes energy transition and residents become more energy‑conscious, the demand for high‑efficiency fan heaters continues to grow. At the same time, the EU has tightened energy efficiency market access requirements: all exported fan heaters must complete ERP energy efficiency certification, or they will face customs detention, platform delisting, and even heavy fines.
It is particularly important to note that the EU published the new Ecodesign Requirements Regulation for Space Heaters (EU) 2024/1103 in April 2024, which will take effect on 1 July 2025, fully replacing the old version (EU) 2015/1188. The new regulation imposes stricter requirements on seasonal space heating efficiency, standby/off‑mode power consumption, and other parameters. Exporters must conduct testing and registration in accordance with the new standards.
II. Core Requirements of ERP Certification for Fan Heaters
ERP certification for fan heaters mainly revolves around the following technical indicators:
Energy Efficiency Index (EEI): Fan heaters must meet the minimum seasonal space heating efficiency requirements. Under the new regulation, mobile electric heaters must achieve at least 44.7% efficiency, while fixed products must meet 43.1%–47.5% depending on power output.
Standby and off‑mode power consumption: Standby mode ≤ 0.5 W, off‑mode ≤ 0.5 W; networked standby ≤ 1.0 W.
Noise limits: Typically not exceeding 65 dB measured at a distance of 1 metre.
Product information label: Must bear the new A‑G energy label, indicating energy class, hourly power consumption, noise level, and other information.
III. Certification Process: Four Key Steps
ERP certification for fan heaters is essentially a mandatory filing process for product information in the official EU EPREL database, rather than a traditional “certificate issuance”. The process is as follows:
Step 1: Product testing. Entrust a qualified third‑party laboratory to conduct tests according to the EN 60335 safety standards series and the relevant ERP energy efficiency standards, obtaining core data on energy efficiency, standby power consumption, noise, etc.
Step 2: Technical documentation preparation. Compile product technical specifications, circuit diagrams, bill of materials (BOM), test reports, user manuals, etc., and prepare a complete Technical Construction File (TCF).
Step 3: EPREL system registration. Log in to the official EU EPREL database, create a manufacturer account, upload test reports and technical documentation, and submit product information. Upon successful review, a unique registration number is generated.
Step 4: Label affixing and compliance maintenance. Print the registration number and energy label on the product and outer packaging, and continuously monitor regulatory updates to ensure long‑term compliance.
IV. Certification Timeline: How Long Does It Take?
The standard cycle is typically 7‑15 working days, depending on product complexity, documentation completeness, and laboratory scheduling. With complete documentation and smooth testing, the entire process can be completed in as little as 7 days. Some organisations offer expedited services that can further shorten the cycle at an additional cost.
V. Certification Costs: Influencing Factors and Estimates
Costs are not fixed and are mainly influenced by the following factors:
Product complexity: More complex features (e.g., smart control, multi‑level adjustment) mean more test items and higher costs.
Series declaration: Multiple models within the same series can share some costs.
Whether EPREL registration service is included: Some organisations only cover testing, with registration services charged separately.
Overall, ERP certification costs for fan heaters typically range from several thousand to tens of thousands of RMB. It is advisable for companies to consult multiple organisations in advance to obtain detailed quotations.
VI. How to Choose a Certification Body?
When choosing a certification body, it is recommended to focus on the following qualifications:
Whether it has a CNAS/CMA‑accredited laboratory, ensuring that test reports are recognised by the EU.
Whether it is familiar with fan heater products and the latest ERP regulations (including the new (EU) 2024/1103).
Whether it can provide a one‑stop service (testing + documentation preparation + EPREL registration).
Shenzhen Zhongwei Inspection, as a professional third‑party export energy efficiency testing and certification body, operates an internationally accredited energy efficiency laboratory and a dedicated testing team. For fan heaters, it provides a one‑stop service from energy efficiency testing to EU energy label registration. With extensive ERP certification experience, it helps manufacturers efficiently meet compliance requirements and eliminate export energy efficiency concerns.
