Dishwashers exported to the EU market must complete ERP Energy related Products certification. This certification is mandatory and is on par with
directives such as LVD and EMC in CE certification. Products that fail to pass cannot be sold in the European Union.
1、 Core regulations involved
The EU energy efficiency compliance of dishwashers is jointly constrained by two regulations:
Ecological Design Directive: ErP Framework Directive (2009/125/EC) and its Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2022. This regulation sets the minimum
entry threshold for ecological indicators such as dishwasher energy efficiency index, water consumption, and standby power consumption. Products that
do not meet the standards cannot be launched.
Energy Efficiency Labeling Regulations: Framework Regulation (EU) 2017/1369, and Exclusive Regulation for Dishwashers (EU) 2019/2017. This regulation
stipulates that products must be labeled with a unified energy efficiency label, with strict requirements for label format, content, size, and color.
2、 New Energy Efficiency Label (A-G Level)
Since 2021, the EU has abolished the original "A+++, A++, A+" system and fully returned to the seven levels of energy efficiency labels from A to
G. Grade A is the highest energy efficiency, while Grade G is the lowest.
The new label must include the following information: supplier name or trademark, product model, energy efficiency level (A-G), annual electricity
consumption (kWh/year), annual water consumption (liters/year), rated capacity (number of tableware sets), program duration, noise emission level
(dB (A)), and a QR code - scanned to directly redirect to the registration page of the product in the EU EPREL database.
3、 Key testing indicators and limits
According to the EN 60436 (or EN 50242) standard, the laboratory conducts full process testing on dishwashers under the "Eco program", with core
indicators including:
Energy Efficiency Index (EEI): This is the only core parameter that determines energy efficiency levels. The level classification is as follows - A-level requires
EEI less than 32; B level is between 32 and 38; C level is between 38 and 44; D level is between 44 and 50; E level is between 50 and 56; F level is between
56 and 62; Grade G is 62 or above.
Minimum requirement for ecological design: Energy Efficiency Index (EEI) shall not exceed 63; The water efficiency index WEI shall not exceed 62; The
cleanliness index shall not be lower than 1.12; The dryness index shall not be lower than 0.97.
Standby power consumption: Starting from May 9, 2025, the shutdown/standby power consumption must not exceed 0.50W. If the product supports
networking functionality, the basic standby power consumption must not exceed 2.00W, and in data transmission mode, it must not exceed 8.00W.
Noise level: According to air noise emissions, it is divided into four levels, A to D. Level A requires noise levels below 39 decibels.
4、 Certification process
The entire authentication process consists of four steps, each of which is indispensable:
The first step is product energy efficiency testing. Send the samples to a third-party laboratory accredited by the European Union and complete the
testing in accordance with EN 60436 standard. The test requires simulating standard loads and Eco programs to obtain complete data such as EEI,
water consumption, cleaning/drying performance, standby power consumption, etc. In 2025, a new version of IEC 60436 has been released, and there
are technical revisions to the testing methods. Attention should be paid to adopting the latest standards.
The second step is to prepare a Technical Document (TDF). Manufacturers need to prepare complete technical documents including product descriptions,
design drawings, circuit diagrams, test reports, and risk assessments. These documents must be kept for at least 10 years after the product is discontinued,
in preparation for spot checks by EU market regulatory agencies.
Step three, EPREL database registration. Manufacturers or their EU authorized representatives must enter the product model and all energy efficiency
parameters in the official EPREL (European Product Registry for Energy Labeling) system of the EU. After approval, the system will issue a unique EPREL
registration number. Products not registered with EPREL are prohibited from being sold in the European Union.
Step four, generate and label. According to the official format label file generated by the EPREL system, print and paste it on the product body, outer
packaging, instruction manual, and all online sales pages. E-commerce platforms such as Amazon and TEMU will enforce the verification of ERP energy
efficiency labels, and any missing labels will result in product delisting.
5、 Special Reminder
EU Authorized Representative: Non EU manufacturers must designate an EU authorized representative who is responsible for EPREL registration and liaising
with EU regulatory agencies. The EPREL system will verify the identity of the agent, and registrations without valid verification will be considered invalid.
New and old regulations switch: Starting from May 9, 2025, the standby power consumption test of dishwashers must be carried out in accordance with the
new regulation (EU) 2023/826, and the old regulation (EC) 1275/2008 has been officially abolished.
Market supervision risk: Market supervision agencies of EU member states will conduct regular spot checks. If the actual performance of the product is
found to be inconsistent with the label statement, or if the label is not correctly affixed, the enterprise will face penalties such as product removal, high
fines, and even market bans.
