I. Market Prospects for Space Heater Exports to the EU
Chinese space heaters have performed strongly in the EU market. Customs data shows that from January to November 2025, China exported 106.15 million units of electric space heaters, electric blankets, and other electrical space heating appliances, representing a year‑on‑year growth of 6.18%. Among these, heaters exported from Cixi alone to the EU reached RMB 1.28 billion, up 8.4% year‑on‑year; Yiwu‘s electric heater exports reached RMB 290 million, an increase of 32%.
Driven by Europe’s energy transition and rising consumer awareness of energy conservation, demand for efficient, energy‑saving heating equipment in the EU market continues to grow. In terms of product trends, European consumers prefer products that combine decorative and functional features – innovative categories such as 3D flame‑effect fireplaces and combined cooling and heating units continue to gain popularity. At the same time, EU energy efficiency market access requirements have tightened – all exported space heaters must complete ERP energy efficiency certification, or risk customs detention, platform delisting, and even heavy fines.
II. Core EU Energy Efficiency ERP Requirements
Space heaters are subject to a dual regulatory framework under EU energy efficiency legislation:
Ecodesign Framework Directive (EC) 2009/125/EC (ErP Directive): Establishes mandatory ecodesign requirements.
Energy Labelling Regulation (EU) 2017/1369: Specifies uniform format and content for energy labels.
Key regulatory update: On 18 April 2024, the European Commission published the new regulation (EU) 2024/1103, which comprehensively revises the ecodesign requirements for local space heaters. It took effect on 1 July 2025, replacing the previous regulation (EU) 2015/1188. Key changes include:
Expanded scope: The power limit for commercial local space heaters has been extended from 120 kW to 300 kW; requirements for independent controllers and towel rails have been added; radiant electric heaters have been merged into the mobile or fixed heater categories.
Significantly increased seasonal space heating efficiency thresholds:
| Product Category | Old ηs (%) | New ηs (%) |
|---|
| Mobile electric heaters | ≥36 | ≥44.7 |
| Fixed electric heaters >250 W | ≥38 | ≥47.5 |
| Fixed electric heaters ≤250 W | ≥34 | ≥43.1 |
| Thermal storage electric heaters | ≥38.5 | ≥47.3 |
In terms of energy labelling, the EU has fully transitioned to the simplified A‑G new scale since March 2021, abandoning the old A+++ to D system. The label must include supplier information, model, energy class, QR code (linking to the EPREL database), and other mandatory elements.
III. ERP Certification Process
ERP certification for space heaters is essentially a mandatory filing process for product information in the official EU EPREL database, rather than a traditional “certificate issuance”. The complete process is as follows:
Step 1: Product testing – Entrust a qualified third‑party laboratory (e.g., CNAS/CMA accredited body) to conduct testing in accordance with EN 60335 safety standards and relevant ERP energy efficiency standards, obtaining core data on energy efficiency, standby power consumption, noise, etc.
Step 2: Technical documentation preparation – Prepare a complete Technical Construction File (TCF), including product technical specifications, design drawings and circuit diagrams, bill of materials (BOM), test reports, user manuals, etc. The technical documentation must be kept for at least 10 years after the product is discontinued, for market surveillance inspections.
Step 3: EPREL database registration – Non‑EU manufacturers must appoint an EU Authorised Representative. Log in to the official EU EPREL system to create an account, upload test reports and technical documentation, and submit product information. After review, a unique registration number is generated.
Step 4: Label affixing and compliance maintenance – Print the registration number and energy label on the product body, outer packaging, and user manual, and upload the label and product information sheet on the backend of e‑commerce platforms such as Amazon.
Core documentation checklist: Product technical specifications, circuit diagrams and structural drawings, trademark registration certificate, EU Representative information, energy efficiency test reports, product nameplate photos.
IV. Certification Timeline
The standard ERP certification cycle for space heaters is typically 7 to 15 working days. For complex products or multi‑model series applications, the timeline may extend to 1‑2 months. The specific duration depends on the following factors:
Whether the product has already passed relevant testing
Completeness and accuracy of technical documentation
EPREL system review efficiency
Whether a series declaration is involved
Manufacturers should plan ahead and allow sufficient time to avoid delays in market launch due to registration hold‑ups. Some organisations offer expedited services to shorten the timeline, but at an additional cost.
V. Professional Certification Body: Shenzhen Zhongwei Inspection
As a professional third‑party export energy efficiency testing and certification body, Shenzhen Zhongwei Inspection has extensive experience in ERP certification for space heaters. The organisation holds CNAS, IAS, and CMA accreditations and operates an internationally accredited energy efficiency laboratory.
Core service coverage: EU ERP energy efficiency certification, US DOE energy efficiency certification, California CEC certification, and UK energy efficiency certification. With fast turnaround, high efficiency, and professional reliability, Shenzhen Zhongwei Inspection has provided one‑stop energy efficiency compliance solutions to numerous exporters and has earned wide industry recognition.
For space heater exporters, with the new EU regulation (EU) 2024/1103 having taken effect in July 2025, choosing an experienced certification body and completing compliance arrangements in advance is not only a passport to market access but also a strategic choice for mitigating trade risks and enhancing product competitiveness.
