EU Regulation 2023/826: New Energy Efficiency Requirements

Regulation (EU) 2023/826: New requirements for energy efficiency

Climate change remains a major challenge to sustainable development, and the European Commission (EC) is taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. One of the EC’s latest initiatives is Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/826, issued on April 17, 2023, which introduces updated energy efficiency requirements for electrical and electronic household and office equipment.

What is Regulation (EU) 2023/826?

This regulation replaces Commission Regulation (EC) No 1275/2008 and strengthens the energy efficiency standards for energy-related products (ErPs). It also aims to reduce the environmental impact of devices in off mode, standby mode and networked standby mode, contributing to the EU’s climate and sustainability goals.

Key updates and requirements 

The main changes introduced by Regulation (EU) 2023/826 include:

• Stricter limits on standby and off-mode power consumption
• Expanded scope to include a wider range of products
• New requirements for networked standby energy use
• Additional functional requirements for product design
• Enhanced consumer information to support informed energy-saving choices

These updates reflect the sector’s technological progress and aim to increase energy savings across the EU. The regulation is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 1.36 million tons by 2030.

Effective date

Regulation (EU) 2023/826 took effect on May 9, 2025.

How UL Solutions can help

UL Solutions provides testing services for ErPs covered by Regulation (EU) 2023/826, including:

• Full test reports addressing conformity assessment as defined in Article 4 of the Regulation
• Technical documentation as required by point 3(a) of Annex III that complies with Annex IV of the Regulation
• Training and support services to navigate through requirements of the Regulation

Teaming with UL Solutions can help you manage new EU energy efficiency regulations, supporting your efforts to stay compliant – and competitive.

How manufacturers can comply with the new regulation

Manufacturers must take specific actions to build compliance and avoid market disruption. These steps include:

1. Assessing  product scope inclusion

The regulation expands its scope to cover a broader range of ErPs. Manufacturers must assess whether their products — basically all small appliance products, including battery-powered equipment and products connected to a network — fall under the expanded scope. This step is essential to determine whether the product is subject to Regulation (EU) 2023/826.

2. Understanding maximum energy consumption limits

New power consumption thresholds have been introduced for off mode, standby mode and networked standby mode. Manufacturers must determine whether their products meet these limits:

• Off: ≤ 0.50 W (≤ 0.30 W from May 2027)
• Standby (information or status display): ≤ 0.80 W
• Networked standby (HiNA): ≤ 8 W (≤ 7 W from May 2027)
• Networked standby (other): ≤ 2 W

These limits are designed to reduce CO2 emissions and promote energy savings across the EU.

3. Understanding new functional requirements

Regulation (EU) 2023/826 introduces new functional requirements, and manufacturers must assess whether their products comply with them.

4. Aligning instructions with regulatory requirements

Manufacturers must update product documentation and user instructions to comply with Annex III of the Regulation, which includes:

• The power consumption of networked and non-networked devices, and delay times for switching to standby or off mode
• Technical specifications for external power supplies (if provided)
• Guidance on how to activate and deactivate wireless network ports.

This step is critical because clear and compliant information empowers consumers to make energy-conscious decisions and helps create regulatory alignment.