EU ErP Directive for Lighting: Mandatory Pass for European Market Access

As green and low-carbon development becomes a global consensus, the EU ErP Directive has become a mandatory pass for lighting products entering the European market. Statistics show that lighting products failing ErP certification face risks of detention, recall, or even fines. Compliance directly affects market access in over 30 European countries.

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I. What Is the ErP Directive for Lighting?

The EU ErP Directive (Energy-related Products Directive) is a core regulation under the CE marking framework, aiming to standardize the ecological design and energy efficiency requirements of energy-related products. Based on the 2009/125/EC framework directive, it imposes strict environmental and energy efficiency requirements throughout the product’s entire life cycle—from raw material procurement, production, and use to disposal.

Core Values

• Legal Mandatory Requirement: Lighting products failing ErP conformity assessment are prohibited from being sold, circulated, or used in the EU market.
• Unified Technical Specifications: Provides a consistent ecological design and energy efficiency assessment framework for all EU member states.
• Sustainable Development: Promotes energy conservation and emission reduction in the EU, advancing sustainable development.
• Foundation for CE Marking: ErP compliance is a prerequisite for obtaining the CE mark, directly determining product market access.

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II. Scope of Products Applicable to the ErP Directive

The ErP Directive applies to all lighting products placed on the EU market, mainly including:

By Product Type

• Light source products: LED lamps, fluorescent lamps, high-intensity discharge lamps, etc.
• Independent control gear: Dimmers, drivers, and other independent power control equipment.
• Combined products: Complete luminaires integrating light sources and control gear.

By Application Scenario

• Recessed luminaires: Downlights, grille lights, panel lights, etc.
• Fixed luminaires: Ceiling lights, chandeliers, wall lights, etc.
• Portable luminaires: Table lamps, floor lamps, etc.
• Appliances/furniture with integrated lighting: e.g., household appliances or furniture equipped with lighting functions.

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III. Key Changes in the Latest ErP Directive

On December 5, 2019, the EU officially released the updated ErP Directive (EU 2019/2020) and Energy Label Directive (EU 2019/2015), which became mandatory on September 1, 2021. The old regulations (EC 244/2009, EC 245/2009, EU 1194/2012) were repealed simultaneously.

Main Differences Between New and Old Directives

Upgraded Technical Requirements

• Improved Energy Efficiency Calculation: Reverted from EEI index to Ponmax, incorporated color rendering index factors, and raised energy efficiency thresholds.
• New Stroboscopic Testing: Added SVM and Pst LM stroboscopic test requirements to reduce visual fatigue.
• Network Standby Power Consumption: Introduced power consumption limits for network-controlled and network standby modes.
• Updated Energy Label: Replaced the A+++ to E rating system with a 7-level classification (A to G, A being the highest).

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IV. Core Technical Requirements of the ErP Directive

1. Energy Efficiency Performance Requirements

Luminous Efficacy Requirements

• General LED modules: ≥85 lm/W
• Directional LED luminaires: ≥95 lm/W
• Traditional fluorescent lamps: ≥60 lm/W

Standby Power Consumption Limits

• Off mode: ≤0.50 W (to be tightened to ≤0.30 W after May 9, 2027)
• Standby mode: ≤0.50 W
• Network standby: ≤2.00 W (without HiNA function); ≤8.00 W (with HiNA function)

2. Function and Reliability Requirements

Stroboscopic Control

• Stroboscopic percentage (Pst LM) ≤1.0
• Relaxed to ≤3.0 for special industrial luminaires

Color Rendering Performance

• Color Rendering Index (CRI) ≥80
• ≥90 for special scenario luminaires (e.g., museum lighting)

Durability Testing

• LED light sources: Pass L70/B50 test (≥70% luminous flux maintenance rate for over 50% of sources after 6,000 hours)
• Switch life test: LED luminaires must pass at least 100,000 switch cycles

3. Environmental Requirements

Restriction of Hazardous Substances

• Compact fluorescent lamps: Mercury content ≤3.5mg
• LED luminaires: Mercury content ≤1mg
• Heavy metals (lead, cadmium, etc.): Comply with RoHS Directive requirements

Recyclable Design

• Luminaire housings, light sources, and drivers must be designed as detachable structures
• Recyclability rate ≥80%

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V. Energy Label Requirements

Under the EU 2019/2015 Energy Label Directive, lighting energy labels must meet the following requirements:

Label Format

• Size specifications: Standard label (36x72mm); small label (20x54mm)
• Classification: 7-level system from A (highest) to G (lowest)
• Information to include: Clear marking of energy efficiency class, annual energy consumption, luminous flux, input power, and other core parameters

Label Application

• Must be affixed to a prominent position on the luminaire (product packaging and body)
• No alteration or false marking is allowed (considered "fraudulent behavior")

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VI. Detailed ErP Certification Process

Complete Certification Flow

1. Application and Document Preparation

   • Fill out the application form and provide product technical data
   • Prepare product manuals, circuit diagrams, technical parameters, etc.

2. Sample Testing and Evaluation

   • Goniophotometer testing: Measure light distribution curves and confirm luminous flux
   • Integrating sphere testing: Startup time, color rendering index, color consistency, power factor
   • Durability testing: Luminous flux maintenance evaluation
   • Stroboscopic testing: SVM and Pst LM measurement

3. Conformity Assessment

   • Review of test results and technical documents
   • Confirm compliance with ErP Directive requirements

4. Sign Declaration of Conformity (DoC)

   • Signed by the manufacturer or authorized representative
   • Clearly state the compliant directives and standards

5. Energy Label Registration

   • Register product information in the EU Energy Label Database
   • Obtain the official energy label

6. Affix CE Mark

   • Attach the CE mark to a prominent position on the product
   • Ensure the mark is clear, durable, and non-wearable

Certification Cycle

• Standard process: 15–20 working days
• Expedited service available (contact GTG for details)

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VII. GTG Testing Group’s ErP Certification Service Advantages

Professional Testing Capabilities

• Equipped with high-precision goniophotometers and integrating sphere test systems for accurate and reliable data
• Proficient in the latest ErP standards (EU 2019/2020, EU 2019/2015)
• Provide full-item services from energy efficiency testing to durability evaluation

End-to-End Service Support

• Comprehensive services from standard interpretation, gap analysis, and product pre-testing to formal certification
• Professional team guides technical document preparation and DoC compilation
• Support for energy label registration and database declaration

Cost Optimization Solutions

• Pre-test services: Identify risks in advance to avoid formal certification failure
• Serial certification: Reduce repeated testing for similar products, significantly lowering costs
• Localized services: Minimize sample transportation and time costs, improving efficiency

Continuous Compliance Guarantee

• Early warning of standard updates and gap analysis
• Support for responding to market surveillance
• Certificate maintenance and renewal services

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Conclusion

ErP Directive compliance is a mandatory requirement and core technical barrier for lighting products entering the EU market. As the EU tightens energy efficiency and environmental requirements, proactive planning and professional certification have become essential market strategies for lighting enterprises. Choosing an experienced testing and certification partner not only ensures smooth product certification but also helps enterprises establish a sound product compliance system, laying a solid foundation for long-term and stable expansion in the European market.

With a comprehensive service system, professional technical team, and rich project experience, GTG Testing Group provides lighting enterprises with all-round ErP Directive compliance solutions, helping products successfully obtain the CE mark and access the EU market smoothly.