New energy label for light sources from September 1

As of September 1, 2021, the introduction of new energy labels for light sources will begin in the retail network and online stores. In order to achieve full transparency, the energy efficiency classes have increased criteria and are distributed on a scale from A to G, eliminating the advantages of the class (A + / A +++).

The change is due to the new European regulations, according to which the energy labels of all products should be updated in stages over the next few years. The new energy labels were first introduced in the spring of 2021 and covered 4 groups of the most used appliances in the home - refrigerators and freezers, washing machines, dishwashers, TVs and electronic screens.

A new element of the energy label of light sources, in addition to the updated energy class, is the QR code, which refers to the European product database EPREL. In it, users will find additional useful information such as the color of the light emitted from the source (warm white, neutral white, cold white), the possibility of dimming, average life expectancy, color rendering index and flicker. Good color rendering means that light sources can show the color of illuminated objects in the most natural way possible. Low flicker values ​​indicate that the luminous flux has minimal pulsations, causing discomfort to users. These additional features can also be seen on the product packaging.

Schedule for introduction of the new labels of the light sources in the retail outlets and online stores

All light sources that will be placed on the market after 1 September 2021 should have a new label on their packaging. The remaining products can continue to be sold with the old label for the next 18 months to avoid the need to produce new packaging or re-label products that are expected to be sold shortly. Unlike physical sites, online stores are required by September 21, 2021 to publish the new labels next to the price of the light source. However, the products supplied may have old labels. Compliance with the new provisions will be monitored by the Consumer Protection Commission, which will impose sanctions in case of violations.

European energy label

Since its introduction in 1994, the energy label has established itself as one of the European Union's most successful energy consumption initiatives. It has made a significant contribution to the choice of energy efficient products, thus contributing to the EU's objectives in in the field of energy and climate.

The label has successfully helped consumers save energy and reduced costs and has become a catalyst for innovation in more efficient products.

Thanks to it, the energy efficiency of various product groups was increased by over 80%, which made it possible to achieve significant savings in energy costs.

What is Label 2020

The LABEL 2020 project is part of the pan-European information campaign for the introduction of the new labels and is funded by the EU's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program. It is coordinated by the Austrian Energy Agency and is implemented simultaneously in 15 Member States of the European Union and in the United Kingdom. The executor of the project for Bulgaria is the Black Sea Research Energy Center (https://www.bserc.eu).