Product Registration in EPREL – A Practical Guide for Businesses
Today, informed choices matter more than ever. Consumers are actively looking for products that save energy and support environmental goals. They also see a clear opportunity to reduce energy bills. In response, the European Union launched EPREL – a mandatory database for energy-labelled products.
Below you will find a step-by-step guide on what to prepare, how to register, and where a qualified electronic seal can support you in the process.
What is EPREL and why was it created?
EPREL (European Product Registry for Energy Labelling) is the EU database for products that require an energy label. It has been in place since 2019. Since March 2021, every label includes a QR code that leads to a product information sheet in EPREL.
EPREL’s key goals:
- help customers compare energy efficiency
- provide transparent product data to support purchasing decisions
- support regulatory compliance checks
- help reduce energy use and CO₂ emissions across the EU
The European Commission estimates that energy labelling and eco-design measures are expected to save up to 230 million tonnes of oil equivalent by 2030. That’s more than 1.5 years’ worth of global aviation fuel consumption.
In the coming years, EPREL will expand to cover more product categories like textiles, steel, furniture, and mattresses. These products will be assigned a Digital Product Passport (DPP).
Who needs to register in EPREL?
Registration is mandatory for:
- manufacturers,
- importers,
- authorised representatives of non-EU suppliers.
Products that must be registered:
- refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, dishwashers
- air conditioners, boilers, heaters
- lamps, light sources, monitors
- tyres, fans, refrigerated cabinets
- starting June 20th, 2025: smartphones and tablets
You can find the full list at EPREL.
How EPREL could be a competitive advantage?
For you, it may be a compliance task. For your customer – it is a key decision-making tool. The QR code on a product label links directly to the official product page in EPREL. Any inconsistency or missing data hurts your credibility and may affect sales.
Risks of non-compliance:
- product cannot be marketed in the EU
- administrative fines and penalties
- product removal from market
- loss of trust and reputation damage – data is public and verifiable
Some product categories report non-compliance rates as high as 70%, making the system a focus of EU market surveillance.
How do consumers use EPREL?
EPREL receives about 1 million visits per year. Shoppers scan QR codes, compare specifications, and make purchase decisions based on energy consumption. According to EPREL Services project research, over 90% of consumers rely on online data when buying.
Top factors that customers check:
- energy consumption
- efficiency class (A–G)
- noise levels
- estimated annual running costs
One small data error can lead to lost sales. Accurate entries build trust and drive conversions.
How to register in EPREL: A step-by-step guide
1. Create an EU Login account
Go to: EU Login and sign up. This is the EU’s common access point. Two-factor authentication is required.
2. Create your organisation’s profile
Log in to EPREL and provide the following:
- company name, address, country of registration
- VAT number, company registry number (e.g. KRS in Poland)
- legal status (legal entity or sole proprietor)
- trademarks or brands you market
3. Add organisation contacts
As the Supplier Admin, you must assign users responsible to manage product registration and updates.
4. Verify your company with a qualified electronic seal
From 22 October 2024, public visibility in EPREL requires verification via a qualified electronic seal (e.g. Szafir or mSzafir), compliant with the eIDAS regulation. The seal proves your data is trustworthy and prevents unauthorised edits.
The same seal can also be used outside EPREL – for e-invoicing (including Poland's KSeF), contracts, HR documents, or official correspondence. The mobile mSzafir seal can be shared by up to 10 authorised users in your company, constituting a convenient, time-saving option.
Verification steps:
- go to: Organisation > Verification > Electronic Verification
- select a preferred language and enter contact details for your authorised signatory
- Important: from 22 April 2025, EPREL requires seals to include both the national company register number (e.g. KRS) and VAT ID. Confirm the requirement with your seal provider during the order process to ensure compliance.
- download the system-generated PDF, already sealed by the European Commission
- check the data, then apply your qualified electronic seal
- upload the signed file and submit your request
EPREL will automatically validate the signature. Verification usually takes just a few minutes.
Common reasons for rejection:
- missing country telephone prefix (e.g. PL ‘+48’) before the company number
- using an unqualified or incorrect certificate
- outdated or mismatched data in the seal (e.g. invalid company name or postcode)
- wrong ID format (e.g. VAT instead of registry number)
- unsigned document
5. Register your product or model
You need to provide detailed product data, both for consumers and market authorities. Suppliers must retain all documentation for 15 years.
What are the other applications of a qualified e-seal?
EPREL is just one of the possible applications of an e-seal. A qualified electronic seal (like Szafir or mSzafir) is also useful for:
- signing e-invoices
- HR documents and employment contracts
- legal agreements with partners
- public procurement bids
- secure archiving of business records
mSzafir works directly in your browser and supports up to 10 concurrent users.
Where to get help
- Polish Ministry of Climate and Environment – information about product regulations and EPREL
- APPLiA Polska – templates, forms, and supplier guidance
- UOKiK (Polish Office of Competition and Consumer Protection) – label compliance, market oversight, and greenwashing enforcement
Legal basis
- Regulation (EU) 2017/1369 – mandatory energy labelling and EPREL registration
- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/994 – how EPREL functions
- Regulation (EU) 910/2014 (eIDAS) – qualified e-signatures and seals
EPREL is not just a legal requirement – it is also a strategic business asset. Clear, accessible data and verified product details increase visibility and build consumer trust. A qualified electronic seal is your essential tool for compliance and a smart investment in digital efficiency.