The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) underlines that the new energy labelling system put forward by the Commission must cover the entire product lifecycle and use digital tools to improve transparency and accessibility. 

In its opinion Omnibus on energy products labelling, adopted at its September plenary, the EESC backed the Commission’s proposal to simplify energy product legislation and its regulatory framework, maintain consumer information standards and ensure compliance using digital options. However, the EESC stresses that the proposal should also include post-purchase information, with data from the European Product Registry for Energy Labelling (EPREL). 

‘Product data is crucial not only when making a decision to buy, but also for repairs, maintenance, spare parts sourcing and resale markets. The EPREL database must act as a lifecycle database that provides precise, downloadable and updated information identifying the responsible economic operator,’ said rapporteur of the opinion José Angel Hernández Colomer. 

According to the EESC, energy labels must be immediately visible in search results, comparison tools and shopping carts, and be supported by intuitive online energy-rating filters. Digital tools such as QR codes or nested views must never obscure essential data, and should offer multilingual details and replace traditional barcodes to enhance company and product traceability.  

Mr Colomer added that ‘beyond consumer data, the EPREL database must provide technicians handling installation, maintenance, dismantling and end-of-life processing with comprehensive technical and safety specifications on hazardous components, battery specs, refrigerants and safe disconnection workflows.’ 

The Committee also states the importance of protecting vulnerable groups from digital exclusion. It recommends holding digital literacy campaigns in rural or low-income areas and integrating accessible layouts for people with disabilities, such as easy-to-read text, braille, larger fonts and distinct visual icons, so that digital labels do not become a barrier to information. (ma/mp)