EU Council Adopts Energy Label Simplification
The Council's negotiating position would simplify labelling rules for energy-related products and tyres under the Omnibus XII package.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Appliances
Live Poll
Do you trust product energy labels when buying appliances online?
The EU Council adopted its negotiating position on Friday 6 November, setting out new labelling rules for energy-related products and tyres. The package aims to reduce administrative formalities for businesses and make fuller use of digital tools.
Why it matters
The rules would simplify how businesses comply with energy and tyre labelling requirements while keeping efficiency and durability information available to consumers. Products covered include dishwashers, air conditioners and smartphones.
The mandate sets a 4-month sell-through period for products carrying non-rescaled labels after the rescaling date, and a 12-month period for products no longer placed on the market. The package amends Regulation 2020/740 on tyre labelling and Regulation 2017/1369 on energy-related products.
The players
Council of the European Union
The Council of the European Union is the EU body representing member state governments that adopted this negotiating position on energy and tyre labelling.
The details
The Council's mandate makes the rescaling date the official date on which a product category moves to a redesigned energy efficiency label. Energy labels on physically displayed products may be shown physically or electronically if consumers can associate the label with the specific model.
Timeline
Friday 6 November: EU Council adopted its negotiating position on the labelling rules.
Roadmap
The package amends Regulation 2017/1369, the framework that governs energy labelling across the EU, updating its procedures rather than replacing them. It extends the existing tyre labelling regime under Regulation 2020/740 with clarified supplier and distributor obligations.
Consumers buying dishwashers, air conditioners, smartphones or tyres would see updated energy efficiency and durability information, including via QR codes. The 4-month and 12-month sell-through periods determine how long older labels remain on products in stores.
The takeaway
Shoppers should expect energy and tyre labels to change gradually as product categories move to redesigned formats over the coming months. Checking the efficiency and durability information before buying will remain useful during the transition.
Further reading
For related context, see the Appliances section.
More information
Read the Council mandate on energy and tyre labelling for the full negotiating position.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Agence Europe.
Live Poll
Do you trust product energy labels when buying appliances online?
