The European Union brought a new framework for setting ecodesign standards into effect on 18 July 2024, the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), which replaces the Ecodesign Directive (2009/125/EC)1. The first EU ecodesign regulations made under ESPR are expected to come into force from mid-20271.
Because the CE recognition provision in the Ecodesign for Energy-Related Products Regulations 2010 refers to the Ecodesign Directive, products complying with new EU regulations made under ESPR would not have qualified for CE recognition in Great Britain without action, and would have needed an additional assessment to be sold there2. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero consulted on extending that recognition, with the consultation running from midday on 9 December 2025 to 11:59pm on 20 January 20261. It received 17 responses from manufacturers, trade associations, suppliers, distributors and online marketplaces, and all responses to the main policy question agreed that CE marking recognition should be extended to cover Energy Related Products regulated under ESPR1.
The government has confirmed it will proceed, broadly as consulted upon1. The change amends the 2010 Regulations to extend the existing CE recognition mechanism to products regulated under ESPR, with a Statutory Instrument laid to implement it1. The Ecodesign for Energy-Related Products and Energy Information (Amendment) Regulations 2026 have been published1. The policy applies to England, Scotland and Wales1.
"the government will proceed with extending CE marking recognition to Energy Related Products ( ErPs ) regulated under ESPR , broadly as consulted upon."
Under the current arrangement, CE marked products can be sold in Great Britain if they comply with GB ecodesign standards, without also affixing a UK Conformity Assessment (UKCA) marking1. In May 2024 the previous government legislated to remove the time limit for CE recognition, establishing indefinite recognition for 21 product regulations including the 2010 Ecodesign Regulations2. The Office for Product Safety and Standards enforces ecodesign regulations, and its enforcement approach is not proposed to change2.
| Item | Position |
|---|---|
| ESPR in effect in the EU | 18 July 20241 |
| First EU ecodesign regulations under ESPR expected | From mid-20271 |
| Consultation opened | Midday, 9 December 20251 |
| Consultation closed | 11:59pm, 20 January 20261 |
| Responses received | 171 |
| Territorial extent | England, Scotland and Wales1 |
Why it matters for households
Ecodesign rules set the minimum energy performance that appliances and other energy-related products must meet to be sold, so they shape what is on the market and how much energy a home's appliances use. The government's stated expectation is that continuing CE recognition avoids additional costs for businesses and prevents these being passed on, helping to keep prices competitive and a wide choice of products available in the GB market2. It also says the alternative would risk fewer products being available if manufacturers opted to avoid the cost of two conformity assessment procedures2. The product standards themselves are not changed by this decision2. For a household, the practical effect is on the range and price of appliances available rather than on the efficiency rules they must meet. The Energy Labels and Ecodesign Rules for Household Appliances guide covers how those rules work, and the wider regulation and energy independence picture sets out what the rules allow at home. Marking requirements for products are covered in UKCA vs CE marking for home energy products.
What happens next
The Statutory Instrument to implement the change has been laid, and the government response to the consultation has been published1. The policy is intended to ensure CE recognition continues to apply when ESPR regulations come into force from 20271. No further dates beyond those have been reported.