New energy label from September 2021

The energy label on a lamp’s packaging indicates its energy efficiency. On 1 September 2021 the EU energy label changed. You may see a product that previously had an A+ rating now showing F. This does not mean the lamp has become less efficient—the method for determining the label has changed.

Since 1 September 2021, efficiency is calculated based on a lamp’s overall luminous efficacy (total lumens per watt).

The new label

Under the old scheme, almost all LED lamps were clustered in the top classes (A++ to A). Because most lamps today are LED, the scale was refreshed. The new label uses classes from A to G with stricter thresholds. As a result, products that used to score A+/A++ may now appear in lower letters on the new scale—even though their actual performance hasn’t changed.

- Old scale: A++ … A
- New scale: A … G

Example: a lamp formerly labeled A+ might now be F under the stricter method.

Packaging during the transition

Remaining stock with the old label may still be sold. That’s why you might receive a lamp whose packaging shows the old label, while the website displays the new class. The new label is easy to recognize by the QR code printed on it.

What this means for you

- A lower letter on the new A–G scale usually reflects the tougher scale, not worse efficiency.
- Compare lamps by looking at their lumens (brightness) and watts (consumption) in addition to the class.
- When in doubt, choose the lamp that provides the lumens you need with the lowest wattage.