NKFH: a quarter of the inspected refrigerators had problems with compliance with energy labeling rules

The spring inspection revealed that almost all products in traditional stores had energy labels, while 15 percent of products checked in online stores did not have labels. In addition, product information sheets were not available on 41 percent of online platforms.

The authority found that although suppliers provide the necessary documents, online stores often fail to upload and display them.

The NKFH also paid special attention to visual advertisements and technical promotional materials – such as advertisements, flyers, brochures. According to the investigations, 22 percent of these were missing the energy efficiency class or the display was not appropriate.

Therefore, the authority draws the attention of distributors that the energy labeling and product information obligations apply not only to in-store sales, but also to online sales and all advertising surfaces.

It was recalled that the European Union energy labeling system returned to the A to G energy class scale from March 1, 2021, which is intended to facilitate more informed decision-making by consumers and more efficient product development by manufacturers. The regulation covers dishwashers, washing machines, washer-dryers, refrigerators, light sources and televisions and monitors.

As part of the amendment, household dryers can only be placed on the market with the new type of energy label from July 1, 2025. Furthermore, from this date onwards, only energy-efficient, heat pump dryers can be placed on the market, the NKFH announced.