ESPR
From the Ecodesign Directive to ESPR
How ESPR differs from the old Ecodesign Directive (2009/125/EC), the transfer timeline for energy-related products and what changes for manufacturers.
ESPR was not written from scratch; it succeeds the 2009 Ecodesign Directive (2009/125/EC). But succession is not continuation: scope, criteria and instruments all widened.
Three core differences
| Topic | Ecodesign Directive (2009) | ESPR (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Legal form | Directive (needs transposition) | Regulation (directly applicable) |
| Scope | Energy-related products | Almost all physical products |
| Focus | Energy efficiency | Circularity, durability, carbon, information |
| Information tool | Energy label | Digital Product Passport |
| Exclusions | — | Food, feed, medicinal products |
The move from directive to regulation looks like a detail but matters: a regulation applies directly, removing national transposition differences.
What happens to energy-related products?
Products under the old directive transfer into ESPR, with the transition completing by 31 December 2026. Examples:
- 2026: dishwashers
- 2028: EV chargers, refrigeration, electric motors
- 2030: phones and tablets
Existing thresholds are preserved during transfer, with ESPR's circularity and information requirements added on top. See DPP for home appliances and DPP for electronics.
What changes for manufacturers
- Energy labelling continues: ESPR does not replace the energy label regulation; the two coexist.
- Your conformity file grows: durability and repairability evidence is now needed too.
- Information duties become systematic: writing it in the manual is not enough — a machine-readable passport is required. See how a DPP works.
- Horizontal measures arrive: repairability scoring will apply independently of product group. See ESPR ecodesign performance requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Is my existing Ecodesign compliance enough for ESPR?
Partly. Energy thresholds transfer, but circularity criteria and the passport obligation require additional work.
Has the directive been repealed entirely?
Existing implementing measures stay in force until the transition completes, and are replaced as each product group transfers to ESPR.
Are any products excluded?
Yes: food, feed and medicinal products fall outside ESPR, and are covered by separate regimes.
