Revised EU rules for the energy consumption of electrical appliances in standby, off mode, and networked standby started to apply from 9 May 2025.
The new ecodesign rules include updated limits for electrical products in ‘standby’ mode, formally adopted in 2023, extend limits to products using low voltage external power supplies, such as Wi-Fi routers and wireless speakers.
Limits also apply for the first time to motor-operated furniture and building elements (for example, motor-operated desks, blinds and curtains) as such products are sold in increasing volumes in the EU.
The new measures are projected to achieve annual electricity savings of 4 TWh by 2030 – nearly double Malta’s annual electricity consumption and enough to power more than 1 million electric cars – and reduce CO2 emissions by 1.4 million tonnes. Consumers are expected to benefit from lower energy bills, with collective savings estimated at €530 million annually by 2030 and much more after that, as and when existing appliances are gradually replaced with new ones meeting the lower limits.
The new rules also require that detailed information on standby mode consumption is made accessible, empowering consumers to make informed purchase decisions. The regulation’s roll-out begins on 9 May, with certain limits being applied in 2 phases over the next 4 years.
The new requirements only apply to new products placed on the market in the EU as of this 9 May 2025, which is generally how EU ecodesign rules are applied.
The revision repeals Commission Regulation (EC) No 107/2009 with regard to ecodesign requirements for simple set-top boxes, as this is no longer relevant in view of market developments.
