Energy Labelling and Ecodesign Legislation

4 minutes

Structured Assessment Logic (SAL) – Your Roadmap for Compliance

SAL Type X – Parameter-driven Regime – Non-NLF-based Parameter-driven Framework

Mapping of Energy Labelling and Ecodesign legislation

Unlike regulatory frameworks under the New Legislative Framework (NLF), which are based on abstract essential requirements requiring interpretation, ecodesign and energy labelling Regulations lay down concrete, detailed and directly verifiable requirements.

The SAL comprises the following steps:

Scope / Product qualification – Is the product within the scope of the specific Regulation?
Requirement-by-requirement assessment – Identify and determine for every requirement whether it is fulfilled, partially fulfilled, not fulfilled or not applicable.
Evidence and documentation – Is compliance adequately supported by appropriate evidence?
Depending on the requirement, this may include:
·         measurement results and test reports,
·         calculation methods and results,
·         design and product data,
·         technical specifications.
·         The focus is on ensuring that each assessment is traceable and reproducible.
Technical documentation – Have the results of the assessment been compiled into structured technical documentation?
This documentation must demonstrate:
· how compliance with each requirement has been established, and
· which evidence supports the assessment.
Energy labelling obligations (if applicable) – Are all applicable obligations fulfilled?
Where energy labelling requirements apply, the following must be ensured:
·         correct determination of the energy efficiency class,
·         preparation of the label and product information sheet,
·         provision of required data to the product database (EPREL).
Series Production – How is ongoing conformity ensured?
Conformity is not limited to design and initial assessment; it must also be maintained throughout ongoing production. In practice, this means identifying and controlling those product and process characteristics whose deviation could compromise compliance with the applicable regulatory requirements.
EU Declaration of Conformity & CE marking – Official confirmation of compliance, ready for the EU market.

Note: SAL is not an end in itself. It provides a repeatable methodology that translates regulatory principles into a clear, structured assessment logic. In the context of ecodesign and energy labelling Regulations, SAL ensures that compliance is not assumed, but explicitly demonstrated through a complete and documented evaluation of all applicable requirements.

This diagram illustrates the SAL workflow visually:

Scope / Product qualification

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Requirement-by-requirement assessment

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Evidence and documentation

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Technical documentation

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Energy labelling obligations (if applicable)

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Series Production