If you work with lighting products in Europe, you may have come across the term EPREL on product documentation, energy labels, or technical datasheets. But what exactly is EPREL, why was it introduced, and why should lighting professionals pay attention to it?
EPREL, short for European Product Registry for Energy Labelling, is the official database developed by the European Commission to support European energy labelling regulations. The platform provides a central source of verified information about products that fall within the scope of EU energy labelling requirements, including many LED light sources used in professional lighting applications.
The goal is simple: increase transparency across the European market. By providing access to official product information, EPREL helps specifiers, consultants, wholesalers, installers, and end users verify energy performance and technical data directly from the source.
For manufacturers, registration of applicable light sources is not optional. Under European legislation, products that fall within the scope of the regulation must be registered in EPREL before they can be placed on the EU market.
This raises an important question: when reviewing a luminaire datasheet, can you easily verify whether the light source has been registered and complies with European requirements?
At Light4U, we believe transparency should be standard. That is why we include the Light Source Identifier on the datasheets of all relevant products.
Is EPREL Registration Mandatory?
Yes.
Under Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2015, manufacturers are required to register applicable light sources in the EPREL database before placing them on the European market.
The regulation was introduced to create a uniform and transparent system for energy-related product information across the European Union. Products that fall within its scope cannot legally be sold within the EU without registration.
For lighting professionals, EPREL provides confidence that product information can be independently verified through an official European platform.
What Is Considered a Light Source?
One of the most common misunderstandings is that every luminaire must be registered in EPREL. In reality, the regulation focuses on the light source itself rather than the complete luminaire.
A light source may include:
- LED modules
- LED lamps
- Integrated LED light engines
- Certain directional light sources
Components such as drivers, optics, housings, mounting accessories, sensors, and control gear are not considered light sources and are therefore not registered separately.
This distinction is important when reviewing technical documentation and comparing products from different manufacturers.
Why Does Light4U Include the Light Source Identifier?
The EPREL Light Source Identifier creates a direct link between a product datasheet and the official European registration.
By including this identifier on relevant datasheets, Light4U makes it easy for lighting professionals to verify product information directly through the EPREL database.
This supports:
- Verification of energy label information
- Access to official technical specifications
- Tender and project documentation
- Sustainability and certification processes
- Product traceability throughout the project lifecycle
Rather than relying solely on manufacturer documentation, users can confirm information through an independent European database.
Where Does the Identifier Come From?
When a manufacturer registers a compliant light source in EPREL, the system generates a unique Light Source Identifier.
This identifier is linked directly to the registered product and remains part of its official documentation.
The public EPREL database can be accessed here:
Using the identifier is straightforward:
- Locate the Light Source Identifier on the datasheet.
- Visit the EPREL database.
- Enter the identifier in the search field.
- Access the official registration and product information.
Depending on the product, you may find energy-efficiency data, technical specifications, product documentation, and energy-label information.
What About Integrated LED Luminaires?
Some luminaires contain a non-replaceable integrated LED module. In these situations, the complete luminaire may be considered a light source under the regulation.
A good example is the Light4U Challenge II panel series. Because the LED module is integrated and cannot be replaced, the complete luminaire falls within the scope of the regulation and is registered in EPREL as a light source.
For these products, the Light Source Identifier refers to the complete luminaire rather than a separate LED module.
What Should You Pay Attention To?
When specifying or selecting lighting products, it is worth checking whether an EPREL Light Source Identifier is included in the product documentation.
If it is present, the identifier may refer to:
- The complete luminaire
- An integrated LED module
- The light engine used within the luminaire
The exact interpretation depends on the product design and how the regulation applies to that specific product.
It is also important to remember that drivers and accessories are not covered by EPREL registration and therefore do not carry their own identifiers.
Transparency Through Documentation
Lighting projects increasingly require clear documentation, traceability, and compliance with European regulations. The EPREL database was created to support these goals by making product information accessible and verifiable.
The Light Source Identifier may seem like a small detail on a datasheet, but it provides direct access to official registration data and helps simplify specification, procurement, and project documentation.
At Light4U, we believe transparency should be easy to find. That is why the Light Source Identifier is included on all relevant product datasheets, providing lighting professionals with verified information whenever they need it.
Because good lighting starts with reliable information.
