May 2026
May 2026
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Why do we need ERP2026?
ERP2026 (Ecodesign Regulation 2024/1834) is part of the EU’s commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2050. The regulation aims to:
• Reduce energy consumption across the industrial sector
• Lower greenhouse gas emissions from energy-using products
• Establish minimum efficiency standards for fans
• Drive innovation in energy-efficient fan technologies
Fans consume significant energy in industrial applications, and improving their efficiency can lead to substantial energy savings across the EU economy.
Is the ERP2026 regulation only about fans?
No. The Ecodesign Directive deals with a wide range of energy-using products. While this specific Fan Regulation focuses on fans, other regulations cover:
• Electric motors (EU 2019/1781)
• Water pumps
• Air conditioners and ventilation units
• Circulators
• And many other product categories
This comprehensive approach ensures that all significant energy-using products contribute to the EU’s energy efficiency targets.
What is the difference between ErP and EuP?
EuP stands for “Energy-using Products” while ErP stands for “Energy-related Products.” The name change reflects the expanded scope of the directive:
• EuP Directive (2005/32/EC): Original directive focusing on products that consumed energy during use
• ErP Directive (2009/125/EC): Revised directive that also includes products that affect energy consumption, even if they don’t directly use energy (e.g., windows, insulation materials)
The underlying principle remains the same: setting minimum efficiency requirements for covered products.
What are the key objectives of the ErP Directive?
The Ecodesign Directive 2009/125/EC establishes a framework for setting minimum environmental performance requirements for energy-related products sold in the European Union. The key objectives include:
• Environmental Protection: Reduce the environmental impact of fans throughout their product lifecycle
• Energy Efficiency: Improve energy efficiency to help achieve EU climate and energy targets
• Performance Standards: Establish clear minimum efficiency requirements for all fan types
• Industry Innovation: Drive innovation in fan design and manufacturing technologies
Which fans are affected by ERP2026?
ERP2026 applies to fans with an electrical input power between 125 W and 500 kW, including:
• Axial fans: Standard axial flow fans
• Centrifugal fans: Both forward-curved and backward-curved designs
• Mixed flow fans: Diagonal fans combining axial and radial characteristics
• Tangential blowers: Cross-flow fans
This includes both standalone fans and fans embedded as components in other devices or systems.
Are there any exceptions for certain fan types?
Yes, the following fans are NOT covered by the ERP2026 regulation:
• Fans specifically designed for use in means of transport for passengers or goods
• Fans in clothes dryers
• Fans designed for fire detection or suppression systems
• Fans intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres (ATEX certified)
• Fans with specific performance requirements that cannot be met with standard efficiency designs
If you’re unsure whether your fan falls under the regulation, please contact our compliance team.
What is the power range covered?
The regulation covers fans with electrical input power between:
• Minimum: 125 W (0.125 kW)
• Maximum: 500 kW
Fans below 125 W are not covered by this regulation, while fans above 500 kW may fall under different regulations or general industry standards.
Do variable frequency drives (VFDs) affect compliance?
Yes, the way a fan is controlled affects its efficiency classification. The regulation distinguishes between:
• Direct-on-line (DOL) fans: Operating at fixed speed
• Variable speed fans: Equipped with speed control (VFD, EC motor, etc.)
Variable speed fans with proper control can achieve higher efficiency grades, as the motor efficiency is measured at the defined operating point(s), including partial load conditions where significant energy savings are possible.
What about fans embedded in other products?
Fans that are components of other products (embedded fans) are also covered by the regulation. If you manufacture products that contain fans, you need to ensure that the fans you use meet the ERP2026 requirements.
What are Minimum Efficiency Grades (MEG)?
MEG (Minimum Efficiency Grade) is a standardized measure that defines the minimum energy efficiency a fan must achieve to be placed on the EU market. The MEG is expressed as a percentage and represents:
• Static efficiency: Fan power output (air power) divided by motor input power, excluding diffuser losses
• Total efficiency: Fan power output divided by motor input power, including diffuser losses where applicable
Higher MEG values indicate better efficiency. For example, a MEG of 64% means the fan converts 64% of electrical input to useful air movement.
How do the new requirements compare to ERP2015?
ERP2026 significantly tightens efficiency requirements compared to ERP2015. For example:
| Fan Type | ERP2015 | ERP2026 Phase 1 | ERP2026 Phase 2 |
| Axial (static) | 40% | 50% | 52% |
| Axial (total) | 58% | 64% | 66% |
| Centrifugal BC | 61% | 64% | 67% |
| Centrifugal FC | 52% | 58% | 60% |
| Mixed Flow | 62% | 67% | 69% |
This represents an average increase of 8-10 percentage points across all fan types.
What are the Phase 1 requirements (from July 2026)?
Phase 1 Requirements (From July 2026):
| Fan Category | Sub-Category | Static Efficiency | Total Efficiency |
| Axial Fans | Without diffuser | 50% | — |
| Axial Fans | With diffuser | — | 64% |
| Centrifugal Backward Curved | With housing | 64% | — |
| Centrifugal Backward Curved | Without housing | 67% | — |
| Centrifugal Forward Curved | With housing | 58% | — |
| Centrifugal Forward Curved | Without housing | 62% | — |
| Mixed Flow | — | 67% | — |
| Centrifugal Radial | — | 58% | — |
What are the Phase 2 requirements (from January 2027)?
Phase 2 Requirements (From January 2027):
| Fan Category | Sub-Category | Static Efficiency | Total Efficiency |
| Axial Fans | Without diffuser | 52% | — |
| Axial Fans | With diffuser | — | 66% |
| Centrifugal Backward Curved | With housing | 67% | — |
| Centrifugal Backward Curved | Without housing | 69% | — |
| Centrifugal Forward Curved | With housing | 60% | — |
| Centrifugal Forward Curved | Without housing | 64% | — |
| Mixed Flow | — | 69% | — |
| Centrifugal Radial | — | 60% | — |
How is fan efficiency measured?
Fan efficiency is measured at the Best Efficiency Point (BEP) using standardized test procedures. The key measurements include:
• Air power: Volumetric flow rate × pressure rise
• Input power: Electrical power consumed by the motor
• Static pressure: Pressure increase across the fan without ductwork
• Total pressure: Pressure increase including kinetic energy conversion
Tests must be conducted according to ISO 5801 or equivalent standards, with measurements taken at stable operating conditions.
What does “system-based assessment” mean?
Unlike the previous regulation that evaluated components separately, ERP2026 requires assessing the complete fan system as an integrated unit. This includes:
• Rotor/Impeller: The rotating blade assembly
• Motor: Including power electronics for EC motors
• Stator/Housing: Stationary components that guide airflow
• Control electronics: Speed controllers and inverters
This holistic approach ensures that the entire system operates efficiently, not just individual components.
What happens if I source components from different suppliers?
If you assemble fans from components sourced from different suppliers, you take on the role of “fan manufacturer” and become legally responsible for:
• Testing the complete system efficiency
• Ensuring the assembled fan meets MEG requirements
• Issuing the EC Declaration of Conformity
• Applying the CE marking
• Maintaining technical documentation
Important: You cannot simply rely on component suppliers’ data when assembling the final product.
Do imported fans require special compliance measures?
Yes. If you import fans from non-EU countries, you are considered the “manufacturer” under EU law and must:
• Ensure products meet all applicable EU regulations
• Verify foreign documentation is accurate and complete
• Conduct independent testing if documentation is insufficient
• Prepare EU Declaration of Conformity
• Appoint an EU-based Authorized Representative (if needed)
• Register with relevant market surveillance authorities
We strongly recommend verifying compliance before importing products.
What documentation must I maintain?
Manufacturers must maintain comprehensive technical documentation including:
• Technical file: Product descriptions, drawings, and specifications
• Test reports: Efficiency measurements from accredited laboratories
• Design calculations: Supporting efficiency claims
• Declaration of Conformity: Signed EU declaration
• User documentation: Installation, operating, and maintenance instructions
• CE marking materials: Labels and marking specifications
Documentation must be kept for 10 years after the last product is placed on the market.
Can I sell remaining ERP2015 stock after July 2026?
No. From July 2026, only fans meeting ERP2026 requirements can be legally placed on the EU market. This applies to:
• New stock in warehouses
• Products in distribution channels
• Existing inventory
We recommend planning your inventory transition well in advance of the deadline to avoid financial losses from non-compliant stock.
What are the responsibilities for complete fan systems?
When purchasing a complete EC fan from us with motor, rotor, and stator:
• We test complete system efficiency on suitable test benches
• We declare EC conformity and affix CE mark
• Your responsibility is minimal
What if I complete the fan myself?
When you complete the fan per our specifications using supplied components (Option A):
• You can use performance data from us
• You must declare EC conformity yourself
• You assume responsibility for compliance
What if I use components with dimensionally deviating parts?
When you use our motor and rotor with dimensionally different stators (Option B):
• You become the fan manufacturer legally
• You must declare EC conformity yourself
• You are responsible for full compliance
When do the new requirements take effect?
The ERP2026 requirements are implemented in two phases:
| Date | Event |
| Apr-24 | Regulation Published - Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/1834 published in the Official Journal of the European Union |
| Oct-24 | Transitional Period - Manufacturers begin preparing for new requirements and updating product documentation |
| Jul-26 | Phase 1 Effective - New minimum efficiency requirements come into force for all affected products |
| Jan-27 | Phase 2 Effective - Stricter efficiency requirements take effect for enhanced environmental performance |
Products can be placed on the market under the new requirements from April 2026 onwards, allowing manufacturers and distributors to prepare for the mandatory dates.
How much time do I have to transition?
From the publication date (April 2024), you have approximately:
• 27 months until Phase 1 requirements (July 2026)
• 33 months until Phase 2 requirements (January 2027)
We recommend starting your transition planning now to ensure smooth compliance by the deadline dates.
What should I do to prepare?
To prepare for ERP2026 compliance:
1. Audit current products: Identify which of your fans need to meet new requirements
2. Contact suppliers: Ensure your component suppliers are preparing compliant products
3. Update documentation: Review and update your technical files
4. Plan inventory: Transition away from non-compliant stock before deadlines
5. Train staff: Ensure your team understands the new requirements
The Four Cases of EC Conformity
Case 1: Complete System from Single Supplier - Supplier provides complete fan with stator, rotor, and motor - Supplier determines overall efficiency on suitable test benches - Supplier declares conformity and affixes CE mark - Result: Minimal responsibility for buyer
Case 2: Incomplete Fan - Option A - Supplier supplies all relevant components (stator, rotor, motor) - Purchaser completes fan according to supplier specifications - OR supplier supplies motor and rotor; purchaser manufactures stator per supplier drawing - Result: Purchaser must declare EC conformity themselves
Case 3: Incomplete Fan - Option B - Supplier supplies rotor and motor components only - Buyer completes fan with dimensionally deviating components (stator) - Result: Buyer becomes fan manufacturer legally and must declare EC conformity
Case 4: Import from Non-EU Countries - Buyer purchases complete fan from non-EU country - Can use supplied documentation to declare EC conformity - Result: Full responsibility for correctness of documentation
Who assumes responsibility for ErP compliance?
• Complete systems: ZIEHL-ABEGG/ebm-papst assumes full responsibility for complete fans
• Self-assemblers: Become fan manufacturers and are responsible for ErP compliance
• Component users: Combining components with own parts assumes responsibility
Contact Information
For further questions about ERP2026 compliance:
• Email: compliance@ecfan.com
• Phone: +1 (234) 567-890
• Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:00 - 18:00 CET
Document Version: 1.0 Last Updated: May 2026 Based on EU Regulation 2024/1834 (ErP2026)
