The European Union will introduce stricter ErP requirements for fans from July 24, 2026, affecting fan manufacturers, OEMs, plant engineers and operators. The changes include higher efficiency limits, revised evaluation methods, clearer system boundaries and expanded manufacturer obligations.
The new regulation continues to assess efficiency using the Fan Efficiency Grade, but applies updated measurement conditions. It also places greater emphasis on partial-load operation, shifting the assessment from the best efficiency point alone to the overall efficiency level across the real operating range.
The regulation defines when a fan is considered complete, based on the interaction between the impeller, motor and stator. Companies that produce incomplete fans or integrate them into their own systems and place them on the market under their own name will be considered manufacturers for regulatory purposes, including conformity assessment and CE marking obligations.
From 2026, axial fans must meet a minimum fan efficiency grade of 50%. For centrifugal fans with backward-curved blades, the required minimum fan efficiency grade will be 64%. In both cases, the decisive factor is total static efficiency at the best efficiency point.
ErP 2026 also expands transparency requirements. Manufacturers must provide information on energy efficiency, repairability and disassembly. Defined spare parts must remain available for up to ten years after product discontinuation, while product information must be stored digitally for up to 20 years.
The rules apply from July 24, 2026 to stand-alone fans and new products. For fans already integrated into products or applications such as ventilation units, heat pumps or refrigeration systems before that date, the requirements take effect on July 24, 2027. Replacement fans will face defined restrictions from 2027.
