Following the latest European Commission regulation on energy label for tumble dryers, Samsung highlights the importance of this change in helping consumers make more efficient and informed choices
As of March 2025, the new energy label for household tumble dryers has officially come into effect. Specifically, from March 1st to June 30th, all models on the market must display a dual label. However, starting from July 1st, 2025, only the new label will be allowed.
This update is part of a broader revision of EU regulations, introducing new criteria for assigning energy labels to household tumble dryers. The goal is twofold: to encourage technological innovation by setting stricter efficiency standards for manufacturers and to help consumers choose more energy-efficient appliances that reduce electricity consumption.
In the European Union, household tumble dryers accounted for an estimated 10.5 TWh/year of energy consumption in 2020. According to the European Commission, if the current situation remains unchanged, this figure is expected to drop to 9 TWh/year by 2030[1]. However, this reduction could happen even faster if the new regulations effectively phase out low-efficiency products from the market. The updated regulations apply to all household tumble dryers powered by electricity, batteries, or gas.
The key requirements include:
- Energy Efficiency Index (EEI) must not exceed 85
- Power consumption in off mode must not exceed 0.5 W (this limit will be further reduced to 0.3 W from May 9, 2027)
- Standby power consumption must not exceed 0.5 W
«Considering the latest technological advancements», states the European Commission, «only heat pump-based tumble dryers will be allowed on the market».
What changes with the new label: stricter classification measures
- Efficiency scale: The new classification replaces the previous scale (ranging from A+++ to D) with a new system from Class A (highest efficiency) to Class G (lowest efficiency).
- Class A will be reserved only for the most efficient products in the category, pushing manufacturers to develop increasingly advanced and energy-efficient solutions.
- Household tumble dryers will need to demonstrate higher energy efficiency to maintain their current classification[2].
- Classification criteria: The Energy Efficiency Index (EEI) will be the key parameter, with the following thresholds:
- Class A: IEE ≤ 43
- Class B: 43 < IEE ≤ 50
- Class C: 50 < IEE ≤ 60
- Class D: 60 < IEE ≤ 70
- Class E: 70 < IEE ≤ 85
- Class F: 85 < IEE ≤ 100
- Class G: IEE > 100
With the adoption of stricter efficiency standards, current A+++ models may be reclassified into Class C or D under the new labeling system.
- Measurement: energy consumption, cycle duration, and load capacity calculations, which were previously based on the Cotton program, will now be based on the Eco program, which becomes the new standard.Tumble dryers that do not include this cycle will not qualify for the new labeling system and, from March 31, 2026, will no longer be allowed for sale.
- Changes in consumption parameters: another key change is that energy consumption calculations will now be based on an average of 24% full-load cycles and 76% half-load cycles. This marks a significant shift from the previous method, where calculations were based on 43% full-load cycles and 57% half-load cycles. The adjustment reflects changes in consumer habits, as users now tend to run more frequent cycles, often choosing quick programs with smaller loads.
- Greater transparency for consumers: to enhance transparency, the new energy labels will feature a QR code, allowing consumers to access additional product information with ease.
A significant step for the environment
The new energy labeling system will encourage manufacturers to bring increasingly efficient and long-lasting appliances to the market. In the long term, only heat pump-based tumble dryers will be allowed for sale, and the European Union has also introduced a “right to repair” regulation, requiring manufacturers to ensure the availability of spare parts and accessories for longer periods than before.
Beyond the environmental benefits of reducing energy consumption and electronic waste, these changes also offer economic advantages to consumers. It is estimated that the widespread adoption of heat pump dryers—currently numbering around 60 million units in Europe—could generate total savings of approximately €2.8 billion, thanks to improved energy efficiency[3].
Commitment to technology and efficiency
At Samsung, innovation and sustainability go hand in hand, with a clear goal: to develop high-performance products with minimal environmental impact. A prime example of this synergy is the integration of Artificial Intelligence into home appliances, enabling adaptive technology that optimizes energy consumption while simplifying everyday use. For tumble dryers, this AI-powered system automatically adjusts the drying cycle based on the load and fabric type, leading to both time and energy savings. Samsung fully supports the European Commission’s commitment to reducing energy consumption, and its new range of tumble dryers—available from March—is already compliant with the new energy labeling requirements.
With an innovative internal design that enhances the efficiency of heat pump technology and quick programs tailored for smaller loads, these best-in-class dryers set a new benchmark for energy efficiency.
[1] Regulation (EU) 2023/2533
[1] Regulation (EU) 2023/2533
[3] European Commission estimates reported on Regulation (EU) 2023/2533
