Six out of ten webshops selling fridges failed last year; now they’re checking mobile phones and televisions

The inspections are carried out by government agencies under the technical supervision of the National Authority for Trade and Consumer Protection (NATCP). The aim of the regulatory action is to ascertain whether consumers are actually receiving the energy efficiency information required for the products in question through the use of the new, revised labels.

The global fight against climate change and the need to reduce CO₂ emissions gave rise to the energy efficiency labelling scheme. The aim is, on the one hand, to ensure that consumers have access to accurate and comparable information on the technical characteristics of household and electronic appliances and, on the other hand, to encourage manufacturers to further improve the energy efficiency of their appliances and to accelerate the market transition to energy-efficient technologies. In the interests of transparency, the harmonised EU regulations reverted to the use of energy classes ranging from A to G for various household and electronic appliances with effect from 1 March 2021.

Last year’s findings also justify this priority campaign: in 2025, government agencies inspected the energy efficiency labels on fridges, freezers and wine coolers, and found breaches at 33 percent of traditional shops and 63 percent of online retailers.

This year, the focus will be on smartphones and tablets, as well as electronic displays (televisions, monitors). The regulatory checks will cover the presence of the energy label, its placement, the formal and content requirements of the energy label, and the product information sheet. In addition to the products themselves, the authority also examines the compliance of visual advertisements – including those published online – and technical promotional materials.

The energy labelling and product information obligations therefore extend not only to retail sales but also to online trade and all advertising media. To prevent infringements, the NATCP continuously monitors the activities of market participants and takes all necessary measures to ensure that consumers receive adequate information before purchasing a product.