Standby modes are standard in modern devices, helping reduce energy bills and support a more sustainable approach to everyday electronics. However, even in standby, devices still consume power. This is why, in 2023, the European Union introduced Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/826, a major update to the EU standby power regulation, which defines ecodesign requirements for off-mode, standby, and networked-standby energy consumption in household and office equipment.
The first part of the regulation became effective in 2025. The second phase will come into force in 2027, bringing stricter limits – particularly around standby power, networked standby, and newly classified device categories.
With our principle of #compliancebydesign, we’re already adapting to these upcoming requirements in current development projects. This forward-thinking approach helps avoid future fees and delays while ensuring the IoT products we build are more energy-efficient and environmentally responsible.
What are the EU standby power regulations?
The current version of EU standby power rules applicable from May 9, 2025 replaces the older regulation (EC) No. 1275/2008 and (EC) No 107/2009, reinforcing the energy efficiency directive. The Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/826 brings stricter ecodesign requirements for the energy consumption of a wide range of new electronic devices.
The regulation mandates specific power management functions to ensure devices meet the limits in real-world use. It regulates automatic power management in a way that the device must automatically switch to the applicable low-power mode (standby, off, or networked standby). It also specifies after what period the device must enter standby mode and it cannot exceed 20 minutes.
The default settings of the device must include power management mode in an active mode, which means all the rules are applied. Also if any device has wireless connection there must be a possibility to deactivate those connections, unless it relies solely on a single wireless connection for intended use.
What changes does regulation (EU) 2023/826 introduce?
Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/826 came into effect in 2025, introducing updated EU standby power regulation for power management in off-mode, standby, and networked standby. It replaces the previous 1275/2008 framework while keeping the strict 0.5 W limit for off-mode – continuing the reduction from the earlier 1.0 W threshold.
For standby without a display, the regulation maintains the established 0.5 W cap, as this category has been tightly controlled for more than a decade. A new category is added for standby with a display, setting limits between 0.8 W and 1 W depending on the device type.
Networked standby remains unchanged in this first phase, following the requirements of Regulation (EU) 801/2013, with limits ranging from 2 W to 8 W.
Overall, the updated regulation expands and clarifies device classifications and strengthens energy-efficiency expectations, ensuring that all products placed on the market from 2025 onward meet a more precise and environmentally conscious standard.
The two-phase compliance deadline: 2025 vs. 2027
Although Phase I took effect in 2025, the real shift comes in 2027. Regulation (EU) 2023/826 is introduced in two stages, and the second phase brings significantly tighter requirements. For anyone developing new IoT devices, it’s crucial to understand these upcoming 2027 power limits before starting a project.
The most notable change is the reduction of off-mode power consumption from 0.5 W to 0.3 W. Standby limits are also tightening: standby without a display drops from 0.5 W to 0.3 W, while standby with a display decreases from 0.8 W to 0.5 W. These adjustments represent meaningful cuts that will directly impact hardware design and component selection.
Networked standby, unchanged since 2013, will also be revised. The updated limits will fall between 2 W and 7 W depending on the device category.
Together, these changes mark a significant step toward stricter energy efficiency and they underline the importance of designing for compliance from day one.
Comparison table Phase I 2025 vs Phase II 2027 rules
Below is a quick reference summary of how the 2027 rules tighten the 2025 requirements:
HiNA vs. Standard networked standby
When looking at networked standby requirements, it’s important to distinguish between HiNA (High Network Availability) devices and standard devices. HiNA products such as routers, switches, access points, hubs, and modems are allowed higher power limits due to their need to maintain continuous network availability. From 05-09-2027, their maximum networked-standby consumption will be set at 7 W.
Standard devices, including home assistants, smart TVs, and similar consumer electronics, keep the existing 2 W limit for networked standby.
In short, the biggest change is a 1 W reduction in the permitted limit for HiNA devices, bringing the cap down to 7 W.
Who and What is affected by the EU standby power regulations 2027?
Phase II of Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/826 is not only a technical requirement it’s also a strategic factor that can influence competitiveness. The stricter limits for off-mode (0.3 W) and standby modes directly affect the entire development process.
From early design decisions to component selection, compliance must be considered from day one. These requirements are mandatory for placing products on the European market and obtaining CE certification, making standby compliance EU a critical part of any IoT or consumer electronics roadmap.
Which specific product categories are covered by the new rules?
The new regulations expand the scope by adding several product categories to those already covered. The most noticeable changes apply to smart home & IoT devices as well as consumer electronics. Below is a full breakdown of product categories included under EU 2023/826.
Consumer Electronics / Home & Office
| Category | Examples | Status |
|---|---|---|
|
Household kitchen appliances
|
Ovens, hobs, microwaves, toasters, fryers, coffee makers |
Existing |
|
Personal care appliances
|
Hair dryers, clippers, shavers, toothbrushes, massage devices, scales |
Existing |
|
Consumer audio/video
|
Radios, speakers, hi-fi, video players, cameras, musical instruments |
Existing |
|
Printing & office equipment
|
Printers, multifunction devices, copiers (non-professional), small office equipment |
Existing |
|
Toys & leisure electronics
|
Electric trains, gaming accessories, sports equipment |
Existing |
|
Products powered by external LV power supplies
|
Devices that use external low-voltage adapters |
New
|
|
Portable battery products with charging circuits
|
Devices that remain plugged in but run on internal battery |
New
|
Smart Home & IoT
| Category | Examples | Status |
|---|---|---|
|
Smart home devices
|
Smart assistants, smart speakers, connected gadgets |
Existing |
|
Motor-driven adjustable furniture
|
Height-adjustable desks, lifting beds/chairs (non-medical) |
New
|
|
Motor-driven building elements
|
Smart blinds, shutters, awnings, pergolas, curtains, windows, doors, gates |
New
|
|
Smart home appliances with networked standby
|
Smart TVs, smart thermostats, home hubs |
Existing |
|
IoT nodes powered via LV-EPS or internal battery chargers
|
Sensors, hubs, gateways using external PSUs |
New
|
|
Network-enabled appliances
|
TV boxes, streaming boxes, gateways |
Existing |
Who is affected by (EU) 2023/826 changes?
The updated EU standby power regulation affects every organisation involved in bringing electrical and electronic products to the European market. The groups most impacted include:
- Manufacturers – they must ensure that all new devices meet stricter off-mode, standby, and networked-standby limits. They are responsible for product availability on the market and for verifying that every component in the supply chain meets regulatory requirements. Non-compliant products can lead to delays, additional costs, and even market withdrawal.
- Product Designers – while pushing innovation forward, must also meet tighter energy consumption standards. They seek components and architectures that are more energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective to manufacture. Keeping the BOM (Bill of Materials) low while staying compliant becomes a key competitive advantage.
- Compliance Teams – these teams manage regulatory risk through rigorous testing, verification, and documentation. All technical files, measurements, and user-facing information must meet the updated requirements. Compliance testing must be precise and complete; there is no room for shortcuts ensuring the product can legally enter and remain on the EU market.
#ComplianceByDesign: Why You must design for 2027 limits today
Thinking strategically is essential in today’s market. It strengthens competitiveness and, more importantly, creates a real advantage over other players. As an end-to-end partner in IoT product development, we always promote a #compliancebydesign approach taking both consumer expectations and regulatory requirements into account from the very first stages of development.
Designing a connected device in 2025 without considering the upcoming regulations may result in costly redesigns once the new limits come into force. Since development cycles often last many months, the best way to avoid delays and unexpected issues is to integrate compliance requirements from the very beginning. This approach ensures a smoother, on-time market launch.
Early compliance planning is not only about reducing risk it also significantly lowers long-term costs. Redesigning PCBs, replacing components, and re-testing for CE certification can add months of delays and thousands of euros in additional expenses.
Teams that incorporate regulatory requirements early also benefit from a faster time-to-market. By addressing the limits at the architectural stage, they can move through development, certification, and deployment far more efficiently. A forward-looking compliance strategy reduces business risk, and when EU standby power regulation evolves as they inevitably do, products designed with low standby power and efficiency in mind are easier to update and keep on the market.
Finally, energy consumption is becoming a key buying criterion. The UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production encourages more sustainable purchasing habits, which increasingly influence both consumers and corporate buyers. Products that meet stricter power limits not only support these goals but also help manufacturers build credibility and trust with sustainability-focused audiences.
What is the cost of non-compliance and the long-term benefit?
Regulations are evolving, the market is shifting, and consumer expectations are changing. Together, these factors create a growing demand for more energy-efficient products. Addressing these requirements from the start delivers long-term benefits: lower energy consumption, better return on investment, and the ability to position your product as environmentally responsible. With a #compliancebydesign approach, we also minimise the risk of late-stage redesigns whether in PCB layout, component selection, or power architecture. This helps the entire project reach the market faster, accelerating revenue and strengthening stakeholder confidence.
Ignoring these requirements or delaying compliance with Regulation (EU) 2023/826 can lead to significant losses. Products that fail to meet the new standards will quickly fall behind competitors that adopt the regulation early. This often forces costly redesigns or even complete redevelopment, extending the timeline from idea to market and increasing overall development expenses.
If you have an idea but are unsure which components to choose or if you’re looking for a partner who can manage the entire journey from concept to market-ready IoT product reach out to us. We have delivered energy-efficient IoT devices for smart home and med-tech clients, integrating low-power design and regulatory compliance into daily development workflows. We’ll help you navigate the requirements and build a compliant, future-proof solution.
