UK Industrial Fans Ecodesign: GB Consults on EU Alignment
UK Industrial Fans Ecodesign: DESNZ Proposes Tougher GB Efficiency Rules Aligned with EU 2024/1834
UK industrial fans ecodesign requirements could soon match the EU's again. On 16 October 2026 the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) published a consultation on new minimum energy performance standards for industrial fans in Great Britain. The proposals, with a draft statutory instrument, would replace Commission Regulation (EU) 327/2011 in GB with rules aligned to Regulation (EU) 2024/1834, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2025/2481. Responses are due by 11.59pm on 24 December 2026.
Background: two fan regimes inside the UK
Industrial fans are electrically driven fans with an input power between 125 W and 500 kW, used for ventilation, cooling and process work in industrial and commercial buildings. In GB they're still regulated by Regulation 327/2011. The EU replaced that regulation with Regulation 2024/1834 from 24 July 2026, and because of the Windsor Framework the new EU rules already apply in Northern Ireland.
That leaves manufacturers with two sets of requirements inside the UK. DESNZ says industry told it that separate designs, test regimes and documentation for GB and the EU add cost, and that a lower GB bar could attract the least efficient imports. Its preferred option is full alignment. DESNZ estimates savings of 5,990 GWh of electricity and 0.07 MtCO2e of traded carbon between 2026 and 2050.
Key Changes in the UK Industrial Fans Ecodesign Proposals
Scope and categories
The only scope change is that jet fans, used in car parks, tunnels and smoke control, come in, with a new test method, Method E. Centrifugal fans are regrouped into two categories: forward curved fans below 5 kW together with backward inclined fans (blade angle above 50°), and all other centrifugal fans. Three new exemptions would cover fans with a best efficiency point at or above 8,000 rpm, fans handling gases with biohazardous substances, and fans with a compressibility factor above 1.00.
Higher efficiency grades
Minimum efficiency would be measured at the best efficiency point, and the efficiency grade N rises for most categories. For axial fans, N goes from 40 to 50 (measurement categories A and C) and from 58 to 64 (B and D). For the new forward curved below 5 kW and backward inclined group, it's 52 (A, C) and 57 (B, D), up from 44 and 49 for forward curved and radial bladed fans today. Other centrifugal fans move to 64 and 67, mixed flow fans to a formula in A and C and 67 in B and D, cross flow fans stay at 21, and jet fans get N 50.
Testing and verification
The optimum efficiency point is replaced by a best efficiency point at a defined "inherent speed". That closes a gap: today the manufacturer chooses the speed for variable-speed and multi-speed fans, so two units of the same model can be declared differently. Market surveillance tolerances, allowances for reversible, low-noise and low-voltage DC fans, and a ban on test-detecting software follow the EU text.
Product information
Manufacturers would have to publish best efficiency point data, efficiency grade, fan speed and, where relevant, specific speed and specific ratio, and keep documentation available for 20 years, for example through QR codes. Rating plates would follow the EU layout. From July 2027, part-load curves at several inherent speeds would be required, except for custom fans, jet fans and fans with multi-speed motors.
Repair and circular economy
A core set of spare parts, including motors below 10 kW, impellers, bearings, drives and sensors, would have to be available within 2 years of launch and for at least 10 years after the last unit, delivered within 6 weeks. Repair information would go to professional repairers, and software and firmware updates would stay free for 10 years. Fans would also need to come apart with common tools.
What This Means for Manufacturers
Fans already built to Regulation 2024/1834 for the EU and Northern Ireland should meet the GB proposals as drafted.
Models designed only for 327/2011 will need checking against the higher N values at the best efficiency point.
Jet fan makers face GB ecodesign rules for the first time.
Datasheets, rating plates and online documentation will need updating, with part-load data from July 2027.
Spare parts, repair information and firmware support become product requirements, not just service policy.
Certification Impact Summary
Area | Before | After | Impact level |
GB legal basis | Regulation (EU) 327/2011 | New GB regulations aligned with Regulation (EU) 2024/1834 | High |
Efficiency point | Optimum efficiency point, speed chosen by manufacturer | Best efficiency point at inherent speed | High |
Efficiency grade N | e.g. axial 40/58 | e.g. axial 50/64 | High |
Jet fans | Not regulated | In scope, Method E, N 50 | High |
Product information | Current 327/2011 information | Expanded data, 20-year availability, part-load from July 2027 | Medium |
Repair | No spare parts duty | Spare parts and firmware for 10 years, repair information | Medium |
Timeline and Required Actions
Key Dates
Date | Milestone |
24 July 2026 | Regulation (EU) 2024/1834 applies in the EU and Northern Ireland |
16 October 2026 | DESNZ consultation opens |
24 December 2026 | Consultation closes (11.59pm) |
SI laid + 22 days | Either 327/2011 or the new GB rules may be used |
SI laid + 6 months | New GB rules apply to fans placed on the GB market |
July 2027 | Part-load information required (1 or 24 July, to be confirmed) |
24 July 2027 | 327/2011-compliant integrated fans of models first placed before 24 July 2026 can no longer be placed on the GB market |
Required Actions for Manufacturers
List the fan models you place on the GB market and their category under the proposed groupings.
Compare each model's efficiency at the best efficiency point with the proposed N values.
Check whether any jet fans need testing under Method E.
Plan datasheet, rating plate and QR-linked documentation updates, including part-load curves.
Review spare parts, repair information and firmware support against the 10-year requirement.
Respond to the consultation by 24 December 2026 if GB-specific issues affect you.
Conclusion
The UK industrial fans ecodesign proposals would bring GB back in line with the EU and Northern Ireland, with higher efficiency grades, jet fans in scope and new repair duties. Manufacturers already selling EU-compliant fans have the least to change, but everyone should check timing once the statutory instrument is laid. Contact our team for help with UK and EU ecodesign compliance.
