The China National Development and Reform Commission has published the fourth issue of its energy efficiency labeling catalog, which says that six kinds of home appliances should be sold with energy efficiency labels.
The six types of home appliance products are computer monitors, home induction cookers, storage-type electric water heaters, copiers, speed-controlled air conditioners, and split module air-conditioning units. In addition, some products such as computer monitors and induction cookers are also required to display standby power consumption on the label.
The energy efficiency label will be formally taken into effect on March 1, 2009. However, for products in production before December 31, 2008, the implementation of the energy efficiency label will be postponed to March 1, 2010. From then on, manufactures will not be allowed to sell or import into China products whose energy efficiency level fails to meet the relevant standards. The energy efficiency label should be placed in a clearly visible position. If the actual energy efficiency is not consistent with that marked on the label, the manufacture of the defaulting product will be punished.
The energy efficiency label is a performance indicator that shows the energy efficiency level of appliances. With the energy efficiency label, consumers can immediately tell the energy efficiency of these products. Prior to this, the NDRC had launched three batches of catalogs, covering major appliance products like refrigerators, air conditioners, and washing machines.
