China's Energy Efficiency Labeling Certification Requirements: Minimum Energy Efficiency Value Filing for Water Heaters, Monitors, and Induction Cookers

 China's Energy Efficiency Labeling Certification Requirements: Minimum Energy Efficiency Value Filing for Water Heaters, Monitors, and Induction Cookers

I. Core Logic of the Energy Efficiency Labeling System and the Evolution of Chinese Policy

The core of China's energy efficiency labeling system lies in "tiered labeling and mandatory filing." All products listed in the "Catalogue of Products Implementing Energy Efficiency Labeling in the People's Republic of China" must undergo laboratory testing and obtain an energy efficiency test report before leaving the factory or being imported, and submit filing information to the China Energy Efficiency Labeling Management Center. Labels are typically divided into levels 1 to 5 (some products are level 3), with level 1 representing internationally leading levels and level 5 (or level 3) being the minimum threshold for market access. If a product's actual energy efficiency is lower than the minimum entry value, it will not be able to obtain filing and will be prohibited from being sold on the market.

In recent years, policies have become increasingly stringent. After the implementation of the new "Energy Efficiency Labeling Management Measures" in 2020, a QR code label requirement was added, allowing consumers to scan the code to check product filing information and energy efficiency level. At the same time, the State Administration for Market Regulation conducts irregular special energy efficiency inspections, imposing heavy penalties on behaviors such as falsely labeling energy efficiency and selling products on the market without filing. Therefore, accurately understanding the "minimum energy efficiency values" and registration requirements for water heaters, monitors, and induction cookers is the primary task for enterprises to avoid legal risks.

II. Water Heater Energy Efficiency Registration: Differentiated Requirements for Gas and Electric Water Heaters

Water heaters are mainly divided into three categories: gas-fired instantaneous water heaters, storage-type electric water heaters, and heat pump water heaters. Currently, the mandatory standards are GB 20665-2015 "Minimum Energy Efficiency Values ​​and Energy Efficiency Grades for Household Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters and Gas-fired Heating Water Boilers" and GB 21519-2008 "Minimum Energy Efficiency Values ​​and Energy Efficiency Grades for Storage-type Electric Water Heaters."

1. Minimum Energy Efficiency Value for Gas Water Heaters

In the gas water heater sector, energy efficiency grades are divided into Level 1 (≥96%), Level 2 (≥89%), and Level 3 (≥84%). Level 3 energy efficiency is the minimum requirement for market access, meaning the thermal efficiency must be no less than 84%. It's important to note that "thermal efficiency" here refers to the measured value under rated and maximum heat loads, and it must meet two key operating conditions: efficiency at full load and efficiency at 50% load. Only when both standards are met can it be considered qualified. In recent years, with the popularization of condensing technology, many high-end products have achieved Level 1 energy efficiency (thermal efficiency ≥ 104%), but even older forced-draft models must ensure a thermal efficiency ≥ 84% to pass registration.

2. Minimum Energy Efficiency Value for Storage-Type Electric Water Heaters

The energy efficiency rating of electric water heaters is jointly assessed based on the 24-hour inherent energy consumption coefficient (ε) and hot water output rate (μ). Level 1 requires ε ≤ 0.6 and μ ≥ 70%, Level 2 requires ε ≤ 0.7 and μ ≥ 60%, and Level 3 requires ε ≤ 0.8 and μ ≥ 55%. Level 3 is the entry threshold: the 24-hour inherent energy consumption coefficient must be ≤ 0.8, and the hot water output rate must be ≥ 55%. If the product's insulation material deteriorates, causing the energy consumption coefficient to exceed the standard, or if the inner tank design is unreasonable, resulting in a hot water output rate of less than 55%, it will fail the registration process. Currently, many low-priced, off-brand products on the market are often rejected because their insulation layer thickness is insufficient, leading to an energy consumption coefficient exceeding 0.8.

3. Key Points of the Registration Process

Companies need to send their products to a CNAS-accredited third-party laboratory (such as the China Household Electrical Appliances Testing Institute or the Hefei General Machinery and Electrical Products Testing Institute) to obtain a test report containing core parameters such as thermal efficiency and energy consumption coefficient. Then, they need to log in to the "China Energy Efficiency Labeling Website," enter the product model, energy efficiency rating, test report number, and other information to generate a unique identification code, which will be printed on the energy efficiency label. Throughout the process, it is important to note that different models of the same series of products with different structures (such as differences in heat load or capacity) must be registered separately; and once the registration information is published, it cannot be changed arbitrarily; otherwise, a change procedure must be followed.

III. Monitor Energy Efficiency Filing: Quantitative Standards from CRT to LCD and OLED

Monitors mainly refer to computer monitors and television monitors. Their energy efficiency standards are GB 21520-2015 "Minimum Allowable Values ​​of Energy Efficiency and Energy Efficiency Grades for Computer Monitors" and GB 24850-2020 "Minimum Allowable Values ​​of Energy Efficiency and Energy Efficiency Grades for Flat Panel TVs and Set-Top Boxes." In recent years, with the popularization of gaming monitors and 4K/8K high refresh rate screens, energy efficiency requirements have been dynamically adjusted.

1. Minimum Energy Efficiency Value for Monitors

According to GB 21520-2015, the energy efficiency grade of a monitor is determined by two indicators: energy efficiency (cd/W) and power consumption in the off state (W). The standard classifies monitors into four categories: ordinary LCDs, LCDs with built-in power supplies, all-in-one PCs (AIO), and professional graphics monitors. Taking the most common ordinary LCD monitor as an example, Level 1 energy efficiency requires an energy efficiency ≥ 2.0 cd/W and a shutdown power ≤ 0.5W; Level 3 (entry-level) requires an energy efficiency ≥ 1.05 cd/W and a shutdown power ≤ 1.0W. That is to say, a 25-inch LCD monitor with a nominal brightness of 250 cd/m² will not meet the 1.05 cd/W entry-level requirement if its actual power consumption exceeds approximately 238W. It is worth noting that for high refresh rate (>120Hz) or HDR (High Dynamic Range) monitors, the standard allows for some relaxation, but the functional differences must be noted in the test report.

2. Special Requirements for Television Monitors

For televisions (television monitors), GB 24850-2020 specifies a more complex Energy Efficiency Index (EEI). The entry-level (Level 3) EEI must be ≤ 1.0. The calculation of EEI involves screen area, brightness, power consumption, and standby power consumption. For example, a 65-inch 4K LCD TV with high peak brightness and multiple backlight zones may exceed the EEI limit of 1.0 in actual testing. In recent years, OLED TVs, due to their self-emissive nature, have lower power consumption in low-brightness scenarios, but their power consumption is actually higher than that of LCDs of the same size in high-brightness scenarios. Therefore, brightness and picture quality modes must be carefully adjusted to ensure that the EEI does not exceed the limit.

3. Common Mistakes in Registration

A common problem in monitor registration is exceeding the "power consumption in shutdown state" limit. Many products are not designed with low-power standby chips, resulting in standby power consumption greater than 1.0W. Furthermore, the monitor's "energy efficiency" test must be conducted at standard brightness (80% of maximum brightness) and standard contrast. If a company deliberately lowers the brightness to reduce power consumption but fails to restore the default settings in actual testing, it may be deemed non-compliant. It is recommended that companies introduce energy efficiency simulation software during the R&D stage to optimize power management circuits and backlight drive solutions in advance.

IV. Induction Cooker Energy Efficiency Registration: A Dual Threshold of Thermal Efficiency and Standby Power Consumption

Induction cookers, with their high efficiency, safety, and flameless operation, have become a core kitchen appliance. Their energy efficiency standard is GB 21456-2014, "Energy Efficiency Limits and Energy Efficiency Grades for Household Induction Cookers." This standard was enforced in 2015 and has undergone partial revisions since then.

1. Minimum Energy Efficiency Value for Induction Cookers

The energy efficiency grade of an induction cooker is mainly determined by its thermal efficiency (%): Grade 1 ≥ 90%, Grade 2 ≥ 88%, Grade 3 ≥ 86%. Grade 3 (the entry threshold) requires a thermal efficiency of no less than 86%. This means that when an induction cooker is working, at least 86% of the electrical energy must be converted into heat energy in the cookware, with the remaining 14% lost due to losses in the coil, control circuitry, and cooling fan. If the product uses inferior IGBTs (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors) or has an unreasonable coil design, resulting in severe magnetic leakage and a thermal efficiency below 86%, it will fail the registration process. In addition, the standard requires standby power consumption ≤2.0W and sleep mode (such as the timed standby mode of some high-end induction cookers) power consumption ≤1.0W. Many complex smart induction cookers, due to the addition of Wi-Fi modules, display backlights, etc., are prone to exceeding the standby power consumption standard, necessitating the design of intelligent power-off circuits.

2. Key Factors in the Testing Process

The thermal efficiency test of induction cookers requires the use of a standard pot (made of ferromagnetic stainless steel, with a bottom diameter matching the cooktop) and operation at the highest power setting under rated voltage. Actual measurements show that the coupling degree between the pot and the induction cooker has a significant impact on thermal efficiency: if the pot's bottom diameter is less than 80% of the cooktop coil diameter, magnetic leakage will increase significantly, and thermal efficiency can decrease by 5-10 percentage points. Therefore, companies should indicate the recommended pot specifications during registration and ensure compliance with standard testing conditions. Furthermore, voltage fluctuations in different regions (such as lower voltage in rural areas) can also affect the IGBT switching frequency, thus impacting thermal efficiency. It is recommended to incorporate a wide voltage compensation circuit into the product design to ensure a thermal efficiency of ≥86% within the 176V~264V range.

3. Filing Strategy for Multiple Power Levels

Some induction cookers have multiple function levels such as "stir-fry" and "simmer". Energy efficiency testing is usually only conducted for the highest power level. However, if a product advertises a certain level as an "energy-saving mode", then that level must also be tested independently and its energy efficiency labeled. Some companies mistakenly believe that as long as the highest level meets the standard, it is sufficient, ignoring the performance of other levels. In fact, regulatory inspections often randomly select different levels for verification. Therefore, during filing, test data for all key levels should be submitted, and the energy efficiency label should indicate "This product achieves XX energy efficiency level at XX level" to avoid compliance risks.

V. Practical Guide to the Entire Filing Process: From Testing to Labeling

Understanding the minimum energy efficiency value is only the first step. The complete filing process includes five stages:

1. Product Testing

Choose a laboratory with CMA/CNAS accreditation. For water heaters, gas pressure (or water pressure) and temperature sensor calibration records are required; for monitors, brightness, color temperature, and refresh rate settings are required; for induction cookers, standard cookware is required. The testing cycle is typically 7-15 working days; expedited processing is available but at a higher cost.

2. Energy Efficiency Label Production

According to the "Energy Efficiency Label Management Measures," the label must include: manufacturer name, product specifications and model, energy efficiency rating, energy efficiency ratio (e.g., thermal efficiency value for water heaters, energy efficiency value for monitors, thermal efficiency for induction cookers), applicable standard number, filing number, and QR code. It is recommended to use anti-counterfeiting paper for printing, and the size should not be less than 30mm × 60mm.

3. Online Filing

Log in to the "Energy Efficiency Label Information Platform" (http://www.energylabel.gov.cn), register a company account, upload an electronic version of the test report (PDF format, must include a seal across the binding), fill in product parameters and energy efficiency rating, and generate a filing code. The filing center will complete the review within 5 working days. Upon approval, you will receive an "Energy Efficiency Label Filing Certificate."

4. Labeling

Labels must be securely affixed or strapped to the product body, in a prominent and durable location (e.g., side panel of water heater, back panel of monitor, bottom or side of induction cooker). Labeling during transportation is prohibited to prevent damage or detachment. Imported products must also include a Chinese energy efficiency label.

5. Subsequent Supervision and Changes

If product energy efficiency parameters change due to redesign (e.g., screen panel replacement, increased heat load), retesting and a change filing are required. If the product is discontinued, the filing should also be proactively cancelled. Market supervision departments will regularly issue inspection reports; failure to file or false labeling will result in fines, recall orders, and even business license revocation.

VI. Common Issues and Misconceptions

1. The Misconception that "Meeting the highest setting means meeting the standard for all settings"

The thermal efficiency of induction cookers and water heaters varies significantly across different settings. For example, the thermal efficiency of a low setting on an induction cooker may be below 86% due to intermittent heating. Therefore, when filing, it is essential to cover all operating modes listed in the product manual. 2. The Misconception that "Displays Don't Calculate Energy Consumption"

Energy efficiency testing for displays includes full-power on/off states, standby states, and sleep states. Some large-size displays have built-in modules such as speakers and cameras; the power consumption of these additional functions is also included in the total power consumption, potentially leading to decreased energy efficiency. Separate power switches should be provided for these peripherals during the design phase.

3. The Misconception that "Higher Energy Efficiency Ratings Mean Higher Costs"

In reality, through optimized design (such as thickening the insulation layer of water heaters, increasing the coil winding density of induction cookers, and using low-power LED backlights for displays), it's possible to improve the energy efficiency rating by 0.5-1 levels without significantly increasing manufacturing costs. This not only improves the approval rate for product registration but also enhances the product's market competitiveness.

4. The Misconception that "Registration is a One-Time Process"

Energy efficiency standards are revised periodically (e.g., GB 24850-2020 replaced the old version). Without continuous monitoring, registered products may become "invalid registrations" due to the implementation of new standards. It is recommended that companies assign dedicated personnel to research energy efficiency regulations and regularly participate in standard dissemination meetings.

VII. Future Trends: Green Intelligence and Energy Efficiency Upgrades

Looking ahead, China's energy efficiency labeling will evolve towards "dynamic energy efficiency" and "intelligent optimization." For example, water heaters will incorporate AI algorithms to automatically adjust heating power based on water usage habits; displays will introduce automatic brightness adjustment and ambient light sensing to further reduce average power consumption; and induction cookers will achieve high thermal efficiency through multi-coil coordinated heating. Meanwhile, the "Guiding Opinions on Accelerating the Establishment and Improvement of a Green, Low-Carbon, and Circular Economic System," released in 2023, clearly states that by 2025, the energy efficiency threshold for home appliances will be further increased by 10%-15%. This means that products currently bordering on Level 3 energy efficiency will face elimination. Companies should set energy efficiency targets at Level 1 or 2 from the initial R&D stage to cope with tightening policies.

VIII. Conclusion: Compliance is the Starting Point, Innovation is the Future

The registration of energy efficiency labels for water heaters, displays, and induction cookers is not only a legal requirement but also a window for companies to demonstrate their technological strength and environmental responsibility. Whether it's the requirement for water heaters to have a thermal efficiency of ≥84%, monitors to have an energy efficiency of ≥1.05 cd/W, or induction cookers to have a thermal efficiency of ≥86%, these seemingly cold numbers embody China's determination to achieve its "dual carbon" goals. Manufacturers should completely abandon the侥幸心理 (a mentality of taking chances) of merely meeting the minimum standards, and instead improve product energy efficiency through technological innovation and actively participate in the energy efficiency "leader" program. Only by treating energy efficiency registration as an integral part of quality management can they truly win consumer trust and achieve sustainable development.