Overview of Regulatory Requirements - Labelling and MEPS

It is currently mandatory for all of the following electrical products offered for sale in Australia to carry an approved energy label:

refrigerators and freezers
clothes washers
clothes dryers
dishwashers
air conditioners (single phase mandatory, three phase voluntary)

The following products are also regulated on the basis of Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) - this means that they have regulated minimum energy efficiency levels:

refrigerators and freezers (from 1 October 1999, revision 1 January 2005)
mains pressure electric storage water heaters (from 1 October 1999)
small mains pressure electric storage water heaters (<80L) and low pressure and heat exchanger types (from 1 October 2005) (Refer to AGO letter regarding levels and test methods)
three phase electric motors (0.73kW to <185kW) (from 1 October 2001, revision April 2006)
single phase air conditioners (from 1 October 2004, revision 1 April 2006 and 2007 and 2008)
three phase air conditioners up to 65kW cooling capacity (from 1 October 2001, revision 1 October 2007)
ballasts for linear fluorescent lamps (from 1 March 2003). Note that in addition to MEPS, ballasts also have to be marked with an energy efficiency index (EEI).
linear fluorescent lamps - from 550mm to 1500mm inclusive with a nominal lamp power >16W (from 1 October 2004)
distribution transformers - 11kV and 22kV with a rating from 10kA to 2.5MVA (from 1 October 2004)
commercial refrigeration (self contained and remote systems) (from 1 October 2004)

Details of the relevant standards are available on this web site.

The following products are proposed for regulation in the future, subject to normal regulatory processes and approval by the Ministerial Council on Energy.

external power supplies (from 1 April 2009);
Set top boxes (from 1 April 2009);
Televisions;
Home entertainment products: (Audio and video equipment) (from 1 April 2009);
Boiling and chilled water dispensers;
Vending machines;
Commercial icemakers;
A range of lamp types;

Find out how to make an application for an energy label and/or MEPS.

Regulations specify the general requirements for the energy labelling of appliances, including offences and penalties if a party does not comply with the requirements. Technical requirements for energy labelling are set out in "Part 2" of the relevant appliance standard, which is referenced in state regulations. State based legislation is necessary because the Australian constitution gives Australian States clear responsibility for resource management issues, including energy. More information on regulations and relevant contacts is available on this web site. (Note that regulatory standards are generally Part number 2 of the relevant standard, but this does vary by product).

A number of other products are being considered for energy labelling and MEPS programs (or will have existing levels revised).

Details are available on this web site as details become available - see what's new.

This web site does not cover gas appliances or safety but there are links to for further information.

This page last modified 15 June 2007