China Energy Label (CEL)
The China Energy Label (CEL) is, like the EU energy label, a label for the energy consumption of a product.
The manufacturers of certain electrical appliances have been obliged since 2005 to affix the label to their goods in order to additionally inform the end consumer in China about the energy efficiency of the product. The label contains information on the energy efficiency class (1 to 5) and energy consumption. It is intended for customers in the People's Republic of ChinaEncourage their purchasing decisions to opt for an energy-saving model and thus promote the sale of energy-saving electrical appliances in China. As the country with what is now the greatest energy demand, China's environmental pollution and emissions are growing. With the introduction of the CEL in 2005, the Chinese government responded to the growing need to regulate national energy consumption and to introduce statutory energy efficiency standards.
The CEL applies to both imported and Chinese products. Products that are subject to labeling may only be sold in China and used in business activities in China after the product has undergone a CEL classification.
The individual steps of the labeling process include an extensive flow of forms and documents in which the specified deadlines must be observed. The product test in particular is of great importance, as only a few laboratories have been authorized by the Chinese authorities to carry out this test. Therefore, there may be longer waiting times. The process roughly comprises the following steps:
- application
- Product test
- Issue of labels (labels)
- Registration of the label with CELC
The China Energy Label Center (CELC), which is part of the China Standard Certification Center (CSC), is responsible for the CEL classification. The CELC was founded in May 2006 and is subordinate to the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) and the Certification and Accreditation Administration (CNCA). The CELC is responsible for all matters relating to the CEL marking.
Products subject to CEL
Since its introduction in 2005, the CEL labeling requirement has now expanded to over 25 product groups. The responsible Chinese authorities are constantly adding more classes of goods to their lists.
Products subject to labeling include a .:
- Engines
- Air conditioners
- Refrigerators
- Washing machines
- Gas kettle
- Photocopier
- Air compressors
- Flat screen TV
CEL for engines
Since September 1, 2012, according to the corresponding GB standard (GB stands for Guobiao, Chinese for “National Standard”), certain low-voltage motors (small and medium-sized three-phase asynchronous motors) have to be marked with the CEL. In addition, low-voltage motors in the 0.75 kW to 375 kW power range may only be brought into circulation from at least CEL efficiency class 2 ("highly efficient"). The Chinese government plans to make the CEL marking mandatory for other types of engines and for engines in the power range from 7.5 kW to 375 kW, and in the long term for the range from 0.75 kW to 375 kW. This should further reduce energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. In addition to the energy efficiency requirements, low-power motors in China are subject to CCC certification ( China Compulsory Certificate ).