In September 2025, as a coordinated push to advance its resource conservation goals, Chinese authorities released a comprehensive update to the national energy efficiency labeling system and are now seeking public input on a corresponding update for water efficiency labels. These moves signal a continued commitment to enhancing the environmental standards for products sold in the Chinese market.
On September 17, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) jointly issued announcement on China Energy Label Product Catalogue (2025 Edition) and its associated implementation rules. With this update, China’s energy efficiency labeling management now covers 38 product categories and 42 implementation rules. For a detailed product list, please refer to our previous coverage of the draft catalogue. The officially released China Energy Label Product Catalogue (2025 Edition) incorporates only minor adjustments to the implementation timelines previously outlined in the draft. Key changes include a two-month postponement for household kitchen appliances (e.g., induction cookers, rice cookers, microwaves) to November 1, 2025, and a three-month delay for permanent magnet synchronous motors and air purifiers, now effective January 1, 2026.
In a parallel effort to conserve water resources, NDRC, along with the Ministry of Water Resources and SAMR, jointly initiated a public consultation on a draft version of the Product Catalog of China Water Efficiency Label (2025 Edition) and related implementation rules on September 24, 2025, and the consultation period will remain open for one month, until October 24, 2025. The catalogue covers 6 product categories, including water closets, smart toilets, dishwashers, showers, water purifiers, and faucets. Under the new rules:
- The water efficiency labeling requirement for water closets will take effect on January 1, 2026, with one-year grace period, and will be based on standard GB 25502-2024 Minimum allowable values of water efficiency and water efficiency grades for water closets.
- The requirements for smart toilets and dishwashers will come into force on April 1, 2027, also with a one-year grace period, referencing standards GB 38448-2025 Minimum allowable values and grades of the energy efficiency and water efficiency for smart toilets and GB 38383-2025 Minimum allowable values and grades of the energy efficiency and water efficiency for dishwashers, respectively.
Under China’s updated labeling regulations, foreign stakeholders of water-using products like water closets and dishwashers must comply with new water efficiency standards between 2026-2027, while energy efficiency rules now cover 38 product categories. This requires product testing and certification to Chinese standards, potentially increasing compliance costs and timelines. However, these standards also drive technological innovation, creating market opportunities for environmentally-forward foreign manufacturers.
Chinese source of the article: https://www.ndrc.gov.cn/xxgk/zcfb/ghxwj/202509/t20250926_1400696.html
