On July 19, 2024, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), alongside the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), introduced the Rules for Energy Consumption Labeling for Light-Duty Vehicles (hereinafter referred to as the Rules). These updated rules are designed to standardize the energy consumption information provided to consumers and enhance transparency. This initiative is part of China’s broader strategy to boost environmental sustainability and improve energy efficiency in the automotive sector.

Back in 2017, MIIT released GB 22757-2017 Energy Consumption Label for Light-Duty Vehicles, which for the first time stipulated requirements for energy consumption label for new energy vehicles. As expectations for safer and greener light vehicles increased over the years, it was replaced by a new version, i.e., GB 22757-2023. The Rules now complement this standard, by defining the obligations of manufacturers and importers concerning energy consumption labeling.

Here are the key compulsory obligations outlined in the Rules:

  • Label Affixation:Vehicle manufacturers/importers must affix energy consumption labels on light-duty vehicles at the point of sale.
  • Compliance:Labels must adhere to GB22757—2023 Energy Consumption Label for Light-Duty Vehicles—Part 1 and Part 2.
  • Label Content Requirements:
    • Enterprise Logo:Match the registered trademark or name.
    • Energy Consumption Info:Labels show industry averages or test results.
    • Registration Number:Obtained from the “China Automotive Energy Consumption Registration” system.
    • Effective Date:The date of registration in the system.
  • Submission:The vehicle manufacturers/importers are required to submit data within 15 working days after product announcement or certification.
  • Updates:Reporting of changes or discontinued models is necessary.
  • Implementation:The rules will be enforced from the day of their  Vehicle manufacturers/importers must update the record data and replace the energy consumption labels according to the requirements of this rule before September 1, 2024.

Specifically, for light-duty commercial vehicles, energy consumption labels must follow the scheme outlined in the appendix until the new version of GB 20997 Limits of fuel consumption for light-duty commercial vehicles is released. The GB 20997 is currently under revision and is expected to be issued in the near future.

To navigate these changes effectively, stakeholders should begin by thoroughly reviewing the new rules and assessing the extent to which their current labeling practices align with them. For valuable guidance and to address compliance challenges, foreign stakeholders are advised to contact the relevant Chinese authorities. In addition, it is important to monitor the revision of GB 20997 for any major adjustments that could affect market access.