On February 9, 2026, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) issued a notice calling for public comments on the draft of the China Energy Label Product Catalogue (2026 Edition)” and Relevant Implementation Rules (Draft for Public Comments). Stakeholders are invited to submit their feedback by March 9, 2026. The proposed Product Catalogue (2026 version) represents a significant update to China’s energy labeling management system.
Originally launched in 2004 with just two product categories—household refrigerators and air-conditioners—the catalogue has expanded over the years through multiple announcements. The current legally effective version was jointly issued by NDRC and the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) in September 2025. (See more details from our previous news coverage) The Product Catalogue (2026 version) now covers 37 product categories, a reduction of one from the 2025 version, due to the merger of “Range Hoods” and “Household and Similar AC Ventilation Fans” into a single category. Meanwhile, “Electric washing machines” has been expanded to “Electric washing machines and washer-dryers.” The newly released draft notice outlines revised implementation rules for 7 key product categories, each tied to updated mandatory national energy efficiency standards. Below is a summary of the major changes:
- Household refrigerators: The implementation rules will take effect on June 1, 2026, aligning with the GB 12021.2-2025 Maximum allowable values of energy consumption and energy efficiency grade for household refrigerating appliance. Products manufactured or imported before this effective date may use the existing labels until June 1, 2028.
- Electric washing machines and washer-dryers: The implementation rules will become effective concurrently with the GB 12021.4-2026 The maximum allowable values of the energy，water consumption and grades for household electric washing machines. A two-year grace period for affixing the energy label applies to products manufactured or imported before the implementation date.
- Household solar water heating systems: The implementation rules will take effect on August 1, 2026, corresponding with GB 26969-2025 Minimum allowable values of energy efficiency and energy efficiency grades for domestic solar water heating systems. Products manufactured or imported before this effective date may delay affixing the new label until August 1, 2028.
- Household and similar range hoods and ventilating fans: The implementation rules become effective on November 1, 2026, based on GB 29539-2025 Minimum allowable values of energy efficiency and energy efficiency grades for household and similar range hoods and ventilating fans. Products manufactured or imported before this date may defer compliance until November 1, 2028.
- LED products for indoor lighting: The implementation rules will take effect upon the implementation date of GB 30255-2026 Minimum allowable values of energy efficiency and energy efficiency grades for LED products for indoor lighting, with a two-year transition period for products already on the market prior to the effective date.
- Projectors: The implementation rules become effective on July 1, 2026, aligned with GB 32028-2025 Minimum allowable values of energy efficiency and energy efficiency grades for projectors. Products manufactured or imported before this date are granted deferral until July 1, 2028.
- LED luminaires for road and tunnel lighting: The implementation rules will take effect on June 1, 2026, corresponding with GB 37478-2025 Minimum allowable values of energy efficiency and energy efficiency grades for LED luminaires for road and tunnel lighting. Products manufactured or imported before this date may delay labeling until June 1, 2028.
International stakeholders are encouraged to carefully examine the draft implementation rules and transitional arrangements to ensure compliance. Given the close linkage between mandatory national standards and the energy labeling system, continuous monitoring of standard updates remains essential for market participants.
https://www.chinanecc.cn/website/News!view.shtml?id=3850
https://www.ndrc.gov.cn/xxgk/zcfb/ghxwj/202509/t20250926_1400696_ext.html
