In July 2025, China is taking decisive steps to enhance energy efficiency across consumer products, with two significant standardization developments: the implementation of upgraded mandatory standards for household refrigerators and a newly drafted update to indoor LED lighting efficiency requirements. These initiatives reinforce China’s commitment to sustainable development and carbon neutrality goals.
Refrigerator Energy Efficiency Standard Upgraded
On July 2, 2025, China has officially released GB 12021.2 – 2025, the updated mandatory standard for household refrigerators titled Maximum allowable values of energy consumption and energy efficiency grade for household refrigerating appliance, which will take effect on June 1, 2026. The new mandatory standard replaces GB 12021.2 – 2015 and introduces stricter requirements for the Chinese refrigerator market. Key advancements include:
- Expanded Coverage: Now covers compressor-driven refrigerators and semiconductor cooling devices (≤60L capacity)
- Revised 5-tier energy efficiency rating system: Grade 1 (highest efficiency, international leading level), Grade 2 (highly recommended efficiency level), Grades 3-4 (average market performance), and Grade 5 (minimum market entry threshold)
The standard raises the energy consumption index by 30-40% compared to the previous version and adds requirements for the response capability to smart grid signals to guide the intelligent and green development of refrigerators. With over 500 million refrigerators in use and annual sales exceeding 60 million units, the update supports China’s energy conservation goals and equipment upgrade policies. Additionally, the United Nations Environment Program has expressed interest in referencing China’s new refrigerator standard for global policy development.
Draft Standard for Indoor LED Lighting Under Public Consultation
The National Technical Committee for Energy Fundamentals and Management (SAC/TC20) has released a revised draft of GB 30255–2019 Minimum Allowable Values of Energy Efficiency and Energy Efficiency Grades for Indoor LED Lighting Products, open for public comment until September 15, 2025. This update to the 2019 standard introduces several key technical improvements:
- Expanded Scope: Now includes LED high bay luminaire and double-ended LED lamps.
- Revised Definitions: Added definitions for LED filament lamps, LED high bay luminaire, minimum allowable values of energy efficiency for LED product, standby power of LED product, and network standby power of LED product.
- Stricter Efficiency Rules: Updated energy efficiency grades for indoor LED products, with new adjustments for dimmable & tunable-color-temperature lights.
- Updated Color & Power Requirements: Introduced color tolerance requirements for rated Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) boundary points, updated Color Rendering Index (CRI) requirements, including efficiency corrections for high-CRI products, and added new standby & network standby power limits
- Testing Upgrades: Introduced new procedures for measuring standby and network standby power and updated testing protocols for adjustable lighting products
In conclusion, these dual initiatives demonstrate China’s comprehensive approach to energy efficiency regulation, combining rigorous domestic standards with international cooperation to drive global sustainability efforts. China’s 2025 energy efficiency standards for refrigerators and LED lighting present both challenges and opportunities for foreign firms. Stricter requirements increase short-term compliance costs but create long-term advantages. Companies aligning with these standards can leverage smart features, health benefits, and green subsidies to gain market position while supporting China’s carbon neutrality goals. SESEC will continue to track the development of energy efficiency and circulate the latest information.
Chinese sources of the article: https://www.cnis.ac.cn/bydt/bzyjzq/gbyjzq/202507/t20250711_61269.html
https://www.cnis.ac.cn/bydt/zhxw/202507/t20250703_61218.html
