RCM and SDoC Solutions

The Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3) program is a cross-border initiative between Australia and New Zealand designed to improve the energy efficiency of appliances. Under this program, specific products must meet Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) to be legally sold. In Australia, these requirements are enforced under the GEMS (Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards) Act, which is the primary legislation governing energy use. While New Zealand operates under its own Energy Efficiency (Energy Using Products) Regulations, both countries work together to harmonize standards, ensuring that a single test can often satisfy the requirements for both markets.

Compliance is overseen by the Regulators: in Australia, this is the GEMS Regulator, while in New Zealand, it is managed by EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority). Together, these authorities ensure that products carry the correct Energy Rating Labels and meet the mandatory legal standards before entering the retail market.

MEPS (Minimum Energy Performance Standards) sets the mandatory energy efficiency level that a product must meet to be sold in Australia and New Zealand. It ensures that only energy-efficient products enter the market, saving consumers money and reducing environmental impact.

Because the list of regulated products is extensive and updated regularly, they are generally grouped into the following categories:

• White Goods & Home Appliances: Refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, clothes dryers, and dishwashers.
• Climate Control: Air conditioners (single and three-phase) and heat pumps.
• Electronics & Lighting: Televisions, computer monitors, set-top boxes, and various types of fluorescent and LED lamps.
• Industrial & Infrastructure: Three-phase electric motors, distribution transformers, commercial refrigerated cabinets, and chillers.
• Water Heating: Electric and gas storage water heaters.

For a full, up-to-date list of all regulated products and their specific requirements, please visit the official Energy Rating website:

👉 www.energyrating.gov.au/products
www.eeca.govt.nz/regulations/equipment-energy-efficiency/about-the-e3-programme/products-under-e3/

Both are mandatory energy efficiency requirements under the GEMS program, but they serve different purposes:

• MEPS (Minimum Energy Performance Standards): This is the “Legal Floor.” It is the mandatory efficiency level a product must meet to be sold. It ensures inefficient products are kept off the market. (Focus: Technical Compliance)
• MEPL (Mandatory Energy Performance Labelling): This is the “Consumer Guide.” It refers to the physical Energy Rating Label (the star-rating sticker) that helps customers compare energy costs at the point of purchase. (Focus: Consumer Information)

While all regulated products must meet MEPS, not all are required to display a label. For example, electric motors typically only need to meet MEPS, whereas refrigerators and washing machines must meet MEPS and display the MEPL star label.

Yes. MEPS (Minimum Energy Performance Standards) are mandatory in Australia and New Zealand.

However, MEPS only applies to products that fall within the defined regulatory scope. Whether a product is required to comply depends on its type and technical specifications as defined in the relevant regulations.

If a product falls within scope, it must meet the applicable MEPS requirements before it can be legally supplied to the market. If it is outside scope, MEPS does not apply.

Not always. While both countries cooperate, they may adopt different versions and amendments of the same AS/NZS standard at different times. For example, a newer standard version might be acceptable for registration in Australia, but New Zealand may still legally require testing to an older version (such as AS/NZS 2040:2005 for washing machines) as specified in their current regulations. Before testing, always verify the specific standard version required in each country. A test report that meets the latest Australian requirements might be rejected in New Zealand if their legislation has not yet been updated to recognize the new standard.

Yes, but only for the Australian market. Under the GEMS Act, manufacturers in China can register products directly in Australia by creating a portal account and submitting test reports. However, New Zealand regulations require the registrant to be a local entity with a New Zealand Business Number (NZBN). To simplify compliance, most Chinese suppliers register in Australia first, as a successful Australian registration is generally recognized in New Zealand under mutual recognition (TTMRA), allowing you to bypass the need for a local NZ entity.

Registration must be approved before the product is “offered for supply.” In practical terms, this means the registration must be active before the shipment arrives at the port and before you advertise the product online or in catalogues. Because the registration process involves a government assessment that can take some time, we strongly recommend securing your registration certificate before the goods leave the factory in China.