Stricter compliance: White goods companies to face action on appliance power consumption fouls
Kolkata: The government will penalise manufacturers of air conditioners, refrigerators and TVs if the actual energy consumption of these appliances deviates from the declaration in the energy star rating label during testing by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) or if the agency finds instances of alterations in the stickers, as it tightens energyefficiency norms of electronic products to curb power usage
The move, in line with a recent government notification, comes in the backdrop of BEE flagging several cases of appliances failing to meet the energy performance claimed on their star rating labels.
Also read: Star ratings mandatory for refrigerator, TV, LPG stove, cooling tower, chillers from January 1
As per the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (Appliance Labeling and Compliance) Regulations, 2026, which was notified last week and has come into effect from this year, the BEE or a state-designated agency will undertake “verification of the particulars displayed on the label affixed on any appliance or equipment by conducting market surveillance either through offline or online mode including through ecommerce platforms”.
The BEE, which is under the power ministry, said in the notification that in case of non-compliance or violation, it will issue a show cause notice, impose a penalty and suspend sales of the model. Brands are required to display the label prominently at retail stores, ecommerce platforms and websites.
“In the event of any non-compliance, found in online mode including at any ecommerce platforms, the Bureau shall direct the ecommerce platform to de-register the specified model of appliance or equipment,” the notification said.
Companies have to share the list of stores selling the products so that the BEE can undertake its surveillance.
Meanwhile, new energy labels are being revamped to make them more consumer friendly and they will now also disclose the country of manufacturing.
Also read: Premiumisation, smart products to drive appliances and consumer electronics sector in 2026
Power Consumption
An industry executive said that the BEE will widen test checking and surveillance to ensure all products sold in the country meet the energy criteria set by it. While in the past the bureau flagged certain models which did not meet the standards, now the system will ensure that such models are pulled out from the market and that companies inform consumers about it as well as pay a penalty.
“At a time when GST (goods and services tax) on appliances including ACs has come down, which will improve penetration, the power ministry wants to ensure they meet the norms on power consumption, which is one of the highest globally. The goal is to ensure the country’s power demand remains under control,” the chief executive of a leading appliance manufacturer said on condition of anonymity.
Also read: Regulatory delays cripple Indian cos: Certifications disrupt FMCG, electronics sectors' performance
At present, energy labelling is compulsory for frost-free and direct cool refrigerators, deep-freezers, air conditioners, fans, televisions, geysers, washing machines and LED lamps.
It is currently voluntary for microwave ovens, induction hobs, computers, solar water heaters, side-by-side refrigerators and electric vehicle chargers, among other products, though the BEE brings voluntary products under compulsory rating from time to time.
The move, in line with a recent government notification, comes in the backdrop of BEE flagging several cases of appliances failing to meet the energy performance claimed on their star rating labels.
Also read: Star ratings mandatory for refrigerator, TV, LPG stove, cooling tower, chillers from January 1
As per the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (Appliance Labeling and Compliance) Regulations, 2026, which was notified last week and has come into effect from this year, the BEE or a state-designated agency will undertake “verification of the particulars displayed on the label affixed on any appliance or equipment by conducting market surveillance either through offline or online mode including through ecommerce platforms”.
The BEE, which is under the power ministry, said in the notification that in case of non-compliance or violation, it will issue a show cause notice, impose a penalty and suspend sales of the model. Brands are required to display the label prominently at retail stores, ecommerce platforms and websites.
“In the event of any non-compliance, found in online mode including at any ecommerce platforms, the Bureau shall direct the ecommerce platform to de-register the specified model of appliance or equipment,” the notification said.
Companies have to share the list of stores selling the products so that the BEE can undertake its surveillance.
Meanwhile, new energy labels are being revamped to make them more consumer friendly and they will now also disclose the country of manufacturing.
Also read: Premiumisation, smart products to drive appliances and consumer electronics sector in 2026
Power Consumption
An industry executive said that the BEE will widen test checking and surveillance to ensure all products sold in the country meet the energy criteria set by it. While in the past the bureau flagged certain models which did not meet the standards, now the system will ensure that such models are pulled out from the market and that companies inform consumers about it as well as pay a penalty.
“At a time when GST (goods and services tax) on appliances including ACs has come down, which will improve penetration, the power ministry wants to ensure they meet the norms on power consumption, which is one of the highest globally. The goal is to ensure the country’s power demand remains under control,” the chief executive of a leading appliance manufacturer said on condition of anonymity.
Also read: Regulatory delays cripple Indian cos: Certifications disrupt FMCG, electronics sectors' performance
At present, energy labelling is compulsory for frost-free and direct cool refrigerators, deep-freezers, air conditioners, fans, televisions, geysers, washing machines and LED lamps.
It is currently voluntary for microwave ovens, induction hobs, computers, solar water heaters, side-by-side refrigerators and electric vehicle chargers, among other products, though the BEE brings voluntary products under compulsory rating from time to time.
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