Why to implement the Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme (MEELS)?
To facilitate the public in choosing energy efficient products and raise public awareness of energy saving, the Government has introduced the Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme (MEELS) under the Energy Efficiency (Labelling of Products) Ordinance, Cap. 598 (the Ordinance). Under MEELS, energy labels are required to be shown on the prescribed products for supply in the Hong Kong market to inform consumers of their energy efficiency performance.
When was MEELS implemented?
The MEELS has been implementing in phases. The initial phase of MEELS covers three types of products, namely room air conditioners, refrigerating appliances and compact fluorescent lamps, and has been fully implemented since 9 November 2009. The second phase of MEELS extends the coverage to two more electrical appliances, namely washing machines and dehumidifiers, and has also been fully implemented since 19 September 2011. The third phase of MEELS extends the coverage to three more types of products, namely televisions, storage type electric water heaters and induction cookers. The scope of two types of the existing prescribed products, namely washing machines (with rated washing capacity from not exceeding 7 kg to not exceeding 10 kg) and reverse cycle type room air conditioners (from cooling performance only to both cooling and heating performance), is also extended.
The fourth phase of the MEELS, covering three types of products, namely LED Lamps, Gas Cookers and Gas Instantaneous Water Heaters has commenced on 1 September 2023, with a 15-month transitional period and will be fully implemented on 1 December 2024.
The fourth phase of the MEELS, covering three types of products, namely LED Lamps, Gas Cookers and Gas Instantaneous Water Heaters has commenced on 1 September 2023, with a 15-month transitional period and will be fully implemented on 1 December 2024.
What is the coverage of the current Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme (MEELS)?
The MEELS now covers eight types of prescribed products, including:
Room air conditioners (with rated cooling capacity not exceeding 7.5 kilowatts), refrigerating appliances (with rated total storage volume not exceeding 500 litres), compact fluorescent lamps (with rated wattage up to 60 watts), washing machines (with rated washing capacity not exceeding 10 kg), dehumidifiers (with rated dehumidifying capacity not exceeding 35 litres per day), televisions (with rated visible diagonal screen size exceeding 50 cm but not exceeding 250 cm), induction cookers (with rated power not less than 700 watts but not exceeding 3 500 watts for each heating unit, and with total rated power not exceeding 7 000 watts), storage type electric water heaters (with rated water storage capacity not exceeding 50 litres) LED Lamps(with rated wattage up to 60 watts), Gas Cookers(with rated heat input not exceeding 7 kilowatts for each burner), and Gas Instantaneous Water Heaters(with rated heat input not exceeding 70 kilowatts).
Please click here for the details of the scope in the Code of Practice on Energy Labelling of Products.
Please click here for the details of the scope in the Code of Practice on Energy Labelling of Products.
How many grades are there under the mandatory energy labels? What are the standards for the grade classification?
The “Grading Type” energy labels under MEELS differentiate the same type of product according to energy efficiency into five grades to facilitate consumers to choose energy efficient products. A product with a Grade 1 energy label means that it is among the most energy efficient in the market while a product with a Grade 5 energy label is the least energy efficient.
Generally speaking, the testing procedures are in line with the relevant international testing standards or national standards (if no relevant international testing standard is available). When determining the energy efficiency grade of a product model, the requirements specified in the Code of Practice on Energy Labelling of Products under MEELS, including testing standards, requirements on testing laboratory, calculation of energy efficiency grade, etc. must be followed.
Generally speaking, the testing procedures are in line with the relevant international testing standards or national standards (if no relevant international testing standard is available). When determining the energy efficiency grade of a product model, the requirements specified in the Code of Practice on Energy Labelling of Products under MEELS, including testing standards, requirements on testing laboratory, calculation of energy efficiency grade, etc. must be followed.
Where can I find the list of products with energy labels?
EMSD maintains a record of listed models containing all product models which have been assigned with energy label reference numbers and are still valid.
Is washer-dryer required to have an energy label?
Washing machines combined with built-in dryers for drying textiles by means of heating are included in MEELS but only the energy consumption of the washing machine shall be measured and the drying function is excluded.
When choosing a dehumidifier, sometimes the product information from the manufacturer is not the same as those on the energy label. How to know whether it is energy efficient?
The product energy efficiency information shown on the energy label (e.g. energy efficiency grading, annual energy consumption, dehumidifying capacity, etc) are measured under the same standard testing environment (i.e. temperature at 26.7℃ and relative humidity at 60%) so that consumer can easily compare the energy efficiency performance of different product models when choosing dehumidifiers. We encourage consumers to consider the information shown on the energy label when choosing dehumidifiers.
Should we not to choose dehumidifiers that may operate by using desiccant material which consume more energy?
The Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme currently covers compression type dehumidifiers, not the desiccant material type dehumidifiers. Regarding the product energy efficiency performance information of desiccant material type dehumidifiers, consumers may ask the sales agent or manufacturer.
Who are responsible for applying for the energy label?
Prior to supplying a prescribed product in Hong Kong , the importer or local manufacturer shall apply for an energy label for the product.
How to apply for the energy label?
The importer or local manufacturer shall apply for an energy label for its product by submitting the product information, including test reports of the product model, to the EMSD for assignment of a reference number. Please refer to the "How to apply for an Energy Label" section for more information on the submission forms and guidelines
What test laboratories are recognised under MEELS?
The recognised laboratories must be (1) accredited under the Hong Kong Laboratory Accreditation Scheme operated by the Hong Kong Accreditation Service (HKAS) for the relevant test; (2) accredited under an accreditation scheme operated by a laboratory accreditation body in other economies with which HKAS has concluded a mutual recognition agreement/arrangement (MRA) for the relevant test; (3) assessed and evaluated by a recognised independent certification body and is certified by the independent certification body to be competent for carrying out the relevant test; or (4) assessed and recognised by the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services under the voluntary EELS for conducting the relevant test, and is certified under ISO 9001 or equivalent standards for quality system. Please click here for further details.
What are the technical energy performance requirements and laboratory testing requirements for different types of products?
The Code of Practice on Energy Labelling of Products (Code of Practice) has been issued by the EMSD to provide practical guidance and technical details in respect of the MEELS requirements. Please click here for the Code of Practice.
What is the penalty for supplying a prescribed product that does not comply with the energy efficiency labelling requirements of the Ordinance?
Any person who contravenes the requirements commits an offence under the Ordinance and is liable to a maximum fine of $100,000 upon conviction.
How long does it take to process an energy label application?
Under our performance pledge, an energy label application can be processed within 17 working days after submission.
Where can I find the testing standards and requirements for each electrical appliance under MEELS?
The Code of Practice on Energy Labelling of Products (Code of Practice) has been issued by the EMSD to provide practical guidance and technical details in respect of the MEELS requirements. Please click here for the Code of Practice.
How often does the EMSD review the Code of Practice on Energy Labelling of Products?
The EMSD will regularly review the Code of Practice on Energy Labelling of Products according to the latest technological and market developments.