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The strictest energy efficiency standards in history are coming, and the new mandatory national standard GB 12021.2-2025 for refrigerator energy efficiency is released

Time：

2025-06-10

GB 12021.2-2025 "Limiting Values and Energy Efficiency Grades for Household Refrigerators" will be officially implemented from June 1, 2026.

Recently, the State Administration for Market Regulation (State Standardization Administration) approved the release of GB 12021.2-2025 "Limiting Values for Electricity Consumption and Energy Efficiency Grades of Household Refrigerators", which will be officially implemented from June 1, 2026.

The strictest energy efficiency standards in history have launched a surprise attack on the refrigerator industry! On the basis of maintaining the 5-level classification framework, the new regulations significantly increase the energy efficiency requirements at all levels, which means that existing qualified products with old standards may be directly "eliminated" due to the soaring threshold for 1-level energy efficiency. The new regulations also include 10 types of products such as semiconductor refrigeration refrigerators and car refrigeration appliances in regulation for the first time, and the energy efficiency evaluation has changed from "single indicator" to "comprehensive power consumption calculation"! This new regulation, which can be regarded as the strictest assessment in the history of refrigerator energy efficiency, is forcing the entire industry chain to accelerate its green transformation.

Background of the revision of the new standard

The Chinese home appliance market has undergone tremendous changes in the past decade, with refrigerators, as essential household appliances, achieving significant upgrades in product volume, functionality, and technology. However, the current standard GB 12021.2-2015 "Limiting Values for Electricity Consumption and Energy Efficiency Grades of Household Refrigerators" has been implemented for nearly ten years and is significantly lagging behind the current development status of the industry. Although this standard has played an important role in a specific historical stage, its limitations have become increasingly prominent with the emergence of new energy-saving technologies, intelligent functions, and the increasing demand for high-efficiency energy-saving products from consumers. It is no longer possible to accurately measure the energy efficiency performance of new products.

Main changes in standards

Scope of application

The standards mainly include scope, normative reference documents, terminology and definitions, power consumption limit values, energy efficiency level determination methods, energy-saving evaluation values, testing methods for volume and power consumption, inspection rules, energy efficiency level labeling, and normative appendices. According to the development needs of the refrigerator market, the coverage of products is constantly expanding and the product categories are becoming more refined.

This revision has added semiconductor refrigeration for household refrigerators and portable car refrigeration appliances to the product scope; Modified the unsuitable product to a refrigeration appliance specifically designed for commercial use. Under the guidance of energy-saving and low-carbon policies, various refrigeration technologies and appliances have developed simultaneously, giving rise to a batch of new refrigeration appliances; The improvement of people's living standards has led to the emergence of new scenarios for the use of refrigerators and the diverse development of refrigeration appliances. Standardize its product market competition and bidding activities through standards, and leverage the leading role of standards.

Therefore, the scope of application of this standard is adjusted to: household refrigerators, wine storage cabinets, and mobile car refrigeration appliances driven by motor-driven compression or semiconductor refrigeration. Not applicable to refrigeration appliances designed specifically for commercial use and fixed refrigeration appliances carried by vehicles themselves. (Information source: "Compilation Instructions for the Limit Values and Energy Efficiency Grades of Household Refrigerators, subject to the full text of the official standard")

Adjustment of Energy Efficiency Evaluation System

The new version of the "Limit Values and Energy Efficiency Grades for Household Refrigerators" standard has comprehensively optimized the energy efficiency grading system. While maintaining the 5-level classification framework, it has significantly increased the energy efficiency requirements for each level and introduced more scientific judgment methods. This innovation will completely change the energy efficiency evaluation system for refrigerators, and have a profound impact on product design, market positioning, and consumer choice.

Energy Efficiency Index Values for Refrigerator Energy Efficiency Grades

Source of Table: Draft for Comments on "Limit Values and Energy Efficiency Grades of Household Refrigerators"

The impact on production enterprises

The new standards will significantly increase the energy efficiency threshold, and companies need to upgrade their technology to meet the requirements, otherwise the original level 1 energy efficiency products may be downgraded to level 3 or even eliminated. Short term costs may increase, but long-term scaling can reduce price pressure. Small and medium-sized brands are facing greater challenges and need to accelerate technology research and development or adjust their market positioning.

The full text of the official standard will be made public within 20 working days after its release. Please continue to follow Jiayu Testing for timely information. Jiayu Testing suggests that companies optimize their product lines in advance, pay attention to policy transition periods, and develop corresponding measures to reduce market impact. If you have a need for electronic and electrical safety and energy efficiency certification, please feel free to contact us at 400-9269-886!