Singapore's National Environment Agency (NEA) has announced new minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) and mandatory energy labelling scheme (MELS) requirements for regulated goods under the Energy Conservation Act. Two product groups are covered by MEPS and MELS for the first time and must comply before they may be sold in Singapore.

Commercial storage refrigerators

Commercial storage refrigerators, including chillers, freezers and combinations:

Energy efficiency index requirement:

Base standard: EEI of 95 or less.

Star rating:

1 star (least efficient): 80 to 95

2 stars: 60 to below 80

3 stars: 40 to below 60

4 stars: 20 to below 40

5 stars (best): below 20

Household water heaters

Uniform energy factor requirement:

Base standard: UEF of 0.40 or more.

Star rating:

1 star (least efficient): 0.40 to 0.55

2 stars: above 0.55 to 0.70

3 stars: above 0.70 to 0.85

4 stars: above 0.85 to 1.00

5 stars (best): above 1.00

Compliance requirements

Registration: importers, manufacturers and suppliers must register their commercial storage refrigerator models with NEA.

Test reports: reports from a manufacturer's in-house laboratory or a laboratory accredited by the Singapore Accreditation Council are accepted, but must be submitted in the format specified by NEA.

Energy label: the energy label must be affixed to or displayed on the product and on promotional material.

Updates to existing standards: MEPS requirements are also revised for some products already regulated, namely 8K televisions with a resolution of 33,177,600 pixels, split-type air conditioners and household refrigerators.

Transition: NEA gives suppliers a one-year buffer to 1 April 2026 to clear stock that does not meet the new rules. After that, the products concerned must be registered with NEA and meet MEPS and MELS before entering the Singapore market.

The revision is intended to raise energy efficiency standards in the Singapore market and promote green consumption. Companies should adjust product design and compliance processes in advance.