On November 23, 2022, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), joining with the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), issued the draft of the Notice by National Development and Reform Commission on Further Enhancing the Upgrade and Application of Energy-saving Standards (call for comment) (hereinafter referred to as “the Notice”). The call-for-comment period has ended on December 22, 2022.

The Notice contains 6 sections, and the main contents include:

·   Reinforce recognition of the significance of enhancing the upgrade and application of energy-saving standards: regional governments and sectors are called upon to further promote the implementation of existing energy-saving standards (China has issued 112 national standards on energy limitation, 75 mandatory national standards on energy efficiency, and 190 national voluntary standards on energy saving).

·   Accelerate the upgrade of energy-saving standards: accelerate the development and revision of energy-saving standards in key sectors such as steel, construction material, machinery etc.; steadily level up the requirements of the energy limitation for critical energy-consuming sectors; continue to improve energy efficiency level of key products and equipment of energy consumption; expand the coverage of energy-saving standards. 

·   Optimize the inspection on implementation and supervision for such standards: clarify the responsibilities of main energy-consuming organizations/companies; strictly implement national standards on energy-saving; all relevant authorities, both national and regional, should be in charge of regular and timely inspection and supervision for energy-saving affairs.

·   Elevate levels of incentive measures: push the upgrade on energy-saving and carbon reduction for key sectors; optimize comprehensive policy support.

·   Establish a solid foundation for energy-saving standardization: improve data support for energy-saving standardization; establish a system for energy-saving implementation assessment and feedback; ensure the expense support for energy-saving standardization.

·   Improve support and implementation: clarify the roles and responsibilities of all relevant authorities and require the standard formulation time to be within 18 months; necessary training is required for relevant organizations to carry out necessary promotions.

The document is another supportive policy document that aims at promoting China’s green transition, which eventually will finalize China’s carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals. Follow-up actions and detailed plans are expected to be released. Manufacturers of relevant technologies/products/equipment shall seek market opportunities and traditional ones shall be aware of the changes and new requirements that may impact their current product/service line.

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