On May 17, 2024, SAC/TC20 (Energy Fundamentals and Management) issued a public comment request for the draft compulsory standard named Minimum Allowable Values of the Energy Efficiency and Energy Efficiency Grades for Household and Similar Kitchen Appliances (hereinafter referred to as “the Standard”). Once implemented, it will replace GB 12021.6-2017, GB 39177-2020, GB 21456-2014, and GB 24849-2017, which previously addressed energy efficiency requirements for electric rice cookers, electric pressure cookers, household induction cookers, and microwave ovens. The deadline for submitting public comments is July 15, 2024. 

Small household appliances generally refer to those with lower power output and are categorized into kitchen appliances, cleaning and nursing appliances, and other types. Market data shows that from 2017 to 2022, the market for small household appliances in China grew significantly, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.72%. Currently, around 70% of these appliances are not subject to energy efficiency standards. Given that the standards for electric rice cookers, household induction cookers, and microwave ovens have been in place for nearly a decade, there is a need to update and expand these standards to better support industry development. The new Standard aims to address a broader range of small household kitchen appliances and enhance industrial guidance.

Key technological updates in the draft include:

-   Scope: The Standard no longer specifies the environment for rice cookers. It now covers six product types: electric rice cookers, electric pressure cookers, household induction cookers, microwave ovens, stew cookers, and electric kettles.

-   Energy Efficiency Grades: The energy efficiency classifications for electric rice cookers, electric pressure cookers, household induction cookers, and microwave ovens have been revised. For rice cookers, the number of efficiency grades has been reduced from five to three.

-   Energy Efficiency Indicators: Standby power has been added as an energy efficiency indicator, categorized into network mode and non-network mode.

-   Classification of Household Induction Cookers: Previously classified by heating unit power, induction cookers are now categorized into “circular-coiled heating units over 1200W” and “non-circular-coiled heating units 1200W or less.”

-   Testing Methods: Improvements include:

• Addition of standby power testing for rice cookers, electric pressure cookers, and household induction cookers.

• Refined preparation steps for thermal efficiency testing.

• Specified wind speed conditions.

• Added requirements for experimental control devices in electric pressure cooker testing.

• Revised calculation parameters for the thermal efficiency of household induction cookers.

• Updated initial conditions for measuring microwave oven energy consumption.

• Unified expression for the off mode power test for microwave ovens.

The drafting notes suggest that the Standard will be enforced one year after its publication. Enterprises will have the option to implement the Standard after its official release. This is the second round of public consultation, ending in mid-July. Staying informed about this Standard is crucial as it will impact market access directly. 

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