On August 27, 2025, it was reported that according to the “Energy Efficiency Grades for Household Refrigerators” standard of the China Market Regulation Administration, it will be implemented on June 1, 2026. What does this mean for which “low-energy consumption” refrigerators will be phased out? The refrigerator bought at a high price this year will become a “non-compliant product” next year. What kind of impact will this bring and who will pay the bill?
How strict is the new standard? Instant devaluation
(1) “Epic upgrade” of energy efficiency
In terms of energy efficiency, taking a 570L double-door refrigerator as an example, if the current first-level energy efficiency has a standard power consumption of 0.92kWh, the new national standard will directly reduce it to 0.55 kWh, a 40% decrease. This means that mid- and low-end models with the label of “first-level energy efficiency” will face downgrading, and old models may even be delisted and phased out.
(2) 20% of products to be “eliminated”
According to Xinfei Electric, after the new national standard is launched, 20% of low-energy efficiency products in the market will be phased out due to failure to meet the standards and withdraw from the market. Even a “certificate of conformity” cannot save them. Of course, consumers will have to bear such a situation.
Controversial points behind the new national standard
(1) Is it about saving electricity or increasing prices?
The new standard requires the use of high-performance temperature control technology and heating materials to reduce energy consumption. Nenwell said that refrigerators that meet the standard will increase in price by 15% – 20%. In the short term, this is a disguised price increase, mainly for those who buy and use them immediately.
(2) Alleged waste controversy
Data from Greenpeace shows that the average service life of refrigerators in Chinese households is only 8 years, far lower than 12 – 15 years in European and American countries. The new standard’s mandatory elimination of products that can still be used normally has been criticized as “environmental protection turning into resource waste.”
(3) Potential corporate monopoly
Well-known brand enterprises such as Haier and Midea already have these technologies, while small brands will face great pressure, resulting in inconsistent market prices.
What are the advantages of the policy dividends?
(1) Promote trade development
Due to the implementation of the new national standard, the upgrading and adjustment of refrigerator technology will lead to a sharp increase in foreign trade orders, stimulating the development of foreign trade economy, and effectively improving the efficiency and quality of equipment.
(2) The market rejuvenates
It can effectively enhance the competitiveness of enterprises in the market, bring more intelligent and high-quality equipment, reduce the impact of low-end and inferior equipment on the market, and rejuvenate the market.
(3) Ecological, environmental and healthy development
Under the new standard, a series of burden – reducing measures, whether it is material upgrading or intelligent system improvement, aim at ecological and environmental development.
The new national standard will also have an impact on enterprise exports, bringing severe problems such as product quality certific
Post time: Aug-27-2025 Views: