Bureau of Energy Efficiency
The Government of India (GoI) set up the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), under the Ministry of Power 1st March 2002 in accordance with the provisions of the Energy Conservation Act, 2001, to develop policies and strategies to reduce the energy intensity of the Indian economy.
Introduction to the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) was established by the Government of India (GoI) under the Ministry of Power on 1st March 2002, in accordance with the provisions of the Energy Conservation Act, 2001. The primary objective of BEE is to develop policies and strategies that help reduce the energy intensity of the Indian economy, promoting sustainable and efficient energy use.
BEE Star Label: Standards & Labelling (S&L) Certification Scheme
Enhancing energy efficiency by reducing electricity consumption in household and commercial electrical appliances
As part of its energy conservation initiatives, BEE launched the Standards & Labelling (S&L) Certification Scheme. This scheme aims to enhance energy efficiency by reducing electricity consumption in household and commercial electrical appliances.
The key objective of the S&L scheme is to provide consumers with informed choices by highlighting the energy-saving (and cost-saving) potential of various products through a Star Rating Label. The more stars a product has, the more energy-efficient it is.
⚖️Compliance Responsibility
Under this scheme, it is mandatory for manufacturers, importers, and traders to obtain BEE certification for regulated products. The certified products must carry the BEE Star Label, indicating compliance with the energy performance standards set by BEE, before they can be manufactured, imported, or sold in the Indian market.
Benefits of BEE Certification
Consumer Trust
BEE Star Label builds consumer confidence and helps customers make informed energy-efficient choices.
Cost Savings
Energy-efficient products help consumers save on electricity bills, making them more attractive in the market.
Environmental Impact
Promotes sustainable energy use and contributes to India's energy conservation and environmental goals.
Products Covered under BEE Certification
BEE certification applies to a wide range of products, categorized into mandatory and voluntary products
Mandatory Products
These must be certified and display the BEE Star Label before being marketed in India.
Legal Requirement: Compliance is mandatory for market entry. Products cannot be manufactured, imported, or sold without proper BEE certification and star labeling.
Voluntary Products
These may carry the BEE label on a voluntary basis, but doing so enhances consumer trust and product appeal.
Market Advantage: While not mandatory, voluntary labelling provides competitive advantage and builds consumer confidence in energy efficiency.
Products covered under BEE Certification
| S.No. | Product | Date of Implementation | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frost Free Refrigerator | since January 2006 | View Details |
| 2 | tubular Fluorescent Lamps | since January 2009 | View Details |
| 3 | Room Air Conditioners (Fixed Speed) | Since January 2006 | View Details |
| 4 | Room Air Conditioners (Variable Speed) | Since January 2006 | View Details |
| 5 | Distribution Transformer | Since January 2009 | View Details |
BEE Process & Support
Complete guide to BEE Star Labelling certification process, surveillance procedures, and comprehensive support services for energy efficiency compliance.
Understanding Star Ratings
Energy efficiency labels help consumers make informed choices based on a product's energy consumption and performance
Energy efficiency labels are informative tags affixed to electrical and electronic products, providing consumers with details about the product's energy consumption and performance. Products registered with BEE are assigned a Star Rating, ranging from 1 to 5 stars, with 5 stars indicating the highest energy efficiency and 1 star indicating the lowest.
Label Validity
The label period refers to the validity duration of the assigned star rating for a particular product, as determined by BEE. When BEE revises the label period for a specific product category, it may also update the star rating calculation method and modify the energy performance benchmarks. This ensures that the labelling scheme remains in line with advancements in technology and evolving market standards.
Process of BEE Certification
Step-by-step guide to obtaining BEE Star Labelling Certification
Important: The applicant/permittee must be an Indian entity and could be the manufacturer, importer, or trader of the product who wishes to carry out sales under their name in the Indian market.
Company Registration
The applicants shall first register themselves on the Standards and Labelling (S&L) web portal by filling online form by submitting the requisite documents from the brand, factory and Indian entity.
The approval is granted by BEE in form of a login account under which subsequent models of the product are registered.
Testing
Performance Testing can be carried out in parallel with the Company Registration process. Testing of the model must be done as per BEE's prescribed standard. Once testing is completed, the performance test report and rating of parameters to identify the star rating are issued.
Model Registration
Once the applicant is registered with BEE and has procured a login account, the respective models are registered under this account.
Production Data Upload
Permittees/applicants should submit sales statistics of a model in a financial year and pay the labelling fees to BEE.
Steps for BEE Star Labelling Certification
Company Registration
Security Deposit & BEE Approval
Model Registration
Performance Testing & Label Design
Final Security Clearance
Check Testing (Surveillance)
Process of BEE Surveillance
BEE conducts ongoing surveillance to ensure compliance with energy labelling regulations
Check Testing
BEE's Check testing lays down the surveillance procedure to ensure that the permittee is complying with the EC Act (2001 and subsequent amendments) and regulations relating to the energy labeling of appliances and equipment.
- • Samples are randomly picked up from the market by BEE or its designated agency
- • Testing is conducted in third-party NABL accredited laboratories
- • Permittee can be directed to withdraw all stocks from market if model fails
- • Financial penalties can be levied by the bureau
- • Publication of failed product name and model in print media/newspapers
Challenge Testing
BEE's Challenge Testing is conducted if a written complaint is received against the details present in the star label of a model or regarding the requirement stated in the BEE notified Schedule of the product.
- • If model has undergone Check Testing in last one year, complainant is informed of those results
- • Challenge Testing is conducted in independent third-party laboratory/BEE empaneled lab
- • If Challenge Testing deems complaint as incorrect, complainant bears all expenses
📋Documents Required for BEE Certification
Company Registration:
- • Brand/Trademark certificate
- • Quality Management System Certificate (ISO 9001) of the factory
- • List Of Authorised Retailers
- • MSME certificate (which varies as per the company's turnover)
- • Quality Management System Certificate (ISO 9001) of applicant firm
Testing and Model Registration:
- • Declaration letter
- • User manual and product specification sheet
- • Performance Test Report
- • Safety Test (which varies from product to product)
- • Sample label
🤝How VINCULAR Can Help You with BEE Certification
- Dedicated team for enquiries and support
- Better understanding of standards/regulation and notifications
- Long term association with test labs and government departments
- Coordination with labs, preparing test samples and testing authorized labs
- Preparing complete application set and submission
- Handling technical and other queries from regulators/certification bodies
- Helps in designing Energy Efficiency Label preparation
- Guide the customer about the product label fee to be paid quarterly
Need Help with BEE Certification Process?
Let our BEE certification experts guide you through the complete process from registration to surveillance compliance.