South Korea Amends Energy Efficiency Labeling Regulation

On 17 April 2020, the South Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) issued an amendment to the Regulation on Energy Efficiency Labeling and Standards, to support the industry in response to COVID-19.

Due to the pandemic there is a ban on the efficiency management testing agency from travelling abroad to test equipment and issuing test reports. This has led to difficulties for imported “efficiency management machinery, equipment, or materials”.

This amendment allows the institute to issue a test report by solely reviewing the product testing data and documents submitted by the manufacturer or importer and therefore avoids the need for the agency to travel abroad to carry out testing.

EEE such as refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, vacuum cleaners, microwaves, and bulbs/lamps, etc. are included in the “efficiency management machinery, equipment, or materials”.

After COVID-19, the testing institute may conduct an investigation on the information submitted by the manufacturer or importer, and if this data is found to be false, the issued test report may be revoked.

The new Notice entered into force on 17 April 2020.