GEMS For Australia
Overview
On 1 October 2012, the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) Act 2012 came into effect, creating a national framework for product energy efficiency in Australia. The GEMS Regulator replaced the previous state regulators, and is the sole party responsible for administering the legislation in Australia.
Know your obligations
If you are a retailer or tradie and supply a product in Australia and New Zealand that is regulated for energy efficiency, you have legal obligations to ensure that these products are registered, and if required by the legislation, that Energy Rating Labels are displayed at point of sale.
For further information:
>which products are regulated
>how we monitor compliance
Regulated Products
| |
MEPS |
Energy Rating Label |
Standards |
|
Air conditioners-single phase
|
Yes |
Yes |
AS/NZS 3823 |
|
Air conditioners-three phase
|
Yes |
Yes |
AS/NZS 3823 |
|
Air Conditioners-Single Duct & Portable
|
Yes |
Yes |
AS/NZS 3823 |
|
Ballasts for Fluorescent Lamps
|
Yes |
No |
AS/NZS 4783.2 |
|
Close control air conditioners (computer rooms)
|
Yes |
No |
AS/NZS 3823 |
|
Clothes Dryers
|
Yes |
Yes |
AS/NZS 2442 |
|
Clothes Washing Machines
|
No |
Yes |
AS/NZS 2040 |
|
Commercial chillers
|
Yes |
No |
AS/NZS 4776 |
|
Compact Fluorescent Lamps
|
Yes |
No |
AS/NZS 4782 |
|
Computers
|
Yes |
No |
AS/NZS 5813 |
|
Computer Monitors
|
Yes |
Yes |
AS/NZS 5815 |
|
Dishwashers
|
No |
Yes |
AS/NZS 2007 |
|
Distribution Transformers
|
Yes |
No |
AS 2374 |
|
Electric motors (three phase)
|
Yes |
No |
IEC 60034 |
|
Electric Storage Water Heaters
|
Yes |
No |
AS/NZS 4692 |
|
External Power Supplies
|
Yes |
No |
AS/NZS 4665 |
|
Gas Storage Water Heaters
|
Yes |
No |
AS/NZS 4552 |
|
Incandescent Lamps
|
Yes(Australia only) |
No |
AS/NZS 4934 |
|
Linear Fluorescent Lamps
|
Yes |
No |
AS/NZS 4782 |
|
Refrigerated Display Cabinets
|
Yes |
No |
AS 1731 |
|
Refrigerated Cabinets
|
Yes |
No |
EN 16825 |
|
Refrigerators and freezers (Household Refrigerating Appliances)
|
Yes |
Yes |
AS/NZS 4474 |
|
Set Top Boxes
|
Yes |
No |
AS/NZS 62087 |
|
Televisions
|
Yes |
Yes |
AS/NZS 62087 |
|
Transformers & Converters for Halogens
|
Yes |
No |
AS/NZS 4879 |
GEMS Act requirements
Under the GEMS Act, a product that uses energy or affects the amount of energy used by another product; and, is in a product class covered by a GEMS determination, is known as a GEMS product.
GEMS products can only be supplied or offered for supply, or used for a commercial purpose, if:
>the model of the product is registered under the GEMS Act against the relevant determination; and
>the product complies with the determination; and
>the supply, offer, or use complies with the determination.
Monitoring compliance
Compliance monitoring activities assist the GEMS Regulator to determine a responsible party’s compliance status. The GEMS Regulator monitors compliance via:
>Check Testing
>Market Surveillance
>Allegations of Suspected Non-compliance
What can we can do
>Testing is carried out in strict accordance with the requirements of GEMS rules
>Registration to ensure compliance with GEMS requirements
>Help companies to correctly understand GEMS regulations
Testing and registration cycle
Depending on the product category, the test can usually be completed within 5-15 working days.
Registration usually takes about 4-6 weeks.
Registration is usually completed by local Australian customers. If you need to register through an agent, you need to provide an agent authorization letter from the local Australian customer.
After registration, you can find it on the Australian Energy Efficiency website at http://www.energyrating.gov.au
