Energy Efficiency Rating by BEE

The BEE Star Rating is an energy performance label issued by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), a statutory body under the Ministry of Power, Government of India. The star rating indicates the energy efficiency of electrical and electronic appliances on a scale of 1 to 5 stars, where 5 stars represents the highest energy efficiency.

Why is it mandatory?

• Consumer awareness: The star label empowers consumers to make informed decisions about energy consumption and cost savings.
• Energy conservation: It promotes the use of energy-efficient appliances, reducing overall electricity consumption and contributing to national energy security.
• Environmental protection: Lower energy consumption translates to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and a smaller carbon footprint.
• Legal compliance: The Energy Conservation Act, 2001 mandates energy labeling for specified appliances. Non-compliance can result in penalties, market restrictions, and legal action.

BEE star rating is mandatory for appliances notified under the Standards & Labelling Programme. Manufacturers and importers must obtain type approval from BEE before selling these products in India.

BEE certification is required for appliances notified under the Standards & Labelling Programme. The programme covers both mandatory and voluntary categories.

Mandatory Appliances (as of 2025):

• Room Air Conditioners (including inverter and non-inverter models)
• Refrigerators and Frost-Free Refrigerators
• Tubular Fluorescent Lamps (TFLs)
• Distribution Transformers
• Ceiling Fans
• Direct Cool Refrigerators
• General Purpose Industrial Motors
• Agricultural Pumpsets
• Monoset Pumps
• Open Well Submersible Pumpsets
• LED Lamps
• Stationary Storage Battery Chargers

Voluntary Appliances:

• Washing Machines
• Television Sets
• Laptops and Computers
• Microwave Ovens
• Water Heaters (Geysers)
• LPG Stoves
• And others as notified by BEE

The list is periodically updated. Manufacturers and importers must check the latest BEE notifications to confirm whether their product falls under mandatory or voluntary labelling.

Omega QMS helps clients navigate the complete list and determine certification requirements for all appliances.

The timeline for obtaining BEE certification depends on several factors, including product category, testing complexity, and documentation completeness. Typically, the process takes 3 to 6 months from start to finish.

Breakdown of the Timeline:

• Testing phase: 2-4 weeks. Energy efficiency testing must be conducted at a BEE-recognized NABL-accredited laboratory. Testing duration varies by product type.
• Documentation and application preparation: 1-2 weeks. Includes technical documentation, test reports, manufacturer declarations, and application forms.
• BEE review and processing: 6-12 weeks. BEE reviews the application, verifies test reports, and issues type approval if all requirements are met.
• Clarifications and resubmissions: If BEE raises queries or requests additional documentation, this can add 2-4 weeks to the process.

Factors That Can Expedite Certification:

• Complete and accurate documentation submitted upfront
• Testing at a reputable, BEE-recognized lab
• Experienced consultants managing the process
• Quick response to BEE queries

Omega QMS streamlines the BEE certification process by managing testing, documentation, and liaison with BEE, helping clients achieve faster approvals and minimize delays.

The cost of BEE star rating certification varies depending on the product category, number of models, testing requirements, and the level of consultancy support required. Key cost components include:

Testing Costs:

• Laboratory testing fees: Charged by NABL-accredited labs for energy efficiency testing. Costs range from INR 15,000 to INR 1,50,000 per model, depending on product complexity.
• Sample procurement: If prototypes or production samples need to be sent for testing, shipping and handling costs apply.

BEE Registration and Processing Fees:

• Type approval application fee: A nominal processing fee charged by BEE for reviewing and issuing certification.
• Annual label registration fee: Some product categories require periodic renewal or annual fees.

Consultancy and Documentation Fees:

• Professional services: Fees for preparing technical documentation, managing testing coordination, liaising with BEE, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Label design and artwork: Preparation of energy labels as per BEE specifications.

Additional Costs (if applicable):

• Factory inspections (for certain categories)
• Re-testing in case of test failures
• Compliance audits and surveillance

Omega QMS provides transparent, upfront pricing and cost estimates based on your specific product and certification needs. We work to minimize costs while ensuring a smooth, compliant certification process.

For a detailed cost estimate, contact us at info@globalomega.com or call +91-9810047474.

Star ratings are calculated based on the energy efficiency performance of an appliance as measured during standardized testing at BEE-recognized NABL-accredited laboratories. The calculation methodology varies by product category but follows a common framework.

General Calculation Framework:

• Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) or Coefficient of Performance (COP): For cooling and heating appliances (e.g., air conditioners, refrigerators), the star rating is based on EER (cooling capacity per unit of power consumed) or COP.
• Annual Energy Consumption (AEC): For appliances like refrigerators and washing machines, star ratings are calculated based on total energy consumption over a year under standardized usage conditions.
• Power consumption benchmarks: For appliances like fans, LED lamps, and pumps, star ratings are assigned based on power consumption relative to performance standards.

Example: Room Air Conditioner Star Rating Calculation

Star ratings for air conditioners are determined by the Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (ISEER), which measures cooling efficiency across different operating conditions throughout the year.

• 5 Star: ISEER ≥ 5.00
• 4 Star: 4.50 ≤ ISEER<5.00
• 3 Star: 4.00 ≤ ISEER<4.50
• 2 Star: 3.50 ≤ ISEER<4.00
• 1 Star: 3.10 ≤ ISEER<3.50

BEE periodically updates the star rating thresholds to reflect advancements in technology and to encourage manufacturers to adopt more energy-efficient designs. Products that no longer meet minimum standards may lose their star ratings.

Omega QMS assists manufacturers in understanding the calculation methodology, optimizing product design for higher star ratings, and ensuring compliance with the latest BEE standards.

Yes, foreign manufacturers can obtain BEE certification, but they must comply with specific regulatory requirements and work through an authorized representative or importer in India.

Requirements for Foreign Manufacturers:

• Authorized Indian Representative: Foreign manufacturers must appoint an authorized representative or importer in India who will be responsible for BEE certification, compliance, and all regulatory obligations.
• BEE-recognized laboratory testing: Energy efficiency testing must be conducted at a BEE-recognized NABL-accredited laboratory. Foreign test reports may not be accepted unless the testing lab has a mutual recognition agreement with BEE or NABL.
• Type approval application: The application for BEE type approval must be submitted by the Indian importer or authorized representative on behalf of the foreign manufacturer.
• Compliance with Indian standards: The product must meet all applicable Indian energy efficiency standards and technical specifications as notified by BEE.
• Legal and regulatory compliance: The importer must ensure compliance with customs regulations, labeling requirements, and ongoing surveillance or market monitoring by BEE.

Process for Foreign Manufacturers:

1. Appoint an authorized Indian representative or importer
2. Conduct energy efficiency testing at a BEE-recognized lab in India (or at an internationally recognized lab with mutual recognition)
3. Prepare technical documentation and submit application through the Indian representative
4. Obtain BEE type approval and register models
5. Affix BEE star labels on products as per specifications before sale in India

Omega QMS acts as an authorized representative for foreign manufacturers, managing the entire BEE certification process, including testing coordination, documentation, application submission, and regulatory compliance. We simplify market access for international brands entering the Indian market.

For foreign manufacturers seeking BEE certification, contact us at info@globalomega.com or call +91-9810047474.