Government Mandates Star Labelling for Refrigerators, Televisions and Other Appliances from January 1, 2026

The central government has extended mandatory energy efficiency star labelling to a wider range of household and industrial appliances with effect from January 1, 2026. 

The move follows a notification issued by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and is intended to promote informed consumer choices and improved energy use across sectors. 

Several products that earlier followed voluntary norms are now covered under compulsory rules.

Appliances Covered Under the New Rules

Under the revised regulation, mandatory star labelling now applies to refrigerators, televisions, LPG gas stoves, cooling towers and chillers.

The scope has also been extended to include deep freezers, distribution transformers and grid-connected solar inverters.

Shift from Voluntary to Mandatory Labelling

Previously, star labelling for appliances such as frost-free and direct cool refrigerators, deep freezers, certain categories of air conditioners, colour televisions and ultra-high-definition TVs was optional. With the new notification, these products must now comply with prescribed energy efficiency standards.

Regulatory Background and Consultation Process

The updated rules are based on draft regulations released in July 2025, which were opened for public consultation. 

According to officials, feedback from manufacturers, industry participants and other stakeholders was reviewed before finalising the mandatory framework, as per The Economic Times report.

Existing Mandatory Star-Labelling Appliances

Star labelling had already been compulsory for products such as room air conditioners, ceiling fans, electric storage water heaters, washing machines, tubular fluorescent lamps and self-ballasted LED lamps.

Over time, efficiency benchmarks for these appliances have been revised to align with evolving energy standards.

Periodic Review of Appliance List

Officials have indicated that the list of appliances under mandatory star labelling is reviewed and updated periodically. 

This allows the regulatory framework to adapt to technological changes and consumption patterns in the energy sector.

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Conclusion

The expansion of mandatory star labelling from January 1, 2026, reflects a continued policy focus on energy efficiency and transparency. As more appliances come under standardised efficiency ratings, consumers and manufacturers alike will need to align with updated compliance and labelling requirements.

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