Public Consultation on Extending Minimum Energy Performance Standards and Mandatory Energy Labelling Scheme to all Regulated Goods imported by End-User for their Own use

National Environment Agency

Consultation Period: 12 Jan 2026 - 25 Jan 2026

Status: Closed - Summary of Responses

Consultation Outcome

Background

1. The National Environment Agency (NEA) published a public consultation paper on 12 January 2026 to seek feedback on amendments to the Energy Conservation Act (ECA). The proposed amendments aimed to extend Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and Mandatory Energy Labelling Scheme (MELS) requirements to all Regulated Goods imported by end-users for own use. The public consultation closed on 25 January 2026.

2. NEA received feedback from 15 respondents, most of which were from local suppliers of Regulated Goods. The feedback received is summarised below.

Summary of Feedback

3. Overall, respondents were supportive of the proposed amendments to the ECA. Key feedback and responses to the feedback are highlighted below.

Limiting End Users to Purchase from Local Suppliers Only

4. Two respondents suggested that end users should only be permitted to purchase Regulated Goods from local suppliers as local suppliers would have greater familiarity with MEPS/MELS requirements and resources to ensure compliance (e.g., registration and testing of Regulated Goods) compared to end users. This approach would also reduce enforcement burden by concentrating oversight on suppliers.

5. NEA notes the suggestion to permit end users to purchase only from local suppliers. Allowing end-users to import Regulated Goods that meet MEPS/MELS requirements for their own use would ensure the consistent application of compliance requirements to Regulated Goods in Singapore, without overly restricting consumer choice.

Regulation of Online Platforms

6. One respondent highlighted that firmer action should be taken to deter platforms from listing non-compliant Regulated Goods, and to require platforms to delist and recall non-compliant Regulated Goods sold in Singapore.

7. NEA notes the suggestion and would study the appropriate measures to compel online platform operators to not offer non-compliant Regulated Goods in Singapore.

Extending Coverage of Proposed Amendments to Lights

8. Three respondents suggested the amendments should be extended to lights to improve energy efficiency outcomes.

9. NEA notes the suggestion to extend the proposed amendments to lights imported by end users for own use. MEPS/MELS will not be extended to lights imported for own use. The regulation of larger Regulated Goods (e.g., refrigerators, chillers) imported for own use will be prioritised compared to smaller Regulated Goods (e.g., lights) to minimise energy efficiency losses.

Exempt imported Regulated Goods meant for re-export

10. One respondent suggested to exempt imported Regulated Goods meant for re-export (i.e., not meant for local market/use).

11. NEA notes the suggestion. As the proposed amendments only cover Regulated Goods imported for own use, imported Regulated Goods meant for re-export will not be subjected to MEPS/MELS compliance requirements.

Conclusion

12. NEA would like to thank all respondents for their feedback.

Detailed Description

Introduction

1. The National Environment Agency (NEA) of Singapore is seeking feedback on proposed amendments to the Energy Conservation Act (ECA), to extend Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and Mandatory Energy Labelling Scheme (MELS) requirements to all Regulated Goods imported by end-users for their own use. The list of Regulated Goods is set out in the Annex.

2. The consultation exercise will start on 12 January 2026 and end on 25 January 2026.

Background

3. Under the ECA, suppliers, retailers, importers and manufacturers are required to ensure that Regulated Goods that are supplied or sold in Singapore comply with MEPS and MELS requirements. MEPS and MELS are key policies undertaken by the Government to reduce energy consumption and emissions through using energy-efficient appliances and equipment. MEPS raises the energy efficiency of Regulated Goods by removing less energy efficient models. MELS enables customers to compare energy efficiency and energy costs across models and make more informed purchasing decisions.

4. Over the years, MEPS and MELS have been progressively expanded to cover a wide range of appliances, including common household appliances (such as air-conditioners, refrigerators, television etc.) and commercial / industrial-used equipment (such as commercial storage refrigerators, 3-phase induction motors etc.).

5. The introduction of MEPS and MELS has significantly increased the market share of high energy efficient appliances and improved the overall energy efficiency of appliances, which translates to an annual energy savings of more than $560 million for households and businesses. For example, the average energy efficiency of air-conditioners and refrigerators have improved by 59 per cent and 42 per cent respectively since the introduction of the schemes. Improved energy efficiencies through MEPS and MELS lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the household and industrial sectors, and contribute towards Singapore’s climate targets, such as to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

Observations and Rationale for Proposed Amendments

6. Under current regulations, Regulated Goods imported directly by end-users (i.e. not bought from local suppliers or retailers) for their own use are not subjected to MEPS and MELS requirements. The direct importing of Regulated Goods by consumers and businesses for own use is expected to grow over time due to the proliferation of alternative ways of procuring appliances (e.g. online platforms) beyond local suppliers and retailers. As such goods may not meet MEPS and MELS requirements, they will lead to lower energy savings for consumers and reduced carbon abatement.

7. To address these issues, the proposed amendment to the ECA will prohibit the import of all Regulated Goods for own use unless these goods are registered and comply with prescribed MEPS and MELS requirements

Proposed Amendments to ECA

8. Under the proposed amendments to the ECA, Regulated Goods imported for own use will be subjected to similar MEPS/MELS compliance as those intended for supply in Singapore.

9. Regulated Goods imported for own use will be required to:

   1. Be registered with NEA (applicable fees apply);

   2. Meet MEPS (in accordance with prescribed tests), and

   3. Be labelled with an Energy Label (where required).

10. Similar to Regulated Goods intended for supply in Singapore, Regulated Goods that are imported for own use must be tested in accordance with the prescribed international test standard and test conditions. The company/person is to produce test reports¹ to demonstrate compliance when registering the product they intend to import for own use.

Timeline

11. Amendments to the ECA are intended to take immediate effect on all importation of regulated goods for own use starting from 1 July 2026.

Public Consultation

12. NEA invites members of the public to share your views on the proposed introduction of regulation for Regulated Goods imported for own use. All comments received during the consultation exercise will be reviewed and may be incorporated into the final measure. Interested parties can submit their feedback to NEA_energylabel@nea.gov.sg. The consultation exercise will end on 25 January 2026.

13. To ensure that the consultation is productive and focused, respondents are requested to observe these guidelines when providing their feedback:

    1. Identify yourself as well as the organisation you represent (if any) so that we may follow up with you to clarify any issues, if necessary

    2. Be clear and concise in your comments

    3. Focus your comments on the proposal to introduce regulation for Regulated Goods imported for own use and how it can be improved

    4. As far as possible, substantiate your points with illustrations, examples, data or alternative suggestions

¹ Test reports from a) manufacturers’ in-house testing laboratories, b) testing laboratories accredited by Singapore Accreditation Council (SAC) or c) testing laboratories in other countries that are accredited by their local accreditation bodies that have signed a Mutual Recognition Arrangement with SAC are accepted.