Public Consultation on the Revamp of the Mandatory Energy Labelling Scheme and the Introduction of MEPS and MELS for Additional Household Appliances

National Environment Agency

Consultation Period: 21 Oct 2026 - 9 Nov 2026

Status: Open

Introduction

1. The National Environment Agency (NEA) of Singapore is seeking feedback on the following proposals:

   1. revamping the Mandatory Energy Labelling Scheme (MELS); and

   2. introducing Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and MELS for (1) household washing machines, (2) household fans, and (3) household dishwashers.

2. The consultation exercise will start on 21 Oct 2026 and end on 9 Nov 2026.

Background

3. Under the Energy Conservation Act (ECA), specified appliances and equipment are regulated under the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and Mandatory Energy Labelling Scheme (MELS).

4. Since the introduction of MEPS and MELS, NEA has progressively expanded and strengthened the schemes to cover major energy-consuming household appliances and selected commercial equipment.

5. Over time, these measures have led to more energy-efficient regulated products being sold in Singapore. As MEPS requirements were progressively tightened, less energy-efficient products were removed from the market. Many regulated products available today have higher energy-efficiency ratings, reflected by a greater number of ticks on the Energy Label.

Revamp of the Mandatory Energy Labelling Scheme (MELS)

6. The existing MELS uses a multi-tick Energy Label, with more ticks indicating higher energy efficiency.

7. Given the narrowing energy efficiency range for a number of products, NEA proposes to simplify the Energy Label into a two-tier system. The new system intends to allow consumers to easily identify more energy-efficient products and continue to make informed purchasing decisions, while encouraging suppliers to introduce more energy-efficient products into the market.

Proposed New Energy Labels

8. Under the proposed framework, all regulated goods will be required to carry one of two Energy Labels. The proposed new Energy Label will have two classifications – the “Energy Label with High Energy Efficiency Mark” and the “Energy Label”.  Each label will retain key information that consumers currently use when comparing products, such as:

   1. annual energy consumption;

   2. estimated annual energy cost;

   3. product category and model information.

9. The Energy Label will also include a unique product-specific QR code through which consumers can access additional product information electronically.

10. Illustrations of the proposed Energy Label with High Energy Efficiency Mark and Energy Label designs are provided in Annex A [PDF, 158.78 KB] ↗ (opens in new tab). The designs are preliminary and may be refined after taking into account feedback received during the consultation.

Classification of Proposed New Energy Labels

11. Products that meet a higher energy efficiency performance level determined by NEA will be affixed with an “Energy Label with High Energy Efficiency Mark”. This mark will provide an additional distinction for products that demonstrate energy efficiency performance above the prevailing minimum requirements.

12. As with the current tick ratings, the qualifying energy-efficiency threshold for each type of regulated goods will be available on NEA’s website. In setting the energy efficiency performance level for the “Energy Label with High Energy Efficiency Mark”, NEA will take into consideration the following:

    1. lifecycle costs, including energy savings from adopting more energy-efficient products;

    2. availability of more energy-efficient product models; and

    3. technological and market developments over time.

Introduction of MEPS and MELS for Fans, Dishwashers and Washing Machines

 I. Household Fans

13. Household electric fans can be broadly categorised into three main types: (i) ceiling fans; (ii) conventional bladed fans such as standing or pedestal fans, wall fans, and desk fans; and (iii) other types, such as bladeless fans and tower fans. The proposed regulations will cover the following types of fans:

*Excludes battery-operated or USB-powered fans.

14. The energy efficiency of all applicable fans will be determined using the derived Energy Efficiency Index (EEI), calculated based on the Service Value (SV), as defined in IEC 60879:2019, and the blade diameter of the fan model. The fan types in the table above will be rated on a two-tier scale, and the MEPS level for these fan types will be set at the Basic level.

Where EEI (Ceiling Fan) = SV / (0.0122d + 0.8) and where EEI (non-ceiling Fan) = SV / (0.0127d + 0.4), where d is the blade diameter.

II. Household Washing Machines

15. The proposed regulations will cover the following types of washing machines commonly used by households:

16. The energy efficiency of all applicable washing machines will be determined based on energy consumption per unit of capacity (Wh/kg), as defined in IEC 60456:2022. The washing machine types in the table above will be rated on a two-tier scale, and the MEPS level for these types will be set at the Basic level.

III. Household Dishwashers

17. Household dishwasher sales have increased in recent years, driven by changing lifestyles, greater demand for convenience, and the availability of compact models for smaller kitchens. As adoption grows, dishwashers may account for a larger share of household electricity and water consumption. The proposed regulations will cover the following types of dishwashers:

18. The energy efficiency of all applicable dishwashers will be determined using the Energy Efficiency Index, as defined in IEC 60436:2015. The dishwasher types in the table above will be rated on a two-tier scale, and the MEPS level for these types will be set at the Basic level.

Where EEI = EPEC [kWh/Cycle] / SPEC [kWh/Cycle], EPEC = Eco Programme Energy Consumption, SPEC = Standard Programme Energy Consumption and PS = place settings.

Timeline

19. Subject to the feedback received during the public and industry consultation exercises, NEA intends to implement the above proposals to revamp MELS and introduce new appliances under MELS and MEPS by 2028.

20. NEA will provide further details on the transition arrangements and implementation timeline after considering the feedback received.

Public Consultation

21. NEA invites members of the public to share their views on the above changes proposed for MELS and MEPS. All comments received during the consultation exercise will be reviewed and may be incorporated into the final design and implementation of the proposed labelling framework.

22. Interested parties can submit their feedback here ↗ (opens in new tab). The consultation exercise will end on 9 Nov 2026.

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

    1. Identify yourself as well as the organisation you represent, if any, so that NEA may follow up to clarify any issues where necessary;

    2. Be clear and concise in your comments;

    3. Focus your comments on the above two proposals, including any practical considerations, potential challenges, or impacts arising from the proposals; and

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