Canada has implemented updated energy efficiency standards for refrigerators, freezers, and dishwashers through final regulatory amendments and prior amendments.
Canada Raises Efficiency Standards for Home Appliances
New rules require higher performance for refrigerators, freezers and dishwashers.
What changed
Higher efficiency benchmarks for refrigerators, freezers and dishwashers.
Finalized regulatory amendments under Energy Efficiency Regulations, 2016.
Specific HS codes covered including 841821, 841810 and 842219.
Who it affects
Appliance manufacturers must meet new efficiency benchmarks for covered products.
Importers of refrigerators, freezers and dishwashers must ensure products comply with HS codes 841821, 841810 and 842219.
Canadian border authorities will verify compliance for appliances under the specified HS codes.
Key dates
Compliance Answer: Updated Energy Efficiency Standards for Refrigerators, Freezers, and Dishwashers in Canada
Canada has updated its energy efficiency standards for refrigerators, freezers, and dishwashers through the Regulations Amending the Energy Efficiency Regulations, 2016 (SOR/2024-54), which came into force on 10 April 20241. These amendments align Canada’s regulatory requirements with those of the United States Department of Energy (DOE) to maintain harmonization, particularly in testing procedures, definitions, and reporting obligations1.
Regulation Analysis
1. Key Requirements and Effective Dates
The amendments introduce the following changes for refrigerators, freezers, and dishwashers:
| Regulation | Key Requirement | Deadline/Threshold | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Efficiency Regulations, 2016 (Amended) | Updates testing standards to align with U.S. DOE’s April 2023 Final Rule, including revised test procedures and energy performance metrics for refrigerators, freezers, and dishwashers1. | 10 April 2024 (in force) | Natural Resources Canada |
| Energy Efficiency Regulations, 2016 | Expands reporting requirements for manufacturers and importers, including submission of energy efficiency reports to Natural Resources Canada1. | 10 April 2024 (in force) | Natural Resources Canada |
| Energy Efficiency Regulations, 2016 | Revises product definitions and scope to ensure consistency with U.S. standards, including ceiling fan light kits (CFLK) as a related harmonization measure1. | 10 April 2024 (in force) | Natural Resources Canada |
2. Scope of Applicability
- The amendments apply to manufacturers, importers, and distributors of refrigerators, freezers, and dishwashers sold or leased in Canada1.
- Products must comply with the updated energy efficiency standards and testing procedures as of the 10 April 2024 effective date1.
- The regulations do not specify penalties for non-compliance in the provided sources; however, enforcement typically falls under the Energy Efficiency Act (S.C. 1992, c. 36).
3. Harmonization with U.S. Standards
- The amendments re-establish alignment with the U.S. DOE’s April 2023 Final Rule, ensuring that Canadian and U.S. testing procedures and efficiency metrics are consistent1.
- This harmonization reduces regulatory burden for cross-border trade while maintaining energy conservation objectives1.
Summary Answer
Canada’s updated energy efficiency standards for refrigerators, freezers, and dishwashers took effect on 10 April 2024 under the Regulations Amending the Energy Efficiency Regulations, 2016 (SOR/2024-54)1. The amendments introduce revised testing procedures, reporting requirements, and product definitions to align with U.S. DOE standards1. Manufacturers and importers must ensure compliance with these updated rules, which apply to all relevant products sold or leased in Canada1. For related context on harmonization efforts, see the inclusion of ceiling fan light kits (CFLK) in the regulatory scope1.
Sources
- ↩ Final Publication of Regulations Amending the Energy Efficiency Regulations, 2016 (MA 1) in the Canada Gazette, Part II. https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=q:/G/TBTN18/CAN551A2.pdf&Open=True