Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung just signed a list of home and office electric appliances that should be labeled with energy consumption. All kinds of tungsten light bulbs will be prohibited in 2013.
The list is attached to the Decision No. 51/2011 promulgated by the Prime Minister on September 12, 2011 on the request of the Ministry of Trade and Industry as a measure to implement in a law on conservation and effective use of electricity.
Accordingly, there are 4 groups of devices that should have energy consumption labels and apply minimal energy output levels. Home appliances include straight tube fluorescent lamps, compact fluorescent lamps, electromagnetic and electronic ballasts for fluorescent lamps, air conditioners, refrigerators, home washing machines, electric rice cookers, electric fans, and television sets. Photocopy machines, computer screens, printing machines, and commercial freezers are listed in the group of commercial and office appliances. Industrial devices include distribution transformers and electric motors. Finally, the last group is transportation meaning cars with less than 7 passenger seats regarded as individual transport means must have also energy labeling.
Regarding an order of implementing, the decision clearly states that for the groups of home and industrial devices, a voluntary energy labeling is encouraged until December 31, 2012. From 2013, energy labeling for these groups are obligatory. For office and commercial devices a voluntary energy labeling is encouraged. Lastly, transportation is encouraged to voluntarily label their vehicles until 2015 when it will become mandatory.
Home appliances, from 2014 appliances with energy output levels lower than the minimal energy output levels will be prohibited from importation and production. The expiration date is delayed 1 year for the industrial, office, and commercial devices.
The Prime Minister’s Decision clearly states that from January 1, 2013, importation, production, and circulation of tungsten light bulbs with the capacity higher than 60W is fully prohibited.
P.Thao
(Dan Tri)