Energy Label in Vietnam: How to Read the Energy Level

Energy label in Vietnam is the sticker on an appliance that tells a buyer how much electricity that model uses. Under the amended timetable, air conditioners must carry one from July 1, 2013, and refrigerators must carry one by January 1, 2014. A better energy level means a model uses less power for the same job, so the label helps you compare running costs before you pay. This guide shows what the label covers, how to read it, and what it cannot tell you.

Why the label exists

The National Assembly passed the Law on Economical and Efficient Use of Energy, Law No. 50/2010/QH12, in 2010. The Prime Minister then issued Decision 51/2011/QD-TTg on September 12, 2011. The decision lists the equipment that must be labeled and sets a timetable. It took effect on November 1, 2011.

The idea is simple. If every buyer can see electricity use at the shop, makers have a reason to build better products. Buyers also save money over the years they use the machine.

Sources: Decision 51/2011/QD-TTg, English text (english.luatvietnam.vn); Dan Tri International, September 14, 2011 (dtinews.dantri.com.vn).

Which products need a label

Decision 51/2011 names four groups of equipment. The first group is household appliances: tubular and compact fluorescent lamps, ballasts for fluorescent lamps, air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, electric cookers, electric fans and television sets. The second is office and commercial equipment, such as photocopiers, computer monitors, printers and commercial refrigeration cabinets. The third is industrial equipment, meaning distribution transformers and electric motors. The fourth is passenger cars with seven seats or fewer.

As first issued, the timetable worked like this. Household and industrial equipment could be labeled by choice until December 31, 2012, and labels became compulsory on January 1, 2013. Commercial refrigeration cabinets follow one year later, and cars two years after that. The decision also sets limits on the least efficient products. Under the amended timetable, importing or making household appliances below the minimum efficiency level is set to be banned by January 1, 2015. Incandescent lamps above 60 W are banned from January 1, 2013. Check with the Ministry of Industry and Trade for any change to these dates.

Sources: Decision 51/2011/QD-TTg, Articles 1 to 3 (english.luatvietnam.vn); Decision 03/2013/QD-TTg amending Decision 51/2011/QD-TTg (vanban.chinhphu.vn).

Two kinds of label

Vietnam uses two label types. A comparison label is for products where buyers choose between many models, so it ranks them. A confirmation label, which some translations call an endorsement label, simply confirms that a product meets the efficiency bar.

On March 14, 2013, the Ministry of Industry and Trade announced which type goes on which product. Television receivers and non-ducted air conditioners get the comparison label. Computer monitors, printers and photocopiers get the confirmation label. An earlier Ministry briefing to APEC also listed electric fans and refrigerators under the comparison label, and lamps and distribution transformers under the confirmation label.

Sources: Decision 1559/QD-BCT of March 14, 2013, Ministry of Industry and Trade (english.luatvietnam.vn); Energy Efficiency Standards and Labeling in Vietnam, Energy Efficiency and Conservation Office, Ministry of Industry and Trade, APEC (apec.org).

How to read the energy level

On the comparison label, the model is placed at an energy level. Think of it like a school grade for electricity use. A better level means the machine does the same work with less power. For air conditioners, the grading follows the national standard TCVN 7830:2012, which Decision 1559 names for non-ducted units.

Use the level with care. Compare two air conditioners of the same type and similar size. A small unit at a good level may still use less total power than a large one at the same level, but it cannot cool a big room. Match the size to your room first. Then pick the best energy level you can afford.

The label also carries an energy consumption figure. Use it to compare two models at the same level. The lower figure costs less to run.

Sources: Decision 1559/QD-BCT of March 14, 2013 (english.luatvietnam.vn); Circular No. 07/2012/TT-BCT, Articles 8 and 9 (hethongphapluat.com).

What is printed on the label, and who stands behind it

Circular 07/2012/TT-BCT, issued on April 4, 2012, took effect on May 19, 2012. It says a label must show the maker's name, the product name and code, the certificate code and issue date, the energy consumption rate and the standards used. Makers and importers register with the General Department of Energy. The Ministry of Industry and Trade issues the certification decision. Tests are done by labs the Ministry appoints.

Makers print the labels themselves and stick them on registered products. A certificate for a maker is valid for at most three years. A certificate for an importer covers one lot of goods.

Check that the model code on the label matches the code on the unit and the box. Check the certificate date. A label that does not match the product is a red flag. Ask the seller to explain it before you buy.

Source: Circular No. 07/2012/TT-BCT, Articles 2, 6, 8, 9 and 19 (english.luatvietnam.vn; hethongphapluat.com).

What the label does not tell you

The label speaks only about electricity use under test conditions. It does not tell you the price, the noise level, how long the machine will last or how good the repair service is. Real use also changes the numbers. A fridge in a hot kitchen works harder. An air conditioner in a room with poor insulation runs longer.

Labels were also new in 2013. In November 2012, a Saigon Times report said many refrigerators and air conditioners had not yet received labels. Only a few agencies could test them, and the lab queue was long. So an unlabeled model on a shop floor may be waiting for its certificate. Ask the seller when the label will arrive and keep the answer in writing.

A short buying routine helps. First, choose the size you need. Second, list models of that size. Third, compare energy levels and the consumption figure. Fourth, check the label details against the unit. Fifth, weigh price and service. This takes ten minutes and can lower your power bill for years.

Source: Dan Tri International, November 17, 2012, report on energy labeling delays (dtinews.dantri.com.vn).

Sources

• Decision 51/2011/QD-TTg: https://english.luatvietnam.vn/decision-no-51-2011-qd-ttg-dated-september-12-2011-of-the-prime-minister-promulgating-the-list-of-devices-and-equipment-subject-to-energy-labeling-a-64511-doc1.html
• Circular 07/2012/TT-BCT: https://hethongphapluat.com/circular-no-07-2012-tt-bct-of-april-04-2012-defining-the-energy-labeling-for-means-and-equipment-using-energy.html
• Decision 1559/QD-BCT: https://english.luatvietnam.vn/decision-no-1559-qd-bct-dated-march-14-2013-of-the-ministry-of-industry-and-trade-on-announcement-on-the-energy-labeling-for-computer-monitors-pri-79813-doc1.html
• Ministry of Industry and Trade briefing to APEC: https://www.apec.org/-/media/Satellite/EGEEC/Files/1_Energy_Efficiency_Standards_and_Labeling_in_Vietnam.pdf
• Dan Tri International, November 17, 2012: https://dtinews.dantri.com.vn/print/20121117113816467.htm

General information for buyers, not professional or technical advice.