Australia and New Zealand regulate the energy efficiency of appliances and equipment through GEMS determinations (Australia) and EECA (New Zealand). Covered products – such as air conditioners, refrigerators, televisions, electric motors, lighting, washing machines, monitors and water heaters – must meet minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) and be registered on the Energy Rating database before sale; many also need the star Energy Rating Label.
GEMS / MEPS at a Glance
| Authority | Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment & Water (GEMS Regulator) / EECA (NZ) |
|---|---|
| Countries | Australia, New Zealand |
| Mark | Energy Rating Label |
| Requirement | Mandatory |
| Typical timeline | Varies – ask us |
| Validity | Varies – ask us |
| Local representative | Yes – registrant in Australia or New Zealand |
Products We Commonly Support
- Air conditioners
- Refrigerators
- Televisions
- Electric motors
- LED lamps
- Washing machines
- Computer monitors
- Water heaters
How Global Approbation Handles GEMS / MEPS
- Step 1. Check whether the product is covered by a GEMS determination.
- Step 2. Test energy performance to the specified AS/NZS standard in a suitable lab.
- Step 3. The Australian or NZ registrant registers each model on the Energy Rating database.
- Step 4. Print the Energy Rating Label where required.
- Step 5. Keep registrations current and re-register if the design changes.
Documents Required
- Energy performance test report to the AS/NZS standard
- Model and family details
- Label artwork (where required)
- Registrant details in Australia or New Zealand
GEMS / MEPS: Frequently Asked Questions
Is GEMS / MEPS mandatory in Australia, New Zealand?
Yes. Products covered by GEMS determinations must meet minimum energy performance standards and be registered on the Energy Rating database before sale; many also need the star Energy Rating Label. Registrations are recognised in both Australia and New Zealand.
Which products need GEMS / MEPS?
Typical products include Air conditioners, Refrigerators, Televisions, Electric motors, LED lamps, Washing machines, Computer monitors and Water heaters. Coverage follows the regulator's current list and HS codes, so we confirm it for your exact product.
Does a foreign manufacturer need a local representative for GEMS / MEPS?
Yes – registrant in Australia or New Zealand. Global Approbation coordinates with your importer or arranges a representative where needed.
How long does GEMS / MEPS take and how long is it valid?
Typical timeline: Varies – ask us. Validity: Varies – ask us. Share your product details for a realistic plan and cost.
Does one registration cover both Australia and New Zealand?
Yes. Registrations on the joint Energy Rating database are recognised in both countries.
Regulations, standards and deadlines change. Scope, testing route and timelines are confirmed product by product after our applicability review. Global Approbation is a consultancy and does not itself issue certificates; approvals are granted by the relevant authority, accredited laboratory or certification body.