Promotion of Higher Efficient Air Conditioners in ASEAN through Harmonisation of Standards and Strengthening of Market Verification and Enforcement Capabilities (Phase I)

The room air conditioners (AC) represent a large proportion of electricity demand in ASEAN and the market is expected to continue growing for several years to come. While most of ASEAN Member States (AMSs) have adopted energy efficiency standards and labelling regulations on ACs, there are some AMSs have yet to impose mandatory requirements for ACs manufacturers to produce and commercialize energy efficient ACs.

In ASEAN, each country has their own standard and evaluation method to certify the capacity rating and energy consumption of their ACs equipment. This individuality in testing methodologies and facilities will create a non-tariff barrier to trade among AMSs. In recognition of this challenge, harmonisation and standardisation of testing and evaluation methods as well as testing facility improvements are critical to reduce trade barriers as part of ASEAN market connectivity and integration plan. The market transformation in favor of higher efficient ACs will directly reduce electricity consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the general households and commercial sectors in ASEAN.