In June 2026, SAC/TC20 (Energy Fundamentals and Management) released three revised mandatory energy efficiency standards for public consultation. The drafts cover LED flat panel luminaires, industrial boilers, and unitary air conditioners. Public feedback on the proposed revisions will be accepted through mid-to-late August.

20262556-Q-469 Minimum allowable values of energy efficiency and energy efficiency grades of LED flat panel luminaires

The first draft, targeting LED flat panel luminaires, is open for comment until August 15. The update brings dimmable and color-tunable models under the standard’s scope for the first time, while tightening efficiency grade requirements. A key addition is the introduction of standby power limits. The revision also adjusts high-CRI correction rules, with dimmable and tunable products facing additional corrections on top of existing requirements. Color temperature deviation limits have become more stringent and the luminous flux maintenance test has been dropped. Test methods for standby power have been updated accordingly.

For products manufactured or imported before the effective date of this document, the requirements shall apply starting from the 25th month after the effective date.

20253196-Q-469 Minimum allowable values of energy efficiency and energy efficiency grades of industrial boilers

For industrial boilers, the comment window also closes on August 15. The revisions align closely with the existing regulatory framework TSG 91-2021 Regulation on Energy Conservation and Environmental Protection Technology for Boiler.

Small biomass boilers will see threshold increases—Grade 3 rises from 80% to 83%, while Grade 2 moves from 84% to 86%. For certain fluidized-bed boilers, the top-tier Grade 1 efficiency is raised by one percentage point. The scope has also been refined to better match the Special Equipment Catalogue - the official list defining which equipment types fall under China’s mandatory safety and regulatory oversight.

Importantly, no retrofitting costs or forced phase-outs are anticipated. Regulators are recommending an immediate or shortened transition period.

20253199-Q-469 Minimum allowable values of the energy efficiency and energy efficiency grades for unitary air conditioners

The third draft concerns unitary air conditioners, with comments due by August 23. Constant-temperature, constant-humidity units have been removed from the scope, while new categories have been added for equipment used in data centers, communication rooms, and base stations.

Efficiency grades and minimum allowable values have been recalibrated to reflect these changes. A notable innovation is the introduction of seasonal energy consumption efficiency metrics for air-cooled units.

As for the implementation timeline, a one-year transition period from publication to effective date has been proposed. Products manufactured before the effective date may continue to be sold for up to 24 months after the standard takes effect.

The direction of these three standard revisions aligns with China’s longstanding policy of steadily improving energy efficiency. For foreign stakeholders, it would be prudent to review the technical changes applicable to their product categories and assess any compliance gaps early. The proposed transition periods offer reasonable lead time for product adjustments, and businesses are advised to plan their response according to their specific circumstances.