What is CEL
23. November 2022What is China Energy Label (CEL)
The China Energy Label (CEL) is an energy consumption label for products in China, similar to the EU Energy Label. Manufacturers of specified electronic devices are obligated to attach a CEL label to their goods to inform China-based consumers of the product’s energy efficiency. The label includes the product’s energy efficiency class (1-5) as well as information regarding its energy consumption. The goal of the introduction of CEL is to encourage customers to buy energy-saving products and therefore support the sales of energy-saving electronic devices in China.
Currently, China has the world’s highest energy demand. Due to its high consumption rate, environmental pollution and emissions have drastically increased over the last two decades. Along with the CEL, the Chinese government responded to the necessity of regulating the nation’s energy consumption by introducing the energy efficiency standards in 2005.
Products that require CEL, as specified by the regulatory authority, can only be sold, traded or used for business activities in China after CEL permission has been granted. Chinese authorities do not differentiate between imported or locally manufactured goods; CEL is obligatory for all goods entering the Chinese market. Here you can find an overview of the product groups requiring China CEL.
For each step of the labeling process, certain forms must be prepared and the given deadlines must be respected. Unfortunately, as the most essential part of the CEL process is product testing, only a few laboratories have been authorized to perform these tests. Consequently, delays are almost inevitable.
CEL process:
Application for CEL -> product tests -> allocation of the label -> registration of the label at CELC
The China Energy Label Center (CELC) is responsible for CEL classification. Founded in May 2006, it is part of the China Standard Certification Center (CSC). The CELC is under the control of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) and the Certification and Accreditation Administration (CNCA). The CELC is in charge of all issues concerning CEL certification.
