New Energy Efficiency Regulations for Microcomputers Take Effect, with Strengthened Industry Supervision

Recently, the State Administration for Market Regulation and the Standardization Administration of China have officially released the mandatory national standard Limited Values of Energy Efficiency and Energy Efficiency Levels for Microcomputers (GB 28380-2025), which will fully replace the old version GB 28380-2012 that has been in implementation since 2012. Meanwhile, the National Development and Reform Commission and the State Administration for Market Regulation have jointly issued the new version of Implementation Rules for Energy Efficiency Labels of Microcomputers. This set of rules will replace the original one (CEL 027-2016), and officially take effect on February 1, 2026, with a validity period of 5 years.

The simultaneous update of the standard and rules on this occasion marks a further strengthening of the country's efforts in energy efficiency management and market supervision of microcomputer products. It aims to promote the progress of energy-saving technologies in the industry and guide green consumption.

I. Core Standard Update: Comprehensive Upgrade of Technical Indicators and Scope

Compared with the 2012 version, GB 28380-2025 has made a number of important adjustments to its technical content, mainly including the following:

1. Update of Terminology Definitions

The definition of "energy-saving evaluation value for microcomputers" has been deleted; new definitions that align with the current technical characteristics of products have been added, such as "tablet computer", "long idle state", "short idle state", and "alternative low-power state".

2. Change of Core Indicators

The "energy-saving evaluation value" has been deleted; the classification method of microcomputers and the indicators for energy efficiency levels have been revised.

3. Update of Calculation Methods and Tests

The calculation method for typical energy consumption, the time percentage of each state, and the power factor of additional functions have been modified; the test methods have also been updated simultaneously.

4. Simplification of Rules

The inspection rules have been deleted.

II. Adjustments to Implementation Rules: Narrowed Scope of Application and Refined Regulatory Requirements

The new version of the Implementation Rules for Energy Efficiency Labels of Microcomputers has also undergone significant revisions, with key changes including the following:

1. Adjustment to Scope of Application

　• The original rules excluded "microcomputers with a rated power supply power greater than 750 W"; the new rules lower this threshold to "microcomputers with a rated power supply power greater than 500 W".

　• "Workstations and industrial control computers", which were previously excluded, are now adjusted to regulate "tablet computers, desktop/rack-mounted workstations, and microcomputers for industrial applications"—making the scope of covered products more precise and clear.

2. Update to Style and Content of Energy Efficiency Labels

　• The style of the label has been updated.

　• A section for "Energy Efficiency 'Leader' Information" has been added to the label, which is used to display products included in the national energy efficiency "leader" catalog.

3. Refinement of Inspection and Filing Procedures

　• The format of the Energy Efficiency Test Report for Microcomputers has been updated.

　• Requirements for links such as energy efficiency testing, confirmation of label information, label printing, affixing, and display have been refined.

III. Implementation Timeline and Transition Period

In accordance with the Catalogue of Products Subject to Energy Efficiency Labeling in the People's Republic of China (2025 Edition) and relevant documents (Fagai Huanzi Gui 〔2025〕 No. 1218) issued by the National Development and Reform Commission, the implementation schedule for the new regulations is as follows:

Official Implementation Date: February 1, 2026.

Transition Period Arrangement: For products manufactured or imported before February 1, 2026, they are allowed to delay the affixation of energy efficiency labels in accordance with the new rules until before February 1, 2028.

IV. Industry Impact and Response Recommendations

The concentrated update of these regulations sends a clear signal of strengthened supervision to the market. Producers and importers of relevant microcomputers must attach great importance to this, promptly learn and understand the specific requirements of the new standards and implementation rules, conduct compliance evaluation and testing of their products as soon as possible, and complete the application and filing of energy efficiency labels in accordance with regulations. Enterprises should ensure that their products and services fully comply with the new regulatory standards to avoid potential market access risks and legal risks.

If you need to obtain the detailed content of the Catalogue of Products Subject to Energy Efficiency Labeling in the People's Republic of China (2025 Edition) and relevant implementation rules, or have any questions about energy efficiency label certification, please feel free to contact the International Department/Business Department of BTL for consultation.