HÀ NỘI — Energy labels will be compulsory for cars with less than nine seats from January next year and for motorbikes from January 2020, according to a decision made by Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc.

Under the decision, signed recently by PM Phúc, four groups of equipment and vehicles must have energy labels -- household appliances, office and commercial appliances, industrial equipment and transport vehicles.

Earlier, in 2014, the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Industry and Trade issued a joint circular stipulating that energy labels were compulsory for under-seven seat cars produced or assembled in the country or imported ones.

Energy labels for vehicles provide information on the type of fuel and fuel consumption that is certified or registered to help consumers identify and select energy-efficient vehicles.

All types of vehicles must be tested for fuel consumption before labelling. Vehicle energy labelling certification can be performed independently with technical safety and environmental protection certification.

Energy labels must also be stuck on fluorescent lamps, including strait tube and compact ones; air conditioners; rice cookers; and electric fans; as well as refrigerators; washing machines; televisions; and electric motors, according to the decision.

Energy labeling is compulsory for LED lighting products and hot water storage tanks from January 1, 2020.

Regarding office and commercial appliances, labels will be required on refrigerators, while it will be undertaken on a voluntary basis for photocopiers, computer desktops and printers. Laptops must have energy labels from January 2020.

All vehicles and equipment not subject to the above-mentioned regulation are encouraged to use energy labels on a voluntary basis. — VNS