BEE Steps Up Vigil To Curb Fake Star-Rated Products

SDAs present across all States will make sure that only genuine, compliant, star-labeled products reach consumers, counterfeit labelling is prevented

Hyderabad: Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), under the Ministry of Power, Government of India, said it has ramped up enforcement of its Standards & Labelling (S&L) programme through State Designated Agencies (SDAs), for intensifying market surveillance, so as to curb fake star rated products.

These SDAs present across all States will make sure that only genuine, compliant, star-labeled products reach consumers, counterfeit labelling is prevented, proper visibility of labels is maintained, and Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) are upheld.

BEE informed that spot-checks of high-volume appliances will be conducted to detect violations. If found, such manufacturers or sellers will face legal action under Section 26 of the EC Act, 2001, overseen by the State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs), the statutory body warned.

While discussing the status of the S&L programme, Milind Deore, Secretary, BEE, informed that 39 appliances are currently covered under the scheme, with 16 product categories including, air conditioners, fans, and refrigerators, under mandatory labelling. He further said that the S&L programme contributes 60 per cent of India’s total energy efficiency-related CO₂ savings and supports the country’s pledge to cut one billion tons of emission by 2030. The enforcement framework for S&L includes BEE, SDAs and SERCs. While BEE sets standards, empanels testing labs, engages independent evaluation agencies, and supports SDAs with technical guidance, SDAs act as nodal enforcement bodies, conduct inspections, escalate violations to SERCs, and submit compliance reports within 30 days, whereas SERCs conduct hearings, impose penalties, and ensure due legal process for errant entities.

BEE has recognised the efforts of TSREDCO, Telangana SDA, EMC, apart from other SDAs in the country for their comprehensive state-wide surveillance and enforcement. BEE also recognised Hyderabad, for having a huge consumer base where S&L programme can be expanded and intensified on mission mode. In a landscape flooded with appliances, rigorous on-ground enforcement keeps the label honest. And when the stars are real, so are the savings - for consumers, and for the planet, Deore

pointed out.