GEMS (Greenhouse + Energy Minimum Standards)
Regulated products must meet energy efficiency MEPS + display label.
Who must comply
Suppliers of product models covered by a GEMS Determination in Australia, typically the manufacturer or importer that registers the model; regulated products must be registered before they can be sold. Models supplied under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement that are registered in New Zealand and manufactured in or imported through New Zealand do not need Australian registration.
What triggers it
Planning to supply a product model of a regulated type (for example LED lamps, external power supplies or commercial ice makers) that is not excluded by its Determination and is not already registered.
When due
Before the model is first supplied; the Regulator aims to process applications within 14 days. Registration is renewed when it lapses (typically after 5 years) or re-done when a Determination's requirements are updated.
Evidence required
Registration number for each model (Australian numbers take the form 'AXX0000'); test reports showing the model meets the Minimum Energy Performance Standards and supports any star rating; applicant account with an Authorising Officer and Authorised Representatives; registration fee receipts; labelling records where a label is required; responses to check-testing or market-surveillance enquiries.
Max penalty
The GEMS Regulator responds proportionately: informal and administrative action for first and less serious contraventions, then suspension or cancellation of a model's registration, enforceable undertakings, infringement notices, civil penalty orders and injunctions for deliberate or continuing non-compliance with the GEMS Act 2012. Penalty-unit amounts were not restated here.
Who must comply with this? The applicability test by industry, business structure and size.
Summary
The Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards Act 2012 and the product-specific GEMS Determinations made under it set Minimum Energy Performance Standards, test methods and, for some products, energy rating labelling for appliances and equipment sold in Australia. A regulated product model, identified by brand, model number and energy performance characteristics, must be registered with the GEMS Regulator before it is supplied; only one registration can exist for a model or family of models at a time, and registrations typically run for 5 years. Registration requires test results against the applicable Australian, joint Australian/New Zealand or international standard and payment of a fee. The Regulator runs check testing and market surveillance of registered models in store and online. A new registration platform, RECAP, replaces the Energy Rating Product Registration System from 6 October 2026.
Topics
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Frequently asked questions
- Who must comply with GEMS (Greenhouse + Energy Minimum Standards)?
- Suppliers of product models covered by a GEMS Determination in Australia, typically the manufacturer or importer that registers the model; regulated products must be registered before they can be sold. Models supplied under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement that are registered in New Zealand and manufactured in or imported through New Zealand do not need Australian registration.
- What triggers GEMS (Greenhouse + Energy Minimum Standards)?
- Planning to supply a product model of a regulated type (for example LED lamps, external power supplies or commercial ice makers) that is not excluded by its Determination and is not already registered.
- When is GEMS (Greenhouse + Energy Minimum Standards) due?
- Before the model is first supplied; the Regulator aims to process applications within 14 days. Registration is renewed when it lapses (typically after 5 years) or re-done when a Determination's requirements are updated.
- What is the maximum penalty for GEMS (Greenhouse + Energy Minimum Standards)?
- The GEMS Regulator responds proportionately: informal and administrative action for first and less serious contraventions, then suspension or cancellation of a model's registration, enforceable undertakings, infringement notices, civil penalty orders and injunctions for deliberate or continuing non-compliance with the GEMS Act 2012. Penalty-unit amounts were not restated here.
- What evidence is required for GEMS (Greenhouse + Energy Minimum Standards)?
- Registration number for each model (Australian numbers take the form 'AXX0000'); test reports showing the model meets the Minimum Energy Performance Standards and supports any star rating; applicant account with an Authorising Officer and Authorised Representatives; registration fee receipts; labelling records where a label is required; responses to check-testing or market-surveillance enquiries.
Source: https://www.energyrating.gov.au/industry-information/understand-requirements/register-product. Rules Mate is not a law firm. Always verify against the live regulator source before acting.