G/TBT/GEN/198  
 
23 June 2016  
(16-3403)  Page: 1/7  
Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade  Original: English  
 
THEMATIC SESSION ON REGULATORY COOPERATION  
BETWEEN MEMBERS: ENERGY EFFICIENCY1 
 14 JUNE 2016  
REPORT BY THE MODERATORS TO THE TBT COMMITTEE  
This Report was delivered by the Moderators2 of this Thematic Session of the WTO TBT Committee 
at the meeting of 15-16 June 2016. 
 
 
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At the Seventh Triennial Review, Members agreed  to continue to hold thematic sessions in 
conjunction with regular meetings of the Committee.3 Members agreed to dedicate the 
14 June 2016 thematic session on regulatory cooperation between Members  to the topic of 
energy efficiency.4 The presentations summarized below, as well as audio recordings, will be made 
available through the WTO website.5  
 
Panel 1 Use of standards and conformity assessment procedures in the area of 
energy efficiency 
1.1.  This Panel, moderated by Ms Esther Peh  (Singapore), explored regulators' use of standards 
in promoting energy efficiency of products, as well  as approaches used to facilitate the acceptance 
of conformity assessment results of such prod ucts. The following presentations were made. 
1.2.  Ms Melanie Slade6 stressed the importance of energy efficiency in the context of reducing 
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. She said that , based on IEA analysis , energy efficiency 
standards will become increasingly important in contributing to the objectives of the UNFCCC 2015 
Paris Agreement. Moreover, the share of energy consumption covered by mandatory efficiency 
regulations is projected to grow significantly over coming decades. In addition, she said, significant 
growth in energy demand in emerging economies (particularly China and India) requires renewed 
focus on energy efficiency to provide least-cost pathways to decarbonization. Ms Slade stressed that one of the main purposes of energy efficiency  policies is to help reduce fossil fuel dependency 
but they could also improve standards of living and reduce investment needs in energy supply 
systems. Cooperation on energy efficiency regulati on is important to reduce the costs of efficient 
appliances for consumers all around the globe. Developing economies which manufacture energy-
using products are a key priority for introduc tion of Minimum Energy Performance Standards 
(MEPS) as long as they are set at levels appropriate for their markets. Transparent schedules describing increased MEPS levels over time would allow manufacturers to improve their products 
within reasonable production cycles.  
                                               
1 The list of speakers is contained in JOB/TBT/169. 
2 Ms Esther Peh (Singapore) and Mr Alejandro Buvinic (Chile). The reports are provided on the 
Moderators' own responsibilities.  
3 G/TBT/37, para. 8.3. 
4 See Chairperson's fax of 17 March 2016. 
5 https://www.wto.org/ english/tratop_e/tbt_e/tbt_e.htm  
6 Senior Programme Manager, Energy Efficiency in Emerging Economies, International Energy Agency 
(IEA). The full presentation is contained in RD/TBT/161. G/TBT/GEN/198 
 
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  1.3.  Mr Adrian O'Connell7 said that the WTO's trade and environment goals are aligned with the 
UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17: "Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development". Goal 17 in particular seeks to "p romote the development, transfer, dissemination 
and diffusion of environmentally sound technologies…". He highlighted the role of ISO and IEC as 
two of the main international organizations that develop and manage energy efficiency standards 
for a number of products, including: electrical and home appliances, lamps and lighting equipment, and solar energy equipment. Mr. O'Connell shared Australia's experience on the application of the 
Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3) programme re sponsible for implementing current MEPS for 
electrical appliances (e.g., air conditioners, televisions, fridges, washers, dryers, and other appliances). He noted that one key challenge in the field of energy efficiency is the complexity of 
the subject area and reaching consensus on standa rds with all stakeholders.  However, he noted 
that the adoption of MEPS standards by WTO Me mbers through their National Standards bodies 
remains one of the key opportunities to achieving electrical appliance energy efficiency. Finally Mr O’Connell noted that ISO and IEC energy efficiency standards are not just limited to product 
standards, and referenced other standards such as those for energy and environmental 
management systems. 
1.4.  Dr Liu Meng
8 noted that starting from the end of the 1980s, 64 national mandatory energy 
efficiency standards have been developed in China, including with respect to household appliances, 
lighting equipment, commercial devices, and industrial and office equipment. These are based on minimum allowable values for energy efficiency (so as to phase out low efficient products), energy 
efficiency grades (labelling programmes to inform the consumer) and an index for evaluating 
energy saving products (a certification scheme). In terms of achievements of Energy Efficiency 
Standards (EES), by 2012, 20 energy efficiency standards were estimated to have reached the accumulative energy savings of 900 TWh (9 times the generating capacity of Three-Gorges 
hydropower station in 2012).  Moreover, after 7 years (2005-2012) of implementation, the China 
Energy Label Programme was estimated to have reached accumulative energy savings of about 420 TWh, equalling 30 million tonnes of CO2. There are also significant challenges, including, for 
example, the obvious differences in labels in te rms of shapes and energy efficiency grades. He 
suggested that Members: be encouraged to adopt ISO and IEC testing methods; promote mutual recognition of laboratory test results; and promote the application of QR code electronic labels. He further suggested that capacity building  be undertaken in developing Members. 
1.5.  Mr Wayne Morris
9 noted that the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers is composed 
of 150 manufacturers. He said that standards help contribute to energy efficiency goals in different ways. First, they allow manufacturers to measure energy efficiency. Second, they allow regulators 
to compare product values and provide accurate measurements. Third, they allow consumers to 
compare products. Mr Morris also mentioned some challenges, such as obtaining information, time needed to develop standards and regulations, an d the needs of developing countries. He further 
elaborated on the use of energy efficiency standa rds and highlighted the importance of the use of 
international, regional and private standards. Finally, issues related to conformity assessment were presented, including private third party certification and verification systems, as well as AHAM Verifide. 
1.6.  Ms Sauw Kook Choy
10 explained how the three pillars of their national quality 
infrastructure, i.e. standards, conformity assessment and regulation, work in tandem to achieve desired public policy objectives and build trust in Singapore's products, services and enterprises.  
Singapore has pledged to reduce its emissi ons by 36% by 2030 as part of its UNFCCC 
commitments. Given its small size, Singapore has limited alternative energy sources and relies heavily on natural gas for electricity generation. Therefore, improving energy efficiency through 
the use of policy tools including best practices, standards, and mandatory regulations, is a key 
strategy to support this commitment. SPRING, an agency under the Ministry of Trade and Industry, brings together industry, regulators, academia and consumers to identify, develop and 
promote energy efficiency standards.  Priority is given to the use of international standards where 
applicable but when these are not available, national standards are developed taking into account 
                                               
7 Deputy CEO, Standards Australia. 
8 Deputy Director of Energy Saving Department, CNIS, Convenor of ISO/TC 257/WG3, on Energy 
Efficiency Standards in China: Achievements and Challenges. The full presentation is contained in RD/TBT/144. 
9 Vice President, Technical Operations and Standards, Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers 
(AHAM). The full presentation is contained in RD/TBT/147. Data on energy efficiency available to consumers is 
available at www.ahamverifide.org . 
10 Assistant Chief Executive, SPRING Singapore. Th e full presentation is contained in RD/TBT/160. G/TBT/GEN/198 
 
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  local needs and current technology. As examples, regulators use energy efficiency standards to 
define (i) best practices in energy management systems (ISO 50001), (ii) minimum energy performance of equipment used in buildings, (iii) test methods for home appliances, and (iv) Green Mark Assessment Criteria to speed up th e pace of green building development.  The 
objective of the Green Mark system, introduced  in 2005, is to promote environment-friendly 
buildings. To date, more than 1,500 buildings have already been certified against its requirements. This also generates cost savings in electricity bills, resulting in win-win outcomes. 
1.7.  Mr Jay Taylor
11  focused on the evolution of energy e fficiency in data centres and shared his 
experience as Chair of the JTC 1 (ISO/IEC) SC 39 Subcommittee on "Sustainability for and by 
Information Technology" and of the "Green Grid – Global Harmonization of Data Center Energy Efficiency Metrics" initiative. He said that the global regulatory and standards landscape for data 
centres is complex, involving a multitude of standards development and regulatory bodies and 
requiring adaptation in light of climatic differences.  For example, non-evaporative cooling systems are needed in water-scarce areas such as Texas and other arid climates. MEPS in this area are 
driving some savings. International standards are available for Global Energy Efficiency 
Measurements - such as IEC 62623 on measurement of energy consumption of desktop/notebook 
computers and IEC 30134-2 on power usage effectiveness of data centres. At the same time, 
voluntary programmes and Public-Private Partners hips, such as the US EPA ENERGY STAR, EU 
ENERGY STAR Programme, the Japan Top Runner Programme and the US Department of Energy Better Buildings Programme, have been successful  in moving beyond minimum requirements and 
efforts, further enhancing energy efficiency saving s. However, he cautioned that pushing MEPS to 
the edge to try to generate further energy effici ency gains might be counterproductive and in fact 
lead to a reduction of industry innovation and pr oduct performance.  For example, some energy is 
required to set up and connect devices that are ne twork-aware (such as Internet of Things), which 
is not linked to the intended use of the device bu t still needed to be accounted for in the MEPS 
regulations. 
1.8.  Mr David Hanlon
12  emphasized the opportunity to reduce global electricity consumption by 
as much as 10% by changing to a new technology  for industrial motors and employing simple but 
effective operational practices. 30% of the world's electricity consumption is from electrical motors used by industry, typically for pumping, mechanical movement, fans and compressors. In many cases, their size, speed and operation are not optimal, providing an opportunity to save energy.  
Firstly, inefficient motors could be replaced by new, more efficient ones. The IEC International 
Standard IEC 60034-30 specified three energy-efficiency classes for cage-motors. The European Union has adopted this standard and made the hi ghest energy-efficiency class mandatory for all 
new motors installed starting from 1 January 2015. Secondly, motors could be controlled more 
efficiently, for example by using variable speed, soft-start options and simple automatic on-off controllers. New efficient motors, controllers and ef ficient operational practices offer huge potential 
savings in both cost and energy. Examples from industry show 30 to 50% savings, and since the 
purchase cost of new motor and controller is only about 4% of the lifetime operational cost, it also makes strong economic sense. To achieve these savings, industry needs to be informed and 
encouraged to voluntarily move toward new techno logies through incentive packages (such as tax 
breaks) and access to such technology through simplified trade, import and regulatory formalities. 
At the same time, the continued use of the old inefficient motors needs to be discouraged through stronger regulatory formalities, penalties and other available and appropriate mechanisms. Hence, 
a carrot-and-stick approach is needed. Moving on to the topic of energy efficiency labels, he 
pointed out the multitude of national and regional labels and asked whether the TBT Committee, which recently celebrated its 20 years of promoting international harmonization of standards, 
would address this issue as a technical barrier to trade in the coming years. At IEC level, some 
years earlier there had been discussion concerning the development of a global label but it had not been pursued due to lack of support, possibly beca use of concerns by some that this would add 
yet another label to the mix. 
                                               
11 Schneider Electric, United States  and Chair of ISO/IEC JCT 1 Subc ommittee 39 on Sustainability for 
and by Information Technology. The full presentation is available in RD/TBT/148. 
12 Secretary of the International Electrotechnical Co mmission (IEC) Conformity Assessment Board. The 
full presentation is contained in RD/TBT/145. G/TBT/GEN/198 
 
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  1.9.  Mr Edoardo Gianotti13 emphasized the need for a worldwide harmonized regulation for 
vehicles. He mentioned the regulatory challenges of pacing the development of emerging technologies and new technical requirements. Mr Gianotti presented the three agreements 
administered by the World Forum, concerning adoption of uniform technical prescriptions for 
wheeled vehicles, equipment and parts used in it, and conditions for reciprocal recognition of 
approvals (the 1958, 1997 and 1998 agreements). He briefly highlighted the rationale behind the adoption of those agreements and their geographical  spread. Mr Gianotti subsequently familiarized 
the Committee with the structure of WP.29 and elab orated on the WP.29 activities in connection 
with energy efficiency, such as the 2010 climate change and transportation round table and the 
ForFITS model projecting activity, energy consumption, and CO2 emissions, under different economic scenarios and policy interventions. A new technical regulation on Electric Vehicle Safety, 
developed under the 1998 Agreement, will be likely finalized in 2017, and most of the provisions of 
the future regulation are expected to be transposed in national legislations in a harmonized way, paving the way for a mass production of electric vehicles worldwide. 
1.10.  Dr Elsabe Steyn
14 highlighted the attempt of governments to influence energy and climate 
change policies by introducing programmes to en courage sustainable development. She provided 
examples of taxation and other monetary measures, which aim to encourage reduced energy 
demand, or to penalize the undesirable behaviou r. Dr Steyn presented the case of the South 
African national standard for Energy Efficien t Measurement and Verification (M&V), the SANS 
50010:2011, which was developed to support the introduction of a South African tax incentive for energy efficiency. At the time of its development, no equivalent international standard existed. To 
ensure the competence of the Energy Efficient (EE) M&V agencies, the South African National 
Accreditation System (SANAS) also introduced an accreditation programme for the EE M&V bodies, which would verify the savings of companies/tax payers applying for tax incentives. Dr Steyn 
further emphasized that SANAS assesses factors relevant to an organization's ability to produce 
accurate inspection data, bearing responsibility for confirming the verification, by looking at suitability, quality and assurance processes of the EE M&V bodies. She introduced the processes of 
EE M&V bodies' accreditation, followed by the procedure of obtaining a tax incentive certificate by 
a tax payer and its submission to the Revenue Services. SANS 50010:2010 standards provided input to the development of ISO 50015:2014. 
1.11.  Mr Doug Johnson
15 emphasized the diverse membership of the Consumer Technology 
Association (CTA) and the aim of the Association to engage all stakeholders. He mentioned the 
three goals of the CTA: save energy, protect innovation, and promote consistency with international trade obligations. He specified that the consumer technology industry is characterized 
by rapid changes in technology and consumer demand, as well as intense competition and 
changing product definitions. This means that tr aditional energy efficiency regulation based on 
mandatory energy limits set by government is not appropriate and that flexible, innovation-
friendly voluntary approaches are needed. Mr. Johnson mentioned several areas where he sees 
challenges and opportunities. The first challenge is to avoid imposing mandatory regulation based on minimum energy performance standards when ot her approaches will work better for consumer 
technology products. He emphasized that the best results come from voluntary programmes, 
including, but not limited to, ENERGY STAR. Such a market-driven approach helps to achieve 
energy savings much faster than traditional regulation and also protects innovation and competition. Another challenge arises from industry test procedure standards, on which 
governments should rely and also avoid locking into regulation. Mr Johnson noted the importance 
of having a product tested once and being able to ship it everywhere. A third challenge relates to marking and labelling, where Mr Johnson hopes to see greater flexibility, such as electronic 
labelling, and recognition of international protocols and approaches. The last challenge is to avoid 
pre-market third-party certification, which imposes time and cost burdens that are significant for the consumer technology industry. He concluded that there is room to expand the use of voluntary agreements and align those agreements around th e world to facilitate trade and meet energy 
savings goals. Industry-supported mandatory efficiency requirements for external power supplies 
and battery charges should be aligned as well. Mr Johnson stressed the importance of energy 
efficiency and trade policy dialogue between governments and other stakeholders, the latter not 
                                               
13 UNECE Sustainable Transport Division, Vehicle Re gulations and Transport Innovations Section WP.29 
- UNECE World Forum for harmonization of Vehicle Regu lations. The full presentation is contained in 
RD/TBT/150. 
14 South African National Accreditation System (SANAS). The full presentation is contained in 
RD/TBT/146. 
15 The US Consumer Technology Association. Th e full presentation is contained in RD/TBT/149. G/TBT/GEN/198 
 
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  limited to industry, and he cited recent and helpful CTA experiences in bilateral and multilateral 
dialogues with governments. 
1.12.  Mr Makoto Kubo16 presented the ILAC/IAF multilateral mutual recognition arrangements, 
and explained how these global networks of labo ratories, certification bodies and accreditation 
bodies help facilitate trade by reducing unnecessar y duplication of conformity assessment, in order 
to realize the objective of "tested, inspected, certified or accredited once, accepted everywhere". He then explained how ILAC/IAF network suppor t energy efficiency through accreditation, 
including the IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangements (MLA) for ISO14001 and ISO14065. IAF is 
in the process of enhancing the scope of its MLA to support accredited certification of energy management systems under ISO 50001. IAF members also provide a range of accreditation services to support verification of greenhouse gas emissions under mandatory and voluntary 
emissions mitigation schemes (e.g. EU-ETS, UNFCCC  CDM). Finally he stressed the benefits of the 
ILAC/IAF network – for government, business an d consumers – in supporting organizations and 
products to demonstrate improvements of  environment and energy performance. 
1.13.  To conclude, Ms Esther Peh  (moderator) highlighted four broad themes that the speakers 
of the first panel on energy efficiency had covere d. First, different types of energy efficiency 
standards existed. There were standards relating to (i) minimum energy performance of products; 
(ii) testing methods – or testing procedures for energy performance; and (iii) energy management 
systems. All types mattered for consumers, businesses and regulators. Second, standards applied to a variety of products and systems, ranging from consumer appliances to motor vehicles; and standards for commercial and residential buildings, even data centres for systems. Third, it was 
important to align these standards to internat ional standards, such as ISO and IEC energy 
efficiency standards. However, geographical an d climatic factors affected the relevance and 
applicability of those standards. Finally, Ms Peh noted that the acceptance of conformity 
assessment was also important. Options to facilitate the acceptance of conformity assessment 
results included, amongst other things, multilateral, mutual recognition arrangements (such as ILAC and IAF) as well as regional and bilateral voluntary arrangements – as well as greater 
cooperation between regulators. On the whole, in Ms Peh's view, the session had been a broad, 
interesting information-sharing event – and Members had been given the opportunity to benefit from a variety of perspectives.  
Panel 2 Regulators' experiences when cooperating on energy efficiency 
1.14.  This Panel, moderated by Mr Alejandro Buvinic (Chile) , was intended to share 
experiences of regulators in respect of energy efficiency regulations.   
1.15.  Ms Laura Barhydt
17 said that one of the most effective ways to ensure energy efficiency is 
through the use of mandatory energy efficiency standards. However, energy efficiency is difficult 
to define, requiring different metrics for different products and test procedures having to be carefully developed. An appliance standard sets the mandatory performance levels for the energy 
efficiency of the covered products, and manufacturers have to meet the standard for the product 
to be sold in the United States. She said that the United States works in a variety of fora to share information and experiences to support good policy development in the field of energy efficiency, 
including the IEA-4E initiative, the Super-Efficient Equipment & Appliance Deployment Initiative 
(SEAD), and national and international standardizing bodies – including the ISO and IEC. 
1.16.  Mr Takuya Yasui
18 described Japan's "Top Runner Programme". Established in 1998 under 
the Act on the Rational Use of Energy, this programme develops standards that promote high 
energy efficiency for a wide array of products (currently 31). The programme covers equipment 
and materials in the residential, industrial and tr ansportation sectors, including building products. 
Since its inception, and driven by the objective to encourage manufactures and importers to 
achieve the front-runner’s efficiency, the progra mme has been successful: for example, there has 
                                               
16 Senior Advisor, Japanese Accreditation Board (rep resenting ILAC and IAF). The full presentation is 
contained in RD/TBT/155. 
17 Assistant General Counsel for Enforcement, U.S. De partment of Energy, on the U.S. Department of 
Energy's participation in the Super-Efficient Equipment and Appliance Deployment Initiative (SEAD) and IEA. 
The full presentation is contained in RD/TBT/151.  
18 Multilateral Trade System Department, Trade Policy  Bureau, Ministry of Econ omy, Trade and Industry, 
Japan. The full presentation is contained in RD/TBT/143. G/TBT/GEN/198 
 
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  been more than a 60% improvement in energy  consumption efficiency of passenger cars. 
Evaluating manufactures' and importers' achievem ent based on weighted average of products, the 
programme also ensures the diversity of products in the market and makes it possible to promote 
a range of innovations. 
1.17.  Mr Fabrizio Sacchetti19 introduced the energy efficiency policies in the EU. There is a 20% 
energy efficiency target to be met by 2020 in all EU member States through a broad range of measures aiming at a more efficient use of energy at all stages of the energy chain, from its 
production to its final consumption. This policy mix combines different elements, such as product 
requirements on energy performance and labelling, "green" public procurement policies and specific measures for the building sector, the biggest energy consuming sector in the EU, accounting for about 40% of total energy consumption. In this regard, there is a substantial 
energy saving potential by setting minimum requir ements on key building elements, e.g. heating, 
roofing, etc. and on new buildings and renovati ons. EU-wide measures dealing with TBT aspects 
relate mainly to product energy performance (" eco-design") requirements (push the market by 
allowing on the market only products that m eet minimum requirements for energy efficiency, 
influence supply side), energy labelling (pull the market, influence demand side). EU harmonization pre-empts member States' regulatory action in this area. Criteria for action for 
specific product categories include: significant trade volume, significant environmental impact and 
significant energy saving potential. Currently, for labelling, an A to G ranking is applied. However, due to the market transformation, most products are now in class A so differentiation is made by adding up to three "+" to the A ranking (A+/A++/A+++). As this could cause confusion for 
consumers, the EU is currently reviewing the ener gy labelling directive in order to return to a 
single A to G label for all products to help consumers to distinguish the most efficient products more clearly. Regular rescaling would be provided to ensure that the A to G ranking continues to 
reflect market reality. It was noted that, with re spect to conformity assessment, the EU Supplier's 
Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) applies to both eco-design and labelling requirements. 
1.18.  Mr Christopher O’Toole
20 said that Canadian energy efficiency regulations cover a wide 
range of product categories, and include references to mandatory minimum energy performance 
standards. They are viewed as a cost-effectiv e way of reducing energy consumption and GHG 
emissions, and have been particularly effective in removing the least efficient products from the marketplace. Mr O'Toole noted that as primarily a standards-taker in the area of energy efficiency, 
Canada's regulatory approach has largely been to mirror the US DOE national standards. However, 
he indicated that industry, through its involvement in 
the Canada-U.S. Regulatory Cooperation 
Council (RCC), has recently identified that gaps in the alignment of those standards have begun to 
open up, increasing costs for businesses (e.g. duplicative testing, separate distribution channels 
for each export destination) and creating consumer confusion because different test methods 
produce different energy consumption values on mandatory energy consumption labels.  As a result, the RCC, a bilateral forum for regulators that also allows for engagement with 
stakeholders, including multinational corporations, has taken up work on this topic. Mr O’Toole 
further noted that the greater cooperation and more open channels of communication fostered by the RCC had also prompted Canada to consider different ways to regulate, including referencing US requirements in Canada's regulations so th at any changes would automatically apply. This 
meant, he said, that the default for many products would be alignment with US requirements 
unless a strong case is made that alignment should not be pursued. Mr O'Toole stressed that regulatory cooperation works best when it was collaborative; i.e. driven by consumers having 
similar preferences, stakeholders having similar concerns and regulators having mutual interests. 
1.19.  Mr Daewan Kim
21 discussed voluntary and mandatory programmes set up to stimulate 
energy efficiency and achieve market transforma tion. He said that voluntary schemes target 
emerging markets and SMEs (e.g. building sector , technology sector) and aim to incentivise new 
or emerging sectors and companies. Once the market has expanded, mandatory schemes apply 
(e.g. home appliances, offices appliances, etc.). He noted that mandatory schemes are efficient but are sometimes used by conglomerates to rationalize expensive prices burdening the consumer. 
Several labelling approaches are applied according to the specific characteristics of products. The 
                                               
19 European Commission, Directorate- General for Internal Market, Indu stry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs. 
The full presentation is contained in RD/TBT/162.  
20 Deputy Director, Global Affairs Canada. 
21 Korean Energy Agency on Energy Efficiency Policies in Korea. The full presentation is contained in 
RD/TBT/153. G/TBT/GEN/198 
 
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  first labelling approach discussed was 'Ratings' (B to C, e.g. refrigerators, TVs), the second one 
'MEPS' (B to B, e.g. adaptors, electric transfor mers) and the third one 'High level Standard' (30% 
higher than the energy efficiency standard of the 1e grade, e.g. refrigerators, AC). He noted that 
approaches have sometimes changed over time due to the market evolving. 
1.20.  Mr Rafael Nava's22 presentation focused on the Mexican regulatory process. Mr Nava 
noted that Mexico started developing energy efficiency regulation more than 20 years ago. The country decided to opt for the mandatory approach taking into account several issues, including 
the consumer culture in Mexico. He said that the process to define regulations starts with the 
consideration of existing national regulations or standards on the topic. Subsequently, the 
existence of international standards (ISO of IEC) was taken into account. He stressed that the composition of the committee that works on the new regulation engages all stakeholders (e.g. 
consumers, regulators, academics, companies, etc.).  Before the regulation is established, the WTO 
is notified and a commenting period applies to ensure that all stakeholders can review the new measure. The committee then reviews the comments and decides on the best way forward. This 
process is fully transparent. He said that at the Pan-American level efforts were also undertaken to 
harmonize energy efficiency labelling requirements. One key challenge is that products need to be comparable in terms of energy consumption. 
1.21.  Mr Keith Mason
23 spoke about the US Energy Star program. He stressed that this is a 
global voluntary labelling programme relying on performance specifications, testing and verification. More than 5.2 billion products have been sold (since 1992, excluding light bulbs) across more than 70 product categories preventing  more than 2.4 billion metric tons of GHG 
emissions. The programme is managed by the EPA whose main task is to: develop technical 
specifications for all Energy Star certified products, negotiate formal agreements with other nations, validate and maintain a world-wide database of internationally recognized testing 
laboratories, accreditation and certification bodies, and promote international harmonization of 
methods, certification approaches and data sharing. It was stressed that EPA's product specification development cycle is elaborate, transparent and provided opportunity for 
international input. All Energy Star products need to be third party certified before they can carry 
the label. As of February 2016, there are 615 accr edited and manufacturer's laboratories globally 
that can issue such certificates. 
1.22.  To conclude, Mr Alejandro Buvinic  (moderator) highlighted some of the key points from 
the various presentations. He said that experi ences showed both the usefulness of mandatory 
regulation and voluntary standards, but perhap s in particular the advantages of mandatory 
requirements in certain cases. He noted that rapid technological change imposes the need for 
regular revisions of the regulations – and, in some  cases, the least energy efficient products are 
removed from the market. He also remarked on some of the differences between Members, for instance, certification systems varied: in the EU, SD oC was used while, in the United States, third 
party certification was more common. He stressed that despite differences, it remained possible to 
achieve greater harmonization thereby facilitating trade and protecting the environment (by increasing energy efficiency). He stressed that these thematic sessions need not finish as a one-day event – but could be seen as the start of more collaboration and coordination between 
Members so as to facilitate a better exchange between regulators when regulating to achieve the 
objective of energy efficiency. 
__________ 
 
 
                                               
22 Chief Executive Officer of the Mexican Council  of Standardization and Conformity Assessment 
(COMENOR) and Council Member of the National Hous ehold Appliances Associat ion (ANFAD). The full 
presentation is contained in RD/TBT/154. 
23 Senior Advisor, Office of Air Quality Planning  and Standards Office of Air and Radiation, US 
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The full presentation is contained in RD/TBT/152.