[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 24 (Monday, February 8, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8548-8553]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-28497]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

10 CFR Part 430

[Case Number 2020-020; EERE-2020-BT-WAV-0035]


Energy Conservation Program: Notification of Petition for Waiver 
of Ningbo FOTILE Kitchen Ware Co. Ltd. From the Department of Energy 
Dishwashers Test Procedure and Notification of Grant of Interim Waiver

AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of 
Energy.

ACTION: Notification of petition for waiver and grant of an interim 
waiver; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This notification announces receipt of and publishes a 
petition for waiver and interim waiver from Ningbo FOTILE Kitchen Ware 
Co. Ltd. (``FOTILE''), which seeks a waiver for specified dishwasher 
basic models from the U.S. Department of Energy (``DOE'') test 
procedure used for determining the energy and water consumption of 
dishwashers. DOE also gives notification of an Interim Waiver Order 
that requires FOTILE to test and rate the specified dishwasher basic 
models in accordance with the alternate test procedure set forth in the 
Interim Waiver Order. DOE solicits comments, data, and information 
concerning FOTILE's petition and its suggested alternate test procedure 
so as to inform DOE's final decision on FOTILE's waiver request.

DATES: The Interim Waiver Order is effective on February 8, 2021. 
Written comments and information are requested and will be accepted on 
or before March 10, 2021.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are encouraged to submit comments using 
the Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov. 
Alternatively, interested persons may submit comments, identified by 
case number ``2020-020'', and Docket number ``EERE-2020-BT-WAV-0035,'' 
by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5a1c352e33363f1e3329322d3b29323f28686a686a0d1b0c6a6a696f1a3f3f743e353f743d352c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="75331a011c1910311c061d0214061d100747454745223423454546403510105b111a105b121a03">[email protected]</span></a>. Include 
Case No. 2020-020 in the subject line of the message.
    <bullet> Postal Mail: Appliance and Equipment Standards Program, 
U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable 
Energy, Building Technologies Office, Mailstop EE-5B, Petition for 
Waiver Case No. 2020-020, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20585-0121. If possible, please submit all items on a compact disc 
(``CD''), in which case it is not necessary to include printed copies.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery/Courier: Appliance and Equipment Standards 
Program, U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Office, 950 
L'Enfant Plaza SW, 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20024. Telephone: (202) 
287-1445. If possible, please submit all items on a CD, in which case 
it is not necessary to include printed copies.
    No telefacsimilies (``faxes'') will be accepted. For detailed 
instructions on submitting comments and additional information on this 
process, see the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document.
    Docket: The docket, which includes Federal Register notices, 
comments,

[[Page 8549]]

and other supporting documents/materials, is available for review at 
http://www.regulations.gov. All documents in the docket are listed in 
the http://www.regulations.gov index. However, some documents listed in 
the index, such as those containing information that is exempt from 
public disclosure, may not be publicly available.
    The docket web page can be found at https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=EERE-2020-BT-WAV-0035. The docket web page contains 
instruction on how to access all documents, including public comments, 
in the docket. See the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for 
information on how to submit comments through http://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 
    Ms. Lucy deButts, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy 
Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies Office, Mailstop 
EE-5B, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121. Email: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c786949890a6aeb1a2b59895a2b6b2a2b4b387a2a2e9a3a8a2e9a0a8b1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4100121e1620283724331e132430342432350124246f252e246f262e37">[email protected]</span></a>.
    Ms. Elizabeth Kohl, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the 
General Counsel, Mail Stop GC-33, Forrestal Building, 1000 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0103. Telephone: (202) 586-7796. Email: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d297bebba8b3b0b7a6bafc99bdbabe92baa3fcb6bdb7fcb5bda4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="db9eb7b2a1bab9beafb3f590b4b3b79bb3aaf5bfb4bef5bcb4ad">[email protected]</span></a>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On October 15, 2020, FOTILE filed a petition 
for waiver and interim waiver from the test procedure for dishwashers 
set forth at Appendix C1.\1\ In its petition for waiver, FOTILE stated 
that the subject dishwasher models, which FOTILE described as ``in-
sink'' dishwashers, do not have a main detergent compartment and have 
different installation instructions than under-counter or under-sink 
dishwashers. FOTILE has requested DOE waive sections of the dishwasher 
test procedure pertaining to installation requirements and placement of 
the detergent. FOTILE has suggested an alternate test procedure to 
install the dishwasher basic models from the top of a rectangular 
enclosure (as opposed to the front) and to specify placement of the 
detergent directly into the dishwasher chamber.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The specific basic models for which the petition applies are 
dishwasher basic models SD2F-P1X and SD2F-P1XL. These basic model 
names were provided by FOTILE in its October 15, 2020 petition.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    DOE has reviewed FOTILE's application for an interim waiver and the 
alternate test procedure requested by FOTILE. DOE also reviewed 
manufacturer information available on-line, including the operation 
manual \2\ for the specified basic models. Based on this review, the 
suggested alternate test procedure appears to allow for the accurate 
measurement of the energy and water consumption of the specified basic 
models, while alleviating the testing problems associated with FOTILE's 
implementation of dishwasher testing for these basic models. 
Consequently, DOE has determined that FOTILE's petition for waiver 
likely will be granted. Furthermore, DOE has determined that it is 
desirable for public policy reasons to grant FOTILE immediate relief 
pending a determination of the petition for waiver.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ The operation manual can be found in the docket at https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=EERE-2020-BT-WAV-0035.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    DOE notes, however, that FOTILE's alternate test procedure 
specifies a test enclosure that differs from the installation 
instructions provided in the operation manual. Specifically, the 
alternate test procedure retains a requirement in Section 2.1 that the 
enclosure be brought into the closest contact with the appliance that 
the configuration of the dishwasher will allow. In the case of FOTILE's 
basic model, this would include close contact between the bottom of the 
enclosure and the underside of the in-sink dishwasher. Because the 
height of the product is 21\5/16\ inches (541 millimeters (mm)), such 
proximity and resulting height of the test enclosure close to that 
value would conflict with the installation instructions in the 
operation manual, which specify a minimum enclosure height of 35\7/16\ 
inches (900 mm), and may potentially result in differing heat losses 
from the dishwasher that could impact energy consumption during the 
cycle. DOE requests comment on any such potential impacts on energy 
consumption as a result of the test enclosure specifications in the 
alternate test procedure, and on whether installation should be 
required in accordance with the operation manual to provide results 
that are more representative of average use.
    DOE is publishing FOTILE's petition for waiver in its entirety, 
pursuant to 10 CFR 430.27(b)(1)(iv).\3\ DOE invites all interested 
parties to submit in writing by March 10, 2021, comments and 
information on all aspects of the petition, including the alternate 
test procedure. Pursuant to 10 CFR 430.27(d), any person submitting 
written comments to DOE must also send a copy of such comments to the 
petitioner. The contact information for the petitioner is Jason 
Gastman, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8ee4effde1e0a0e9effdfae3efe0cee8e1fae7e2eba0ede1e3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="056f64766a6b2b6264767168646b45636a716c69602b666a68">[email protected]</span></a>, 6 Campus Dr., Suite 210, Parsippany, 
NJ 07054.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ The petition did not identify any of the information 
contained therein as confidential business information.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Submitting comments via http://www.regulations.gov. The http://www.regulations.gov web page will require you to provide your name and 
contact information. Your contact information will be viewable to DOE 
Building Technologies staff only. Your contact information will not be 
publicly viewable except for your first and last names, organization 
name (if any), and submitter representative name (if any). If your 
comment is not processed properly because of technical difficulties, 
DOE will use this information to contact you. If DOE cannot read your 
comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for 
clarification, DOE may not be able to consider your comment.
    However, your contact information will be publicly viewable if you 
include it in the comment or in any documents attached to your comment. 
Any information that you do not want to be publicly viewable should not 
be included in your comment, nor in any document attached to your 
comment. If this instruction is followed, persons viewing comments will 
see only first and last names, organization names, correspondence 
containing comments, and any documents submitted with the comments.
    Do not submit to http://www.regulations.gov information for which 
disclosure is restricted by statute, such as trade secrets and 
commercial or financial information (hereinafter referred to as 
Confidential Business Information (``CBI'')). Comments submitted 
through http://www.regulations.gov cannot be claimed as CBI. Comments 
received through the website will waive any CBI claims for the 
information submitted. For information on submitting CBI, see the 
Confidential Business Information section.
    DOE processes submissions made through http://www.regulations.gov 
before posting. Normally, comments will be posted within a few days of 
being submitted. However, if large volumes of comments are being 
processed simultaneously, your comment may not be viewable for up to 
several weeks. Please keep the comment tracking number that http://www.regulations.gov provides after you have successfully uploaded your 
comment.
    Submitting comments via email, hand delivery/courier, or postal 
mail. Comments and documents submitted via email, hand delivery/
courier, or postal mail also will be posted to http://

[[Page 8550]]

www.regulations.gov. If you do not want your personal contact 
information to be publicly viewable, do not include it in your comment 
or any accompanying documents. Instead, provide your contact 
information on a cover letter. Include your first and last names, email 
address, telephone number, and optional mailing address. The cover 
letter will not be publicly viewable as long as it does not include any 
comments.
    Include contact information each time you submit comments, data, 
documents, and other information to DOE. If you submit via postal mail 
or hand delivery/courier, please provide all items on a CD, if 
feasible, in which case it is not necessary to submit printed copies. 
Faxes will not be accepted.
    Comments, data, and other information submitted to DOE 
electronically should be provided in PDF (preferred), Microsoft Word or 
Excel, WordPerfect, or text (ASCII) file format. Provide documents that 
are not secured, written in English and free of any defects or viruses. 
Documents should not contain special characters or any form of 
encryption and, if possible, they should carry the electronic signature 
of the author.
    Campaign form letters. Please submit campaign form letters by the 
originating organization in batches of between 50 to 500 form letters 
per PDF or as one form letter with a list of supporters' names compiled 
into one or more PDFs. This reduces comment processing and posting 
time.
    Confidential Business Information. According to 10 CFR 1004.11, any 
person submitting information that he or she believes to be 
confidential and exempt by law from public disclosure should submit via 
email, postal mail, or hand delivery/courier two well-marked copies: 
One copy of the document marked confidential including all the 
information believed to be confidential, and one copy of the document 
marked ``non-confidential'' with the information believed to be 
confidential deleted. Submit these documents via email or on a CD, if 
feasible. DOE will make its own determination about the confidential 
status of the information and treat it according to its determination.
    It is DOE's policy that all comments may be included in the public 
docket, without change and as received, including any personal 
information provided in the comments (except information deemed to be 
exempt from public disclosure).

Signing Authority

    This document of the Department of Energy was signed on December 
14, 2020, by Daniel R. Simmons, Assistant Secretary for Energy 
Efficiency and Renewable Energy, pursuant to delegated authority from 
the Secretary of Energy. That document with the original signature and 
date is maintained by DOE. For administrative purposes only, and in 
compliance with requirements of the Office of the Federal Register, the 
undersigned DOE Federal Register Liaison Officer has been authorized to 
sign and submit the document in electronic format for publication, as 
an official document of the Department of Energy. This administrative 
process in no way alters the legal effect of this document upon 
publication in the Federal Register.

    Signed in Washington, DC, on December 18, 2020.
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S. Department of Energy.

Case Number 2020-020

Interim Waiver Order

I. Background and Authority

    The Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended (``EPCA''),\4\ 
authorizes the U.S. Department of Energy (``DOE'') to regulate the 
energy efficiency of a number of consumer products and certain 
industrial equipment. (42 U.S.C. 6291-6317) Title III, Part B \5\ of 
EPCA, Public Law 94-163 (42 U.S.C. 6291-6309, as codified), established 
the Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other Than 
Automobiles, which sets forth a variety of provisions designed to 
improve energy efficiency for certain types of consumer products. These 
products include dishwashers, the subject of this Interim Waiver Order. 
(42 U.S.C. 6292(a)(6))
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ All references to EPCA in this document refer to the statute 
as amended through America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, 
Public Law 115-270 (Oct. 23, 2018).
    \5\ For editorial reasons, upon codification in the U.S. Code, 
Part B was redesignated as Part A.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The energy conservation program under EPCA consists essentially of 
four parts: (1) Testing, (2) labeling, (3) Federal energy conservation 
standards, and (4) certification and enforcement procedures. Relevant 
provisions of EPCA include definitions (42 U.S.C. 6291), test 
procedures (42 U.S.C. 6293), labeling provisions (42 U.S.C. 6294), 
energy conservation standards (42 U.S.C. 6295), and the authority to 
require information and reports from manufacturers (42 U.S.C. 6296).
    The Federal testing requirements consist of test procedures that 
manufacturers of covered products must use as the basis for: (1) 
Certifying to DOE that their products comply with the applicable energy 
conservation standards adopted pursuant to EPCA (42 U.S.C. 6295(s)), 
and (2) making representations about the efficiency of that product (42 
U.S.C. 6293(c)). Similarly, DOE must use these test procedures to 
determine whether the covered product complies with relevant standards 
promulgated under EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6295(s))
    Under 42 U.S.C. 6293, EPCA sets forth the criteria and procedures 
DOE is required to follow when prescribing or amending test procedures 
for covered products. EPCA requires that any test procedures prescribed 
or amended under this section must be reasonably designed to produce 
test results which reflect the energy efficiency, energy use or 
estimated annual operating cost of a covered product during a 
representative average use cycle or period of use and requires that 
test procedures not be unduly burdensome to conduct. (42 
U.S.C.6293(b)(3)) The test procedure for dishwashers is contained in 
the Code of Federal Regulations (``CFR'') at 10 CFR part 430, subpart 
B, appendix C1, ``Uniform Test Method for Measuring the Energy 
Consumption of Dishwashers'' (``Appendix C1'').
    Under 10 CFR 430.27, any interested person may submit a petition 
for waiver from DOE's test procedure requirements. DOE will grant a 
waiver from the test procedure requirements if DOE determines either 
that the basic model for which the waiver was requested contains a 
design characteristic that prevents testing of the basic model 
according to the prescribed test procedures, or that the prescribed 
test procedures evaluate the basic model in a manner so 
unrepresentative of its true energy consumption characteristics as to 
provide materially inaccurate comparative data. 10 CFR 430.27(f)(2). A 
petitioner must include in its petition any alternate test procedures 
known to the petitioner to evaluate the performance of the product type 
in a manner representative of the energy consumption characteristics of 
the basic model. 10 CFR 430.27(b)(1)(iii). DOE may grant the waiver 
subject to conditions, including adherence to alternate test 
procedures. 10 CFR 430.27(f)(2).
    As soon as practicable after the granting of any waiver, DOE will 
publish in the Federal Register a notice of proposed rulemaking to 
amend its regulations so as to eliminate any need for the continuation 
of such waiver. 10 CFR 430.27(l). As soon thereafter as practicable, 
DOE will publish in the Federal Register a final rule to that effect. 
Id.

[[Page 8551]]

    The waiver process also provides that DOE may grant an interim 
waiver if it appears likely that the underlying petition for waiver 
will be granted and/or if DOE determines that it would be desirable for 
public policy reasons to grant immediate relief pending a determination 
on the underlying petition for waiver. 10 CFR 430.27(e)(2). Within one 
year of issuance of an interim waiver, DOE will either: (i) Publish in 
the Federal Register a determination on the petition for waiver; or 
(ii) publish in the Federal Register a new or amended test procedure 
that addresses the issues presented in the waiver. 10 CFR 430.27(h)(1).
    When DOE amends the test procedure to address the issues presented 
in a waiver, the waiver will automatically terminate on the date on 
which use of that test procedure is required to demonstrate compliance. 
10 CFR 430.27(h)(2).

II. FOTILE's Petition for Waiver and Interim Waiver

    On October 15, 2020, FOTILE filed a petition for waiver and interim 
waiver from the test procedure for dishwashers set forth at Appendix 
C1.\6\ In its petition for waiver, FOTILE stated that the subject 
dishwasher models, which FOTILE described as ``in-sink'' dishwashers, 
do not have a main detergent compartment and have different 
installation instructions than under-counter or under-sink dishwashers. 
FOTILE has requested DOE waive sections of the dishwasher test 
procedure pertaining to installation requirements and placement of the 
detergent. FOTILE has suggested an alternate test procedure to install 
the dishwasher basic models from the top of a rectangular enclosure (as 
opposed to the front) and to specify placement of the detergent 
directly into the dishwasher chamber.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ The specific basic models for which the petition applies are 
dishwasher basic models SD2F-P1X and SD2F-P1XL. These basic model 
names were provided by FOTILE in its October 15, 2020 petition.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    FOTILE also requests an interim waiver from the existing DOE test 
procedure. DOE will grant an interim waiver if it appears likely that 
the petition for waiver will be granted, and/or if DOE determines that 
it would be desirable for public policy reasons to grant immediate 
relief pending a determination of the petition for waiver. 10 CFR 
430.27(e)(2).
    Based on the assertions in the petition, the installation and 
detergent placement characteristics of the subject basic models prevent 
testing of the basic models according to the prescribed test procedure 
absent an interim waiver.

III. Requested Alternate Test Procedure

    EPCA requires that manufacturers use DOE test procedures when 
making representations about the energy consumption and energy 
consumption costs of covered products. (42 U.S.C. 6293(c)) Consistency 
is important when making representations about the energy efficiency of 
covered products, including when demonstrating compliance with 
applicable DOE energy conservation standards. Pursuant to 10 CFR 
430.27, and after consideration of public comments on the petition, DOE 
may establish in a subsequent Decision and Order an alternate test 
procedure for the basic models addressed by the Interim Waiver Order.
    FOTILE seeks to use an alternate test procedure to test and rate 
specific dishwasher basic models. In its petition for waiver, CNA has 
suggested the following alternate test procedure:
    <bullet> Update the existing installation requirements in section 
2.1 of Appendix C1 to add that, ``A compact in-sink dishwasher combined 
with a sink doesn't have a flat bottom and must be tested in a 
rectangular enclosure constructed of nominal 0.374 inch (9.5 mm) 
plywood painted black. The enclosure must consist of a bottom, a front, 
a back, and two sides, and it shall not have a top. We put the in-sink 
dishwasher into the enclosure from the top and mounted it to the edges 
of the enclosure.''
    <bullet> Update the existing detergent requirements in section 2.10 
of Appendix C1 to add that, ``For compact dishwashers that have neither 
prewash program nor a main detergent compartment, determine the amount 
of main wash detergent (in grams) to be added directly into the 
dishwasher chamber according to section 2.10.2 of this appendix.''

IV. Interim Waiver Order

    DOE has reviewed FOTILE's application for an interim waiver and the 
alternate test procedure requested by FOTILE. DOE also reviewed 
manufacturer information available on-line, including the operation 
manual \7\ for the specified basic models. Based on this review, the 
suggested alternate test procedure appears to allow for the accurate 
measurement of the energy and water consumption of the specified basic 
models, while alleviating the testing problems associated with FOTILE's 
implementation of dishwasher testing for these basic models. DOE has 
initially determined that testing the specified basic models in an 
enclosure consistent with the manufacturer installation instructions 
provides results that are more representative of average use. 
Consequently, DOE has determined that FOTILE's petition for waiver 
likely will be granted. Furthermore, DOE has determined that it is 
desirable for public policy reasons to grant FOTILE immediate relief 
pending a determination of the petition for waiver.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ The operation manual can be found in the docket at https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=EERE-2020-BT-WAV-0035.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For the reasons stated, it is ordered that:
    (1) FOTILE must test and rate the following dishwasher basic models 
with the alternate test procedure set forth in paragraph (2).

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Brand                             Basic model
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOTILE...................................  SD2F-P1X
FOTILE...................................  SD2F-P1XL
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) The alternate test procedure for the FOTILE basic models 
identified in paragraph (1) of this Interim Waiver Order is the test 
procedure for dishwashers prescribed by DOE at 10 CFR part 430, subpart 
B, appendix C1, except that the requirements for dishwasher 
installation and detergent placement are as detailed below. All other 
requirements of Appendix C1 and DOE's regulations remain applicable.
    In section 2.1, Installation, add at the end of the section:
    A compact in-sink dishwasher with a combination sink must be 
installed in a rectangular enclosure constructed of nominal 0.374 inch 
(9.5 mm) plywood painted black. The enclosure must consist of a front, 
a bottom, a back, and two sides and the dishwasher must be installed 
from the top and mounted to the edges of the enclosure.
    In section 2.10, Detergent, add at the end of the section:
    For compact in-sink dishwashers with a combination sink that have 
neither prewash program nor a main detergent compartment, determine the 
amount of main wash detergent (in grams) to be added directly into the 
washing chamber according to section 2.10.2 of this appendix.
    (3) Representations. FOTILE may not make representations about the 
energy and water use of a basic model listed in paragraph (1) for 
compliance, marketing, or other purposes unless that basic model has 
been tested in accordance with the provisions set forth in this 
alternate test procedure and such representations fairly disclose the 
results of such testing.

[[Page 8552]]

    (4) This Interim Waiver Order shall remain in effect according to 
the provisions of 10 CFR 430.27.
    (5) This Interim Waiver Order is issued on the condition that the 
statements, representations, test data, and documentary materials 
provided by FOTILE are valid. If FOTILE makes any modifications to the 
controls or configurations of a basic model subject to this Interim 
Waiver Order, such modifications will render the waiver invalid with 
respect to that basic model, and FOTILE will either be required to use 
the current Federal test method or submit a new application for a test 
procedure waiver. DOE may rescind or modify this waiver at any time if 
it determines the factual basis underlying the petition for the Interim 
Waiver Order is incorrect, or the results from the alternate test 
procedure are unrepresentative of the basic model's true energy 
consumption characteristics. 10 CFR 430.27(k)(1). Likewise, FOTILE may 
request that DOE rescind or modify the Interim Waiver Order if FOTILE 
discovers an error in the information provided to DOE as part of its 
petition, determines that the interim waiver is no longer needed, or 
for other appropriate reasons. 10 CFR 430.27(k)(2).
    (6) Issuance of this Interim Waiver Order does not release FOTILE 
from the applicable requirements set forth at 10 CFR part 429.
    DOE makes decisions on waivers and interim waivers for only those 
basic models specifically set out in the petition, not future models 
that may be manufactured by the petitioner. FOTILE may submit a new or 
amended petition for waiver and request for grant of interim waiver, as 
appropriate, for additional basic models of dishwashers. Alternatively, 
if appropriate, FOTILE may request that DOE extend the scope of a 
waiver or an interim waiver to include additional basic models 
employing the same technology as the basic model(s) set forth in the 
original petition consistent with 10 CFR 430.27(g).

    Signed in Washington, DC, on December 14, 2020.
Daniel R Simmons,
Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

Petition of Ningbo FOTILE Kitchen Ware Co. Ltd for Waiver and Interim 
Waiver of Test Procedure for Residential Dishwasher SD2F-P1X&SD2F-P1XL

    Ningbo FOTILE Kitchen Ware Co. Ltd respectfully submits this 
petition for Waiver and for Interim Waiver of the Department of Energy 
(DOE or Department) test procedure for residential dishwashers. 
Specifically, FOTILE seeks a waiver for its very-small-capacity, highly 
compact, 3-IN-1 in-sink dishwasher because it contains design 
characteristics that prevent testing according to the test procedures 
from Appendix C1. This dishwasher does not have a main detergent 
compartment and has different installation instructions than under-
counter or under-sink dishwashers. As a result, the current test 
procedure is not representative of consumers' use of the product or the 
product's energy and water consumption characteristics. As described 
below, FOTILE proposes an alternative test procedure for this 
dishwasher that will allow FOTILE to test the product and determine 
its' compliance in accordance with the Department's current energy 
conservation standards for residential dishwashers.
    FOTILE Group, based on Ningbo China, has been focusing on high-end 
kitchen appliances since its foundation in 1996. FOTILE's business 
footprints have covered more than 30 countries, including the United 
States, Canada, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, etc. FOTILE markets its 
products only under the ``FOTILE'' brand in the United States.

I. Model for Which a Waiver Is Requested

    The Basic models for which a waiver is requested are SD2F-P1X and 
SD2F-P1XL. Both of these models include a sink and a dishwasher 
combined into one unit. These two models are basically identical. They 
have the same electrical, physical, and functional characteristics that 
affect energy consumption, energy efficiency, water consumption, and 
water efficiency. The only difference between SD2F-P1X and SD2F-P1XL is 
the position of the sink and the dishwasher. The dishwasher chamber of 
SD2F-P1X is on the right and of SD2F-P1XL is on the left. As a result, 
these basic models can use the same petition for Waiver and for Interim 
Waiver.

II. Need for the Requested Waiver

    The FOTILE non-soil-sensing in-sink dishwasher is a highly 
beneficial product, especially suitable for small families, tiny house 
structures, RVs, home bars, secondary kitchens, and other space-
constrained places. The unit uses less time to finish a normal wash, 
which is approximately 45min with excellent washing results. It also 
has beneficial design characteristics to avoid having to bend when 
loading and unloading dishes.
    To the best of FOTILE's knowledge, FOTILE is unable to identify any 
other manufactures distributing residential dishwasher models in 
commerce in the United States that incorporate all of the design 
characteristics that are the subject of this petition.
    According to the Appendix C1, FOTILE in-sink dishwasher is a 
compact dishwasher, as it can only hold 2 place settings and 6 serving 
pieces. The current test procedure for compact dishwasher is set forth 
in Appendix C1.
    FOTILE requires a wavier because the design characteristics of its 
in-sink dishwasher prevent testing of the product according to the 
prescribed DOE test procedure. The first reason we require a waiver is, 
the FOTILE in-sink dishwasher does not have a main detergent 
compartment. Consumers can add dishwasher detergent directly into the 
dishwasher chamber. The second reason we are applying for a waiver is 
this unit is combined with a sink and has a different height, so the 
machine does not have a flat bottom, and cannot stand on the ground. 
Therefore, the installation instructions are different from a 
traditional under-counter dishwasher. Because of these two design 
characteristics, this unit cannot be tested in accordance with sections 
of the test procedure regarding adding detergent and installation 
requirements. As described further below, FOTILE therefore requests a 
waiver of those aspects of the test procedure and proposes an 
alternative in which the detergent is put directly into the dishwasher 
chamber, and the unit is mounted into a counter top cut-out enclosure.
    FOTILE submits that the procedure is representative of consumer use 
and thus, representative of the product's true energy and water 
consumption characteristics.

111. Proposed Alternate Test Procedure

    FOTILE proposed the following alternative test procedure to 
evaluate the performance of the model that is subject of the waiver 
request. The alternative test procedure is the same as the existing 
test procedure for residential dishwasher except that it considers that 
the unit doesn't have a main detergent compartment and doesn't have a 
flat bottom.
    FOTILE shall be required to test the performance of the model 
subject to the waiver according to the test procedure for residential 
dishwashers in 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, Appendix C1, except as 
follows:
    Add the following at the end of section 2.10 of Appendix C1:

[[Page 8553]]

    ``For compact dishwashers that have neither prewash program nor a 
main detergent compartment, determine the amount of main wash detergent 
(in grams) to be added directly into the dishwasher chamber according 
to section 2.10.2 of this appendix.''
    Add the following at the end of section 2.1 of Appendix C1:
    ``A compact in-sink dishwasher combined with a sink doesn't have a 
flat bottom and must be tested in a rectangular enclosure constructed 
of nominal 0.374inch (9.5mm) plywood painted black. The enclosure must 
consist of a bottom, a front, a back, and two sides, and it shall not 
have a top. We put the in-sink dishwasher into the enclosure from the 
top and mounted it to the edges of the enclosure.''

IV. Petition for Interim Waiver

    FOTILE also hereby applies for an Interim Waiver of the applicable 
test procedure requirement for its very-small-capacity, highly compact, 
3-IN-1 in-sink residential dishwasher. The models for which the Interim 
Waiver is requested are SD2F-P1X and SD2F-P1XL. These models will be 
marketed in commerce under the FOTILE brand name. Based on these facts, 
we feel FOTILE meets the criteria for an Interim Waiver. Without waiver 
relief, FOTILE would be subject to requirements that clearly cannot 
apply to this product. In addition, FOTILE would most likely suffer 
economic hardship and be at a competitive disadvantage if it cannot 
gain DOE approval and start to distribute in the United States.
    FOTILE's in-sink dishwasher meets consumers' needs in today's 
marketplace because it is highly compact, easy to install, saves time, 
and eliminates having to bend down while loading and unloading dishes. 
It is also an affordable, energy-efficient alternative for consumers to 
choose. In FOTILE's opinion, we feel there is no basis to delay this 
innovative product from entering the marketplace.

V. Conclusion

    FOTILE respectfully requests that DOE grant its Petition for Waiver 
of the applicable test procedure and grant its Petition for Interim 
Waiver for the specified models.
    FOTILE also submits its test report according to the alternate test 
procedure included in the attachment.
    Thank you for your timely attention on reviewing this application 
of petition for Waiver and for Interim Waiver.

    Respectfully submitted,

    /s/

Guoqing Hu,
Director of Product Department.
Ningbo FOTILE Kitchen Ware Co. Ltd
No.218 Binhai 2nd Road, Hangzhou Bay New District, Ningbo, 
China(315336)

[FR Doc. 2020-28497 Filed 2-5-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P


</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>