The S&L Program is one of the major thrust areas of BEE. The Program was launched in 2006, by Ministry of Power. The key objective of this program is to provide the consumer an informed choice about the energy savings and thereby cost saving potential of the relevant star rated appliance/equipment. This Program entails laying down minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for appliance / equipment, rating the energy performance on a scale of 1 to 5, 5 star being the most energy efficient one.

At present, 30 equipment/appliances are covered under the Standard & Labeling scheme out of which 11 are in mandatory phase and 19 in voluntary phase.

In order to check the compliance of the labeling, the Bureau periodically carries check testing of the appliances.

Check Testing activity is one of the activities conducted for ensuring compliance by following the process as stated below:

• Bureau (or its designated agency) carries out check testing of products to ensure that product models meet the performance claims on the label.

• Check testing of labeled products are conducted in third party NABL accredited laboratories.

• Failures invite action being taken as per the provisions of relevant regulations including publication of details of failed product in print media/newspapers.

• The Check testing process is as follows:

  • Bureau (or its designated agency) randomly selects a model for first check testing.

  • The selected model undergoes check testing to check for compliance with the performance claims.

  • If the sample model fails in its performance claims, then the sample model is regarded as Failed in First Check Testing.

  • Bureau (or its designated agency) then conducts Second Check Testing for which it buys twice the quantity of samples for the same model.

  • On completion of second check testing, Bureau (or its designated agency) reviews the test reports.

  • In case any one or both samples collected for second check test fails, Bureau (or its designated Agency) shall proceed with the following actions:

• Direct the permittee to-

- Withdraw all the stocks from the market to comply with the directions of the Bureau; and

- Change the particulars displayed on advertising material.

- Correct the star level displayed on the label of the appliance/equipment or remove the defects and deficiencies found during testing from the existing and new stock;

• publish, for the benefit of the consumers, the name of the permittee, brand name, model name or model number, logo and other specification in any national or regional daily newspaper and in any electronic or in any other manner as it deems fit;

(For detailed information, please download DISHA manual from beestarlabel.com)