Clothes washers

The New Zealand Energy Efficiency (Energy Using Products) Regulations 2002 are being amended. An exact enforcement date cannot be provided at this time, as the process of amending the regulations depends on several regulatory processes and legal requirements. There will be a minimum of 6 months' notice provided via the Gazette before the regulations come into force.

The amendment is to align the New Zealand requirements with the Australian Government's Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (Clothes Washing Machines) Determination 2015(external link). The current differences between the New Zealand and Australian requirements are minor.

We will be in contact with any companies that are affected by the change.

If you have any questions about the regulations, contact us at star@eeca.govt.nz.

MEPL covers mains electric clothes washers, intended for household and similar use (residential). This includes both horizontal (front loader) and vertical (top loader) axis single bowl machines, twin tub units and the washing function of combination washer/dryer units.

It includes both drum type and non-drum type machines (usually impeller or agitator)

MEPL does not apply to commercial clothes washers that are not sold into the residential market.

• AS/NZS 2040.1:2005 + A1 + A2 + A3: Performance of household electrical appliances—Clothes washing machines—Part 1: Methods for measuring performance, energy and water consumption.
• AS/NZS 2040.2:2005 + A1: Performance of household electrical appliances—Clothes washing machines—Part 2: Energy efficiency labelling requirements.

Combination washer/dryers must comply with the Regulation requirements for clothes dryers and clothes washing machines.

See the Regulation requirements for clothes dryers.