GB12021.4-2026
Maximum allowable values of the energy consumption, water consumption and grades for electric washing machines and washer-dryers
电动洗衣机和洗干一体机能效水效限定值及等级
GB 12021.4-2026 is an upcoming mandatory Chinese national standard for Maximum allowable values of the energy consumption, water consumption and grades for electric washing machines and washer-dryers. It appears in the Electronics compliance cluster with a energy efficiency focus and has an implementation date of Apr 1, 2027.
Applicability depends on product scope, certification route, competent authority notices and transition rules. Requst for the translation or verify source before using this record in a compliance decision.
Compliance overview
Scope and applicability
This standard applies to household and similar electric washing machines and washer-dryers with a rated washing capacity of ≤25.0 kg per tub and a single-phase rated voltage of ≤250 V. It covers products used by non-professionals in homes, shops, and schools. This standard is mandatory for manufacturers of applicable washing appliances entering the Chinese market. It does not apply to machines without dehydration functions, those lacking cotton fabric washing programs, or special-purpose machines for professionals.
Technical requirements
The standard establishes a 5-tier energy and water efficiency grading system, where Grade 1 represents the highest efficiency. It defines specific maximum allowable values for energy and water consumption for different product categories, including impeller, drum, and agitator washing machines, as well as mini washing machines (≤2.0 kg capacity). Products must meet the Grade 5 limits as the mandatory minimum threshold for market access. In addition to energy and water limits, the standard sets forth basic performance indicators for washing machines and washer-dryers. These include requirements for washing performance (washing ratio), rinsing performance, spin-drying performance (moisture content), and program duration. For washer-dryers, specific requirements for the final moisture content after the standard wash-dry program are also specified. The standard introduces definitions for standard washing programs and standard wash-dry combined programs, which are used as the baseline for all efficiency and performance evaluations. Manufacturers must clearly declare these programs in the user manual. Deviations between measured values and declared values for energy consumption, water consumption, and performance metrics must not exceed the specified tolerances.
Testing methods
Testing must be conducted under strictly controlled environmental conditions, including specific temperature, humidity, water pressure, and water hardness levels. The standard outlines procedures for evaluating washing performance using carbon black standard soiled cloths and reference washing machines. Rinsing performance is measured using standard rinse swatches and UV-visible spectrophotometry to determine residual detergent concentration. Energy and water consumption are measured concurrently during the standard program cycles, with specific calculation methods for full and half-load conditions.
FAQs
What products are regulated under GB 12021.4-2026?
It regulates household electric washing machines and washer-dryers with a rated washing capacity of ≤25.0 kg per tub and rated voltage ≤250 V, including mini washing machines and multi-tub products.
Are there any updates from the previous version of GB 12021.4?
Yes, the 2026 version replaces the 2013 edition. Key changes include the addition of washer-dryers in the scope, updated energy/water efficiency grades, new performance indicators for multi-tub products, and revised testing methods.
How does GB 12021.4-2026 differ from international standards?
While it shares similarities with IEC 60456:2024 regarding testing principles, GB 12021.4-2026 establishes specific mandatory energy and water efficiency tiers (Grades 1-5) and minimum allowable limits tailored for the Chinese market compliance.
The summary above provides a high-level overview of GB 12021.4-2026. To ensure complete compliance for your products entering the Chinese market, a precise and professional translation of the full technical specifications is essential. Purchase our high-quality English translation of GB 12021.4-2026 today to access all detailed parameters, tables, and testing procedures.
Applicability hints
- Type
- Management
- CCS
- F01
- ICS
- 27.010
- Competent department
- Standardization Administration of China
- Technical committee
- National Technical Committee on Energy Fundamentals and Management of Standardization Administration of China
Relationships
Replaces:GB 12021.4-2013 (Current)