New MEPS for Washing Machines to avoid 139 million tons of CO2 emissions by 2040 in China

In March 2026, China issued new Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for household electric washing machines and washer-dryers (GB 12021.4-2026), which will take effect on April 1, 2027.

The scope of the new MEPS expands from washing machines with a capacity of up to 13 kg to those up to 25 kg. Washer-dryers, accounting for about 20% of offline washing machine sales in 2025, are also newly included. Drawing on the experience of EU washing machine standards, the new MEPS introduces requirements on program duration and detergent residue.

The minimum energy performance requirements are raised by about 20%, and requirements for tier 1 products are raised by about 27%. The new standard is projected to cumulatively avoid 139 million tons of CO2 emissions by 2040. Once implemented, the new MEPS are expected to phase out 20% of the least efficient products from the market.

CLASP contributed to this outcome by sharing lessons from working on the EU washing machine standard, analyzing EPREL-registered washing machine data, and providing Chinese market analysis and recommendations to support the MEPS revision.

Official link: https://openstd.samr.gov.cn/bzgk/std/newGbInfo?hcno=4804719D7D206D7538788BE44F54DC6