The Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ) has revamped its Energy Efficiency Testing and Labelling Programme, which requires importers, distributors and retailers of refrigerators and freezers to submit these items for energy efficiency tests by the BSJ laboratories or other accredited laboratories. The programme has been revamped as a direct result of the improved testing facilities, completed under a World Bank-funded project. The programme has also been broadened to include room air conditioners. As Jamaica’s climatic condition and power supply differ from the testing labs oversees, the information on the energy efficiency labels that normally accompanies these appliances would not be relevant to the Jamaican market.

An integral part of this initiative will be a program to label appliances available for sale in Jamaica with information about their energy efficiency and cost of operation. The main objective of the Program is to promote energy efficient appliances, thus influencing consumers’ purchase decisions for household appliances.

Please note that applicants may opt to submit a test report for a sample from a 3rd party laboratory. The test report must satisfy the BSJ and NCRA conditions. The BSJ and NCRA shall evaluate the 3rd party report and once approved, the applicant shall pay the associated fees and EE labels issued. You can start the Energy Efficiency Labelling Programme Registration here.

The Energy Efficiency Lab at the Bureau, under the World Bank Project, was recently upgraded. This includes:

• Upgrading the existing six test station test chamber for refrigerators and freezer.

• Acquiring an additional test chamber with 10 test station for household refrigerators and freezers.

• The testing of household refrigerators and freezers will now include testing of wine coolers.

• Acquiring a test chamber for the testing of room air conditioners.

If you wish to ask more questions regarding the testing programme, please contact Mrs. Kathleen Gregory Jackson at 876-632-4275. If you have further questions regarding our labelling programme, please contact National Compliance and Regulatory Authority Inspector, Tanisha Mattis at 876-632-4275 or email TMattis@ncra.org.jm.

Jamaican Standards as part of the Energy Efficiency Program:

• JS178

• JS179

• JS1 Part 21