Regulations for set top boxes effective 9 June

New minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for set top boxes or digital receivers have now been passed into regulation.

The MEPS covers simple set top boxes - digital recorders and MPEG4 units are not covered by the MEPS.

The introduction of this MEPS follows a comprehensive consultation process looking at ways to encourage an increase in efficiency of set top boxes.

EECA appreciates the input, cooperation and patience from industry.

The new regulations will come into effect on 9 June 2011. 

How to comply with the regulations

As an importer or a New Zealand manufacturer of set top boxes, there are some things you need to do to comply with the new regulations. For more details on complying with new regulations, visit the EECA website.

1.      Check which of your products the regulations apply to

The regulations apply to all set top boxes that are:

• specified in the Standard AS/NZS 62087.2:2008, and
• imported to, or manufactured in, New Zealand after 9 June 2011.

You can get a copy of the Standard from Standards New Zealand. There is also some more detailed information on what’s included in the scope of the Standard on the EECA website.

2.      Check that your product/s meet the MEPS requirements

Requirements for the MEPS are in the same Standard and web page as above.

3.      Register your products

Product registration is completed through the energy rating website. If you’re registering products for New Zealand only, or if your product is already registered in Australia, there is no cost.

When you register a product, make a note of its registration number – you’ll need this when it comes to providing your annual data.

4.      Provide us with data annually

Each year, EECA will send you a form asking for information on sales, imports and exports. As a manufacturer and/or importer of registered products, you’re required by law to provide this information. To make the process run smoothly:

• Set up your system with the product registration number/s. This is the number you use for reporting, so setting up your systems with this registration number next to your own product code will make it much simpler when reporting time rolls around. It´s a seven-digit code of three letters followed by four numbers (e.g. ZCD0011).
• Report back by 1 August each year. The reporting period for each year is 1 April to 31 March, and reports need to be with EECA by 1 August each year.

For more details on complying with new regulations, visit the EECA website.

Having difficulty complying in time?

If it looks like you’ll have difficulty complying with the new requirements by 9 June 2011, please contact EECA’s compliance team as soon as possible so we can work through potential issues with you.

Our preferred approach towards compliance is cooperative – that is, helping importers and New Zealand manufacturers of regulated products to understand their obligations and to meet them. Only if this doesn’t result in a satisfactory resolution would EECA look at a more direct approach.

To contact the EECA compliance team, call Eddie Thompson on 470 2243 or Mike Small on 04 495 2977. You can also email to regs@eeca.govt.nz.

Why regulate set top boxes for energy efficiency?

Improving the efficiency of set top boxes has important economic and environmental benefits. Ultimately, it means consumers end up with products that use less energy save them on running costs in the long term.

The new regulations will bring New Zealand’s energy performance standards into alignment with Australia’s (which are already in effect).

If you have any questions about the new regulations, please contact regs@eeca.govt.nz.