Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and Energy Efficiency

Natural Resources Canada defines required energy efficiency levels that all products in specific product categories must meet in order to be imported into Canada.  In October 2009, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) announced that they would be changing some of the energy efficiency testing requirements for the following product categories:

• Clothes washers
• Clothes dryers
• Combined washers and dryers
• Dishwashers
• Stoves
• Air Conditioners
• Heat Pumps
• Boilers
• Dehumidifiers
• Gas Fireplaces
• Furnaces
• Heaters
• Ice makers
• Refrigerators and freezers
• Vending machines
• Water heaters
• Wine Chillers
• Compact Fluorescent Lamps
• Exit Signs
• Fluorescent lamps
• Incandescent lamps
• Luminaries and torchieres
• Traffic signals and pedestrian lights
• Transformers
• External power supplies
• Ceiling fan lighting (pending)

May 1, 2011, new mandatory standby power performance standards will be in effect for compact audio products, televisions and video products sold in Canada. External power supply requirement changes went into effect on July 1, 2010 with verification mark and reporting requirements effective May 1,2011.

Manufacturers will be required to secure third-party validation of energy performance from an accredited certification body approved by the Standards Council of Canada to access the Canadian market. Products will demonstrate they have met these requirements by bearing an Energy Efficiency Verification mark.

How UL Can Help

The Standard Council of Canada (SCC) has accredited Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and its affiliates to test products for compliance with NRCan Requirements.  UL offers the Energy Efficiency Certification program to test and certify products for their compliance to these and other energy efficiency requirements. 

UL offers the Energy Verified Mark to those customers who complete the energy efficiency certification program.

Products who comply with International ENERGY STAR® will exceed Canadian requirements in most cases. 

For more information, please contact us via email at EEC@us.ul.com and a representative will contact you.