Cars must have energy labels?

The Ministry of Transport is seeking comments on a draft circular regulating the inspection, certification and energy labeling of passenger cars with seven seats or less.

Accordingly, cars with 7 seats or less that are manufactured, assembled and imported will have to have energy labels to show the contents related to fuel consumption of the vehicle model that have been inspected and certified by the quality management agency.

Labeling to protect consumers?

Mr. Nguyen Huu Tri - Deputy Director of the Vietnam Register - said that the basis for building the circular is based on the Law on Economical and Effective Use of Energy and the Decree guiding the implementation of this law. In addition, the Prime Minister's decision on the list of vehicles and equipment that must have energy labels, apply minimum energy efficiency and implementation roadmap. This includes the regulation that passenger cars (seven-seaters or less) must have energy labels from January 1, 2015.

When asked whether the above energy labeling is necessary when car manufacturers have recorded the energy consumption according to the kilometers of operation in each terrain, Mr. Tri said: "The purpose of labeling is to protect consumers, to avoid businesses, manufacturers, and importers from announcing the fuel consumption of cars that is not true to reality. When implementing this regulation, car buyers have a basis to refer to and compare the fuel consumption of different types of cars and manufacturers."

Mr. Tri also added that the energy label does not necessarily need to be affixed to the front windshield like the inspection label or the road maintenance fee certification label, thereby obstructing the view and reducing the aesthetics of the vehicle as some people worry. “The energy label is affixed to the vehicle before it is put on the market for consumption with the purpose of confirming the fuel consumption level for that type of vehicle. This label does not serve to control the vehicle when it is on the road,” said Mr. Tri.

According to Mr. Tri, the drafting team of the decree has accepted the opinions that it is not necessary to put the label on the windshield. The energy label must be maintained on the car at least before it is sold, so there is no need to worry that cars in circulation will have a third label.

No vehicle labeling in circulation

Regarding vehicles that must have energy labels, Mr. Tri said that it only applies to vehicles with seven seats or less that are imported, newly manufactured and assembled, and carried out by import and manufacturing enterprises under the inspection and supervision of state management agencies. Energy labels do not apply to vehicles that are already in circulation. Regarding the roadmap for applying labels, there will be regulations so that enterprises and management agencies can implement them.

According to the draft circular, the fuel consumption announced by automobiles before sale will be the declared value of automobile manufacturers and importers if the test results of specialized testing agencies are not greater than 4% compared to the declared value. In case it is greater than 4%, the fuel consumption measured by the testing facility will be used.

It is expected that from January 1, 2015, this regulation will take effect for imported vehicles; for manufactured and assembled vehicles, it will apply from January 1, 2015 for new models; for vehicle models that have been granted technical safety and environmental protection certificates before January 1, 2015, energy labels will apply from January 1, 2016.

Talking to us, Mr. Chu Manh Hung - Director of the Department of Environment of the Ministry of Transport - said that the above regulation on energy labeling is meaningful for automobile manufacturers and assemblers. Vehicles that meet the criteria of low fuel consumption efficiency below the prescribed threshold will be labeled to advise consumers so that they have a basis to choose the right vehicle for themselves. For vehicles that have been certified for fuel consumption by foreign quality management and inspection agencies, Vietnam will recognize them according to the certification of the above agencies. As for domestically assembled and manufactured vehicles, they must be tested before being issued a label.

“The first energy label is to give buyers the right to choose a vehicle with a fuel consumption level that is suitable for them, certified by the competent authority. This has been done abroad for a long time, even vehicles with exhaust filters are also given a warning label. As for vehicles in circulation that do not meet emission requirements, other technical barriers will be prevented, such as through periodic inspections,” said Mr. Hung.

According to baocongthuong