Checktesting Product Selection Criteria

Recommendations for appliance and equipment groups and models to be checktested are to be based on the following criteria with reference to the information sources listed under each factor noted below.

1. Group Selection - Factors for Consideration

1.1 Plan to cover all product groups

Over a two to three year period, there is a strategic plan to ensure that most major categories and types of appliances and equipment are included to ensure a broad and consistent coverage of the entire market. Source of Information: Check test annual reports.

1.2 Number and turnover of models

Regard should be given to the numbers of models and the annual turnover of new models of each appliance group. Appliance groups will be given attention in proportion to such numbers and or turnover. Source of information: Energy Labelling Register and Energy Labelling Brochures.

1.3 History of non compliance in each appliance group

Groups with a demonstrated history of high levels of non-compliance should be selected because of the likelihood of a continuation of such historical trends. Source of information: Check test data base.

2. Model Selection - Factors for Consideration

A system of weighting and prioritisation for each the following factors is in use.

2.1 History of testing of specific models

Models tested in previous years of the check test program should normally be excluded from any further testing unless specific evidence becomes available to suggest that a re-test is warranted. Source of information: Check test data base.

2.2 Age of models

Newer models should normally be given preference when considering models for check testing because of their potential to remain on the market for a longer period as compared to older models. The exception to this rule is models that have been on the market for a considerable period of time (3 years or more) without being subjected to testing. Source of information: Energy Labelling Register and Energy Labelling Brochures.

2.3 Volume of sales of models

Models with high volumes of sales should normally be given preference when considering models for check testing because of their greater potential to impact on energy usage as compared to models with low sales volumes. Source of information: Market Survey Data e.g. GFK Whitegoods survey.

2.4 Star rating of models

Models with the highest claims for energy efficiency (eg. high star ratings) should normally be given preference when considering models for check testing because of the market's higher expectations with respect to the performance of these models as compared to models with low ratings. This is an important selection criteria. Source of information: Energy Labelling Register and Energy Labelling Brochures, Galaxy award nominations.

2.5 Record of non compliance by supplier

Suppliers with a demonstrated record of check testing non-compliance should be subject to greater scrutiny in the check testing program because of the likelihood of a continuation of such historical trends. Source of information: Check test data base.

2.6 Third party referrals

Complaints as to the accuracy of express (labelling etc) or implied (MEPS) energy use/efficiency claims from third parties such as competitors, consumers, consumer groups or regulatory agencies, will be considered by the Manager, Check Testing Program. The Manager, Check Testing Program will be responsible for establishing a complaints handling mechanism that reflects best practice, and will include a 'complaints' report in the Annual Check Testing Report. Source of information: Manufacturing Competitors either directly or via Regulators, ACA, or other sources.

2.7 New market entrants

A preference will be given to the selection of products that appear as new brands on the market or from suppliers that do not have any checktesting track record. Source of information: Energy Labelling Register and Energy Labelling Brochures.

This page last modified 27 June 2007