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Canada Energy Efficiency Regulations (EER)

Canada Energy Efficiency Regulations (EER): Canada’s Energy Efficiency Regulations set minimum energy performance standards and labelling requirements

Maílis Carrilho
Written by Maílis Carrilho
Updated on December 15th, 2025

Summary

Canada’s Energy Efficiency Regulations establish mandatory minimum energy performance standards, reporting, and labelling requirements for a wide range of energy-using products sold or imported into Canada. The Regulations apply primarily to manufacturers and importers and are enforced before products can be placed on the Canadian market. Standards are product-specific and are updated periodically through regulatory amendments to reflect technological progress and international benchmarks. Compliance requires pre-market testing, submission of energy efficiency reports, and retention of supporting documentation. Non-compliant products cannot be legally traded in Canada and may be subject to enforcement actions. The Regulations play a central role in reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from buildings, appliances, and industrial equipment.

Details

Jurisdictions
  • Greece
Exemptions

Compliance is mandatory for all regulated product categories listed in the Regulations.

Criteria:

Reporting and labelling obligations apply prior to market entry.

Products that do not meet prescribed standards cannot be legally sold in Canada.

Exceptions:

Certain specialized, custom-built, or low-volume products may be excluded or subject to alternative requirements.

Products intended solely for export are generally excluded from Canadian performance standards.

Transitional provisions may apply when standards are updated.

Deep dive

2 min read
Updated Dec 15, 2025

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What’s Required

Manufacturers and importers of regulated products must:

  • Ensure products meet minimum energy performance standards before import or interprovincial trade.

  • File energy efficiency reports for regulated products.

  • Apply required energy efficiency labels where applicable.

  • Maintain technical documentation and test results demonstrating compliance.

Important Deadlines

  • June 28, 2017: The federal Energy Efficiency Regulations, 2016 came into force, replacing the earlier regime and establishing modern minimum energy performance standards for a broad range of products.

  • June 22, 2024: Pre-publication of Amendment 18 to the Energy Efficiency Regulations occurred in the Canada Gazette, Part I, triggering stakeholder comment periods on updated requirements.

  • March 20, 2025: SOR/2025-110 (Amendment 18) was published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, indicating formal amendment changes to product categories and efficiency requirements.

  • By 2025/2026: New or amended energy efficiency standards introduced under Amendment 18 begin to apply as prescribed by product-specific compliance dates in the regulation text (including updated testing and certification requirements).

  • Ongoing/continuous: Manufacturers, importers, and distributors must ensure pre-market compliance with applicable standards and labelling requirements before placing regulated products on the Canadian market.

Current Status

  • The Energy Efficiency Regulations are in force and regularly updated to add products or tighten standards.

  • The framework aligns Canadian product standards with international efficiency benchmarks where appropriate.

  • Enforcement and compliance activities are ongoing.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

  • Non-compliance can result in administrative penalties, product removal from the market, and fines.

  • Repeated or serious violations may trigger escalated enforcement actions.

Examples of Known Violations

  • An importer of commercial refrigeration equipment must submit an energy efficiency report and ensure the product meets the current efficiency threshold.

  • A manufacturer introducing a new lighting product must test and label it according to prescribed standards before sale.

Resources


Maílis Carrilho
Added by:
Maílis Carrilho
Sustainability Research Analyst
Maílis Carrilho is a Sustainability Research Analyst (Intern) at Net Zero Compare, contributing research and analysis on climate tech, carbon policies, and sustainable solutions. She supports the team in developing fact-based content and insights to help companies and readers navigate the evolving sustainability landscape.
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Added on Dec 17, 2025 by Maílis Carrilho · Updated on Dec 15, 2025