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DisclaimerThe information in this document is provided as guidance only. This document has been developed to help registrants of computers to better understand their responsibilities under the legislative frameworks in Australia and New Zealand. For registrants of products in Australia, this document should be read in conjunction with Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) Act 2012 (GEMS Act) and the supporting Regulations and Instruments. For registrants in New Zealand, this document should be read in conjunction with the Energy Efficiency (Energy Using Products) Regulations 2002. Changes to legislation may affect the information in this document. Ultimately, persons are responsible for determining their obligations under the law, and for applying the law to their individual circumstances. This document does not constitute legal advice and is not a substitute for independent professional advice.IntroductionFrom 1 October 2013, all computers manufactured in or imported into Australia and New Zealand are subject to Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS).In Australia, regulatory requirements for computers are set under the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (Computers) Determination 2013 (Determination). The Determination specifies what products are and are not covered, and incorporates requirements for Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS), and testing by reference from the relevant Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 5813.2 In New Zealand, computers must comply with the requirements of the Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 5813.2. Test requirements are set out in the Australia/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 5813.1.The current standards are available from the SAI Global website () under license from Standards Australia or from the Standards New Zealand website (standards.co.nz).What is a deemed-to-comply computer?A computer is a deemed-to-comply computer if no more than 200 computers of the same model have been or will be supplied in the year following the date of first supply of the model, and each year afterwards. For example, a computer first supplied on 3 March 2014 will be a deemed-to-comply computer if no more than 200 will be supplied in the period to 2 March 2015, and any subsequent years ending on 2 March. The MEPS and other requirements for deemed-to-comply computers are described below.What types of computer are covered?Any type of computer covered by the Determination can be a deemed-to-comply computer. The types of computers that are covered are:notebook and tablet computers;desktop computers;integrated desktop computers; andsmall-scale servers, which are designed to be connected to 230/240V mains voltage either by a direct connection, by a permanently connected external power supply, or an external power supply that can be disconnected from the computer.MEPS requirements for deemed-to-comply computersThe energy use requirements for a deemed-to-comply computer are the requirements set out in clause 4.4 of AS/NZS 5813.2:2012, which covers the minimum efficiency requirements for the power supply.A deemed-to-comply computer will be exempt from the typical energy consumption (TEC) requirements set out in AS/NZS 5813.2 (that would otherwise apply) if it uses a high efficiency power supply. An internal power supply (IPS) with performance equivalent to 80Plus Silver or higher, or an external power supply (EPS) meeting the requirements of energy performance Mark V or higher, would meet the requirements for a high efficiency power supply. The relevant Australian/New Zealand Standards for IPS and EPS are:AS/NZS 5814.1 sets out Method of Measurement for IPSAS/NZS 4665.1 sets out Test method and energy performance mark for EPSTEC requirements will apply if 80Plus Bronze IPS or EPS Mark IV or lower power supplies are used.Conducting tests The requirements for conducting tests for deemed-to-comply computers relate to the efficiency of the power supply. They are:(a) for products with a direct connection to mains power—the requirements mentioned in sections 2 (General Conditions for Measurement), 3 (Loading Criteria for Testing Efficiency) and 4 (Measurement Approach) of AS/NZS 5814.1:2012; and(b) for products powered by an external power supply—the requirements mentioned in subsections 6(2) to 6(4) of the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (External Power Supplies) Determination 2012.In general, if a certified 80Plus Silver or better IPS or an EPS carrying an energy performance mark of Mark V or better is used, the supplier will not need to test a deemed-to-comply computer model. However, if an IPS that is not 80Plus certified or an EPS that does not carry an energy performance mark is used, test results that demonstrate the efficiency of the power supply will need to be provided. LabellingAs for computers generally, there are no labelling requirements for deemed-to-comply computers.Other requirementsDeemed-to-comply computers must comply with all other requirements specified in the Determination.With the exception of small-scale servers, all computers must be shipped with power management (PM) enabled so that the default time to sleep after user inactivity is set at 30 minutes or less. PM monitor sleep time for all computers must be set to 15 minutes or less.RegistrationIn Australia and New Zealand, suppliers or manufacturers of computers must register their product models via the Energy Rating website – .au. This obligation commences from 1 October 2013. However for deemed-to-comply computers a simplified registration process is being developed and will be available on the website from 1 December 2013. This simplified registration process will require registrants of deemed-to-comply computer models to provide basic identifying information for the models and confirm that that they will comply with the deemed-to-comply provisions. Until the simplified process is available the registration of deemed-to-comply computers will not be enforced.No registration fee is payable on deemed-to-comply computer models. Instructions on the use of the on-line registration system are available at: .au/resources/program-publications/?viewPublicationID=2139Computers that do not meet the deemed-to-comply MEPS requirements, or the sales of which exceed 200 units in a year, will be subject to the standard computer MEPS and registration requirements.EnforcementThe E3 Compliance Program incorporates a range of compliance activities including the national check-testing program and retail surveillance. Check-testing aims to ensure the compliance of products with energy efficiency regulations and provides the community and other stakeholders with information that demonstrates that the overall efficiency goals of the program are being met and that those suppliers not meeting their responsibilities are identified and sanctioned. Regular check testing is undertaken on a range of domestic and commercial product types and will include computers. Retail surveillance will ensure that computers being offered for sale are registered in accordance with regulatory requirements.Under section 56 of the GEMS Act, the GEMS Regulator may periodically require the provision of information on the number of units of a registered model supplied in a given year. This will allow the GEMS Regulator to verify that registrants are complying with the deemed-to-comply requirements.For information on the E3 compliance program and results of previous check-testing and surveillance activity see: .au/programs/e3-program/compliance.For more detailed information go to:Submitting an application:.au/programs/e3-program/energy-rating-labelling/submit/On-line registration instructions:.au/resources/program-publications/?viewPublicationID=2139The standards are available from SAI Global or Standards New Zealand:standards.co.nzPurchase IEC Standards:The Determination:.au/legislation-for-e3-under-gems ................
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