BEE Extends Star Rating Validity for SBS and MDR Refrigerators

Introduction to the BEE Star Rating Advisory for Refrigerators

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) mainly operates the Standards & Labeling (S&L) Program in order to promote energy-efficient appliances in India. Under this program, products such as refrigerators are assigned star ratings, which are based on their energy performance, helping consumers make informed purchasing decisions.

Side-by-Side Refrigerators (SBS) and Multi Door Refrigerators (MDR) are currently covered under the voluntary star labeling regime of the BEE. Manufacturers as well as permittees of the same are required to maintain valid registrations and approved labels for their models in order to continue selling them in the Indian market.

However, the BEE has now issued a new advisory extending the validity of the existing star rating table and providing guidelines for the continuation of already approved models.

Key Changes You Should Know

1. The validity of the existing star rating table for SBS and MDR refrigerators has been extended by six months.
2. The revised validity period of the sample label will now continue till 31 December 2026.
3. Manufacturers who wish to continue their already approved models beyond 30 June 2026 must submit continuation requests on the BEE portal. Required documents for the same mainly include:
   1. Previous approval letter
   2. Revised sample label
4. Models for which continuation requests are not submitted within the specified timeline will be automatically deactivated after 30 June 2026.

What is the Date of Implementation?

• Portal Opening Date: 1 May 2026 (11:00 AM)
• Last Date for Submission: 15 June 2026 (6:00 PM)
• Existing Model Validity Extended Till: 31 December 2026
• Automatic Deactivation Date for Non-Submitted Models: 30 June 2026

Benefits of this Order for the Businesses

This extension provides important operational relief as well as flexibility for manufacturers. Here are some of the key benefits of the same:

• Additional time to continue selling existing registered refrigerator models.
• Prevents immediate disruption in the availability of the product.
• Helps businesses manage label updates as well as documentation in a smooth manner.
• Reduces the pressure of immediate model migration.
• Supports uninterrupted market presence for products that have been approved.
• Gives manufacturers better planning time for future compliance updates.

Overall, the advisory helps businesses maintain continuity while ensuring proper compliance management under the BEE program.

Now, What to Do?

Manufacturers and permittees should act within the prescribed timelines in order to avoid model deactivation. Here’s what they are expected to do:

• Review all approved SBS and MDR refrigerator models.
• Prepare the revised sample labels carefully.
• Keep previous approval letters readily available.
• Submit continuation requests on the BEE portal before 15 June 2026.
• Verify portal submissions and acknowledgment status properly.

At Brand Liaison, we assist businesses in managing BEE continuation filings with complete accuracy and timeline tracking. Our team helps manufacturers to review existing approvals, prepare updated sample labels, organize supporting documents, and coordinate portal submissions in an efficient manner, so that approved refrigerator models continue smoothly in the Indian market without interruption or deactivation risks.