Guidelines of Round-Robin Testing for Lighting Appliances in ASEAN

The implementation of mandatory Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for lighting appliances is one of the key priorities for ASEAN countries to promote energy efficiency. As stated in the Regional Policy Roadmap for MEPS for Lighting, ASEAN countries aim to implement mandatory MEPS by 2030, targeting a minimum efficacy of 80 lm/W for all non-directional Light-Emitting Diode (LED) lamps as well as linear LED and fluorescent lamps within the agreed scope.

Aligned with that roadmap, the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2016–2025, particularly the Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EE&C) Programme Area under Outcome-Based Strategy (OBS) 1, aims to harmonise energy efficiency standards and labelling for energy-related products, including lighting appliances.

To support this, Round-Robin Testing (RRT) is essential to harmonise the capabilities of testing laboratories across Southeast Asia by having multiple independent laboratories test the same lighting products using the same methods. This process is pivotal as it validates the consistency and reliability of established measurement standards and identifies issues in laboratory performance and testing methodologies.

The “Guidelines of RRT in Lighting Appliances in ASEAN” was developed to serves as a protocol for conducting the RRT in ASEAN, covering testing parameters, laboratories, equipment, procedures, data handling, and confidentiality. Adherence to the guideline ensures a rigorous, standardised approach, fostering improved accuracy and consistency across ASEAN laboratories.