New national policies and regulations for refrigerators in 2025

In 2025, the national policies regarding commercial refrigerators and refrigeration equipment focus on energy efficiency upgrades, refrigerant control, and green manufacturing. In line with the development needs of cold chain logistics, the following specific requirements are proposed:

1. Comprehensive upgrade of energy efficiency standards

1.1 Mandatory update of energy efficiency labels

(1) Implementation date: Starting from February 1, 2025, commercial refrigerators with built-in condensing units must comply with the new energy efficiency label implementation rules.

(2) Energy efficiency indicators: The energy efficiency grade requirements should be significantly enhanced, for example:

a. Specific energy consumption (SEC): The threshold for Class A energy efficiency is ≤ 0.85 kWh/(m³·24h) (refer to the international standard ISO 23953-2:2015).

b. Refrigeration coefficient (COP): The first-class energy efficiency index should be ≥ 3.2, an increase of approximately 15%-20% compared to the old standard.

(3) Transition period arrangement: Products produced before February 1, 2025, can be delayed until February 1, 2027, to be affixed with the new labels.

1.2 Alignment of energy efficiency standards with international standards

(1) The energy efficiency limits for commercial refrigerators need to meet or exceed the requirements of developed countries, such as the EU ErP directive (energy efficiency index ≤ 35) and the US ENERGY STAR standard (daily power consumption is reduced by more than 40% compared to the benchmark).

(2) Enterprises need to pay attention to the energy efficiency differences in export markets, such as the requirement of the Eurasian Economic Union that the energy efficiency index of commercial refrigerators should be ≤ 35 (Tier 2 standard), and they need to obtain TR CU 048/2019 certification.

2. Strict control of refrigerant usage

1.1 Acceleration of HCFCs elimination

(1) Target for 2025: The use of HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons, such as R22) in the commercial refrigeration and air conditioning industry should be reduced by 67.5% compared to the baseline value. Commercial refrigerators using HCFCs should be gradually phased out.

(2) Ban implementation schedule: From January 1, 2030, the production of commercial refrigerators using HCFCs as refrigerants should be completely banned.

2.1 Phased reduction of HFCs

(1) Limitation in 2029: For new commercial refrigerators with rated cooling capacity ≤ 12kW, the filling of refrigerants with GWP values > 750 (hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants, such as R404A, R134A) is prohibited; other refrigeration equipment is prohibited from filling refrigerants with GWP values > 2500 (except for equipment with an evaporation temperature below -50°C).

(2) Alternative direction: Priority should be given to using natural substances (such as CO₂, ammonia, propane) or low-GWP synthetic refrigerants (such as R32, R454B). For example, the EU has banned refrigerants with GWP ≥ 150 since January 1, 2025, and domestic policies are following the trend significantly.

3. Maintenance and recycling management

(1) Record filing by maintenance units: The repair of refrigerators containing controlled substances should be filed with the environmental protection department, and a purchase and usage ledger of refrigerants should be established, prohibiting the direct discharge of old refrigerants.

(2) Promotion of pilot recycling: Pilot recycling of commercial refrigerators is carried out in places like Yueyang Miluo, achieving resource recycling through repair and remanufacturing (extension of lifespan by 3 years) and dismantling (metal recovery rate > 95%).

3. Green manufacturing and product standards

1.1 Mandatory implementation of green product evaluation

(1) Standard basis: Starting from July 1, 2025, commercial refrigerators must comply with "GB/T 45176-2024 Green Product Evaluation - Commercial Refrigeration Appliances", covering the following requirements:

a. Resource attributes: The thickness of the shell material should be ≥ 0.45mm (stainless steel or corrosion-resistant materials), with a recyclability rate of ≥ 85%.

b. Environmental attributes: The GWP value of the refrigerant should be ≤ 750, the use of HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons) for refrigerants is prohibited, and the noise should be ≤ 50dB (A).

c. Energy attributes: The energy efficiency grade should reach level 2 or above, and the daily average power consumption should be reduced by more than 20% compared to the old standard. (2) Certification process: Enterprises need to undergo third-party certification and obtain the green product logo before they can be included in the government procurement directory.

2. Environmental upgrade of cold chain equipment

(1) Hygiene requirements: Commercial refrigerators must comply with the "GB/T 31603 General Principles for Migration Tests of Food Contact Materials and Products", the inner liner is made of seamless welded stainless steel with a surface roughness Ra ≤ 0.8 μm to prevent microbial growth.

(2) Intelligent control: Encouraging the configuration of IoT modules to achieve temperature fluctuations ≤ 0.5℃, remote monitoring and energy consumption data analysis, meeting the "precise temperature control" requirements of cold chain logistics.

IV. Policy support for cold chain logistics

1. Equipment purchase subsidy

(1) Local pilot projects: Wuhan Economic and Technological Development Zone provides a maximum 50% subsidy for cold chain facility construction (single project ≤ 1 million yuan), Shenzhen City fully subsidizes the purchase of cold chain equipment and provides loan interest subsidies (70% of LPR).

(2) Scope of application: Commercial refrigerators, refrigerated trucks, cold storage facilities, etc. are all included in the subsidy scope. Enterprises can apply through the local agricultural and rural affairs bureau.

2. Standardization of cold chain services

(1) Full temperature control requirements: Fresh cold chain needs to maintain -20℃ to 4℃, the refrigerator needs to have independent control functions for multiple temperature zones (such as -25℃ for freezing, 0-4℃ for refrigeration, -2-2℃ for chilled meat), meeting the needs of specific scenarios such as pre-prepared food and dairy products.

(2) Digital traceability: The refrigerator needs to be connected to the local cold chain supervision platform, uploading temperature and location data in real time, meeting the "agricultural product storage and preservation cold chain construction standards".

V. International compliance and export regulations

1. Domestic conversion of international conventions

(1) "Montreal Protocol": By 2025, the baseline value of HCFCs needs to be reduced by 67.5%, and by 2029, the reduction of HFCs (containing chlorofluorocarbon refrigerants) (10% of the baseline value) needs to be initiated. Enterprises need to make early preparations for alternative technologies.

(2) "Kigali Amendment": Cold chain equipment exported to the EU and the US needs to comply with local refrigerant bans (such as the ban on R404A), it is recommended to use R290 (GWP = 3) or the CO2 system, and at the same time meet the explosion-proof design requirements.

2. Export certification requirements

(1) Energy efficiency certification: Export to the EU needs to pass the ErP certification, to the US, it needs to comply with the ENERGY STAR standard, and to the Eurasian Economic Union, it needs to pass the TR CU 048/2019 certification.

(2) Environmental labels: The equipment needs to indicate the refrigerant GWP value, the filling quantity, and the "prohibition for new equipment" warning, meeting the EU F-Gas regulations.

VI. Compliance suggestions and industry trends

1. Technical substitution paths

(1) Short-term (2025-2028): Gradually phase out HCFCs, prioritize the use of low GWP refrigerants such as R32, R454B, and simultaneously develop CO₂ transcritical cycle technology.

(2) Long-term (after 2029): Fully switch to natural working fluids such as R290 (propane) or CO₂, especially suitable for low-temperature cold chain scenarios.

2. Supply chain management

(1) Material selection: Use recyclable stainless steel (≥ 0.45mm), and environmentally friendly foaming agents (cyclopentane), reducing the carbon footprint throughout the product's life cycle.

(2) Maintenance network: Establish a nationwide refrigerant recycling network, cooperate with third parties to achieve closed-loop processing of old equipment, avoiding illegal emissions.

3. Utilization of policy benefits

(1) Apply for green product certification: Certified enterprises can enjoy preferential policies such as priority in government procurement, tax reduction, etc. For example, Qingdao Haier commercial refrigerators has passed the GB/T 45176-2024 certification.

(2) Application for cold chain subsidy: Pay attention to the subsidy policies issued by local agricultural and rural affairs bureaus, such as Wuhan and Shenzhen, where the subsidy for cold chain equipment purchase is up to 50%. Summary

In 2025, the commercial refrigeration cabinet industry will face three challenges: mandatory energy efficiency upgrades, accelerated refrigerant substitution, and compliance with green manufacturing regulations. However, opportunities can also be seized through technological innovation, policy submissions, and expansion into international markets. Companies should focus on updating energy efficiency labels, the timetable for refrigerant elimination, and the requirements for green product certification. They should also plan their technical routes in advance to adapt to changes in policy directions and market demands.