1️⃣ Introduction
The INMETRO Energy Efficiency Certification is a mandatory requirement for many high-energy-consumption products in Brazil.
Regulated by the National Institute of Metrology, Standardization, and Industrial Quality (INMETRO), this certification ensures that all listed products meet minimum efficiency and safety standards before entering the Brazilian market.
This article summarizes the main certification schemes, product categories, applicable standards, and 2025 updates, helping manufacturers and exporters fully understand this critical compliance requirement.
| Aspect | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Supervising Authority | INMETRO (National Institute of Metrology, Standardization, and Industrial Quality) |
| Certification Nature | Mandatory Certification — required before product import or sale in Brazil |
| Certificate Issuer | INMETRO directly issues the Energy Efficiency Certificate |
| Certificate Validity | Typically 5 years (e.g., for appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators) |
| Annual Surveillance | Required — includes annual audits and market sampling to ensure continuous compliance |
2️⃣ 1. Household Appliances
Products like air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines are included in INMETRO’s mandatory list.
Example Standard: ABNT NBR 5858 – Energy efficiency of household refrigerators and freezers.
3️⃣ 2. Lighting Products
Includes LED lamps, ballasts, and other lighting devices.
Example Standard: ABNT NBR ISO/CIE 19718 – Performance of LED lighting sources.
4️⃣ 3. Fans & Air Circulation Devices
Desktop, wall-mounted, and ceiling fans must comply with efficiency limits defined in specific ordinances.
5️⃣ 4. Office & IT Equipment
Some IT and office products, such as monitors and printers, may fall under efficiency regulations, especially for government procurement.
Note: All products must display the official INMETRO Energy Efficiency Label (PBE) after approval.
6️⃣ Energy Label (PBE)
After testing and certification, each product must carry the INMETRO Energy Efficiency Label, which includes:
Efficiency Grade (A–G)
Energy Consumption (kWh/year)
Model Number & Brand Name
INMETRO Registration Number
7️⃣ Label Affixing Rules
Must be permanently attached to the product.
Made from durable, moisture-resistant, and wear-resistant materials.
Label must remain readable during normal product use.
Placement Tip: Typically on the front or top surface of the product for maximum visibility.
8️⃣ Step 1: Confirm Product Listing
Check the latest mandatory product list (Portaria) issued by INMETRO to determine whether your product is subject to certification.
9️⃣ Step 2: Select a Certification Body (OCP)
Submit your application to an INMETRO-accredited Certification Body (Organismo de Certificação de Produto).
These OCPs are authorized to evaluate compliance and issue the certificate on behalf of INMETRO.
Tip: Choosing an experienced OCP with sector-specific knowledge can help shorten your approval time.
Step 3: Prepare Technical Documentation
Prepare a complete Technical File, typically including:
Product Technical Specification Sheet
Circuit Diagrams
List of Critical Components
Portuguese-language User Manual
Energy Efficiency Test Report
The documentation must be in Portuguese, as per INMETRO’s administrative requirements.
1️⃣1️⃣ Step 4: Product Testing
Samples must undergo energy efficiency testing at locally accredited laboratories in Brazil.
Tests follow ABNT NBR (Brazilian National Standards), which are often based on international ISO/IEC standards but include local adaptations.
Important: Only test reports from INMETRO-accredited laboratories are accepted for certification.
1️⃣2️⃣ Step 5: Label Registration & Certificate Issuance
Once testing and documentation review are completed:
INMETRO issues the Energy Efficiency Certificate.
Product is officially registered in the INMETRO database.
The PBE Energy Label is authorized for use on the product.
1️⃣3️⃣ Local Representative Requirement
Foreign manufacturers must apply through a Brazilian importer or authorized local representative, who will act as the legal entity responsible for certification and market surveillance.
1️⃣4️⃣ Ongoing Regulatory Developments (2025)
INMETRO regularly updates its ordinances and technical regulations. As of November 2025:
Refrigerators:
Ordinance No. 223/2025 (April 2025) updated energy efficiency standards for models with ice makers and door-mounted water dispensers.
Fans:
Public Consultation No. 16/2025 proposed revisions for conformity assessment of table, wall, and ceiling fans — currently under review.
Air Conditioners:
Public Consultation No. 10/2025 (April 2025) introduced changes to the conformity assessment process for split and window-type AC units.
Recommendation: Always verify the latest updates on the official INMETRO website or with your certification consultant before applying.
1️⃣5️⃣ Validity:
Most INMETRO Energy Efficiency Certificates are valid for 5 years.
1️⃣6️⃣ Annual Surveillance:
Certified companies must pass annual factory audits and market sampling tests to maintain validity.
Failure to comply can result in certificate suspension or cancellation.
Q1: Is INMETRO certification mandatory for all products?
A1: No, only products listed in INMETRO’s mandatory ordinances (Portarias) require certification.
Q2: How long does the certification process take?
A2: On average, 3–6 months, depending on testing time, document completeness, and product type.
Q3: Can foreign companies apply without a Brazilian office?
A3: No. You must appoint a Brazilian local representative or importer as the legal applicant.
Q4: How often must surveillance be conducted?
A4: Annually. INMETRO requires one surveillance audit and possible market sample testing each year.
Q5: What is the difference between the INMETRO mark and the PBE label?
A5: The INMETRO mark confirms conformity assessment, while the PBE label shows energy efficiency grade (A–G) for consumers.
BLUEASIA Certification Consulting Services
Email: king.guo@cblueasia.com
Tel: +86 13534225140
BLUEASIA provides end-to-end INMETRO certification consulting, from product classification, testing coordination, documentation review, to label registration — helping manufacturers achieve faster market entry into Brazil.
Stay compliant, stay competitive with BLUEASIA.
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