Manama: The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has announced the upcoming mandatory implementation of the National Technical Regulation for Energy Efficiency of Lighting Products, which is set to take effect on March 15, in accordance with Decision (25) of 2024. The ministry has urged economic operators to comply with the regulation’s requirements when importing and trading lighting products in the local market.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Shaikh Hamad bin Salman Al Khalifa, Assistant Undersecretary for Domestic and Foreign Trade at the ministry, emphasized that adopting the regulation aligns with national efforts to reduce energy consumption. This initiative supports the Government Plan (2023-2026) aimed at lowering carbon emissions across various sectors. The regulation also seeks to enhance energy efficiency in multiple products, raise awareness, reduce waste, and ease pressure on natural resources. Shaikh Hamad highlighted that the decision will significantly contribute to lowering electricity consumption, improving the quality of lighting products in the local market, and reducing overall costs for consumers.
Shaikh Hamad bin Salman explained that the conformity assessment procedures for lighting products will be conducted through the electronic platform for Bahraini energy efficiency cards. Compliance procedures and requirements are divided into two parts: those under the responsibility of manufacturers and accredited entities, and those under the responsibility of importers.
Manufacturers are required to apply for the electronic platform for Bahraini energy efficiency cards, obtain a product registration certificate, and issue an energy efficiency card for the product after submitting all necessary documentation proving compliance with technical standards. Accredited entities will review and approve these documents before issuing the certificate and energy efficiency card through the electronic platform.
Shaikh Hamad underscored that before importing any product, importers must ensure it meets all regulatory requirements by verifying the existence of a valid product registration certificate and affixing the energy efficiency card to the product at the source.
Starting March 15, customs authorities in Bahrain will not release imported lighting products unless they comply with the regulation’s requirements, as stipulated in the decision. These requirements were previously communicated through the World Trade Organisation platform, and economic operators were granted a full year to ensure compliance.
Shaikh Hamad urged all economic operators to adhere to the regulation as its mandatory implementation begins. He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to adopting technical regulations that enhance energy efficiency and ensure effective energy consumption management.