The model regulation guidelines provide guidance to assist Governments in developing and emerging economies that are considering a voluntary, regulatory or legislative framework for use with incentive programmes, public procurements, minimum energy performance standards, energy labels and other such market transformation interventions. They contain essential elements, including product scope, definitions, test methods, minimum efficiency levels and a set of minimum performance requirements, along with market surveillance measures which ensure consumers can purchase quality efficient products with confidence.

In developing the guidelines, United for Efficiency consulted dozens of experts from various sectors and global regions to assess best practices and new developments. Within the guidelines, the aim has been to balance more ambitious energy performance against limiting adverse impacts on upfront costs and the availability of products.

Alternative language versions are available for each of the guidelines. A model regulation guidelines fact sheet is available which introduces the guidelines and their purpose. Supporting information documents for air conditioners and refrigerators provide context for the rationale underpinning the model regulation guidelines for those products.