[Home](/)/[Resources](/resources)/Australia GEMS & WELS Labelling AustraliaGlobalRegulation guide # Australia GEMS and WELS Labelling Energy-consuming and water-using products sold in Australia need mandatory registration and a rating label under two separate federal schemes — GEMS for energy efficiency and WELS for water efficiency — both independent of the RCM electrical safety mark and required in addition to it for regulated appliances. Copy Link[Share on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=https%3A%2F%2Fkrono-labs.com%2Fguides%2Faustralia-gems-wels-labelling) At a glance Energy scheme GEMS Water scheme WELS Requirement Mandatory registration + label Scope Federal (national) ## How GEMS and WELS are structured ### GEMS — Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards Federal energy efficiency scheme requiring registration and an energy rating label for regulated product categories before they can be sold in Australia — a mandatory registration and labelling requirement, not a voluntary efficiency signal. ### WELS — Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Federal water efficiency scheme requiring registration and a water rating label for regulated plumbing and water-using products, run in parallel to GEMS as a separate mandatory scheme for water-relevant product categories. ### Registration is mandatory, not optional Both GEMS and WELS require product registration plus the rating label before market placement for products in scope — this isn't an optional sustainability certification a manufacturer chooses to pursue. ### Independent of RCM and EESS GEMS and WELS operate as separate schemes from the RCM (electrical/EMC/radio) and TGA (medical device) tracks — a regulated appliance can need RCM/EESS approval for electrical safety and a separate GEMS registration for energy efficiency simultaneously. ## Registration and labelling workflow 01 Determine whether your product category is regulated under GEMS (energy) or WELS (water) — coverage is category-specific, not a blanket rule across all appliances. 02 For GEMS-regulated products, register with the scheme and confirm the applicable Minimum Energy Performance Standard for the category. 03 For WELS-regulated products, register and determine the applicable water efficiency rating methodology. 04 Test the product to determine its actual energy or water efficiency rating. 05 Prepare and affix the required rating label — energy rating label for GEMS, water rating label for WELS — displayed at retail and in product literature. 06 Maintain registration and re-test or re-register as required if the product design changes. ## Frequently asked questions ### Can a product need both GEMS and WELS registration? Yes — a product that both consumes energy and uses water (a washing machine or dishwasher, for example) can fall under both schemes simultaneously, requiring separate registration and labelling for each dimension. ### Is GEMS registration the same as EESS electrical safety compliance? No — they're entirely separate schemes addressing different concerns. EESS/RCM covers electrical safety; GEMS covers energy efficiency. A regulated electrical appliance commonly needs both, independently. ### What happens if I sell a GEMS-regulated product without registering it? GEMS registration and labelling are mandatory prerequisites for market placement of regulated product categories — selling without registration is a compliance failure, not a minor labelling oversight, and can trigger regulatory enforcement action. ### Does a product's energy rating apply nationally or does it vary by state? GEMS is a federal scheme — once registered and rated, the energy label applies nationally. This is one of the more straightforwardly national schemes in Australia's otherwise state-variable compliance landscape, unlike electrical safety under EESS. **Disclaimer:** Educational resource only. Regulatory requirements change and vary by product category. Consult an accredited test laboratory or qualified compliance engineer before making certification decisions. 🇦🇺 Australia roadmap for your product Every standard, document, and test that applies — free, no account required. See your free roadmap[ Want an expert to take your product through 🇦🇺 Australia compliance for you? One consultant from Krono's compliance team takes your product from requirements to legal sale, with a fixed quote before any work starts. See compliance services](/services) Learn this properly In-depth course that teaches the full process, not just this one answer. [Start the course — $149](/courses/46-australia-gems-energy-labeling-appliances-led-lighting)[Prefer to read? Get the book — $24.99](/books/46-australia-gems-energy-labeling-appliances-led-lighting) Related guides * [Australia Compliance OverviewThe RCM mark, EESS electrical safety, ACMA radiocommunications, TGA medical devices, and the ACL safety net in Australia.](/guides/australia-compliance-overview) * [Australia EESS Electrical SafetyEESS Level 1/2/3 risk tiers, participating vs non-EESS states, and Responsible Supplier obligations in Australia.](/guides/australia-eess-electrical-safety) * [Japan JIS Standards & Top RunnerThe voluntary JIS Mark certification system alongside Japan's mandatory Top Runner energy efficiency program.](/guides/japan-jis-standards-top-runner) * [BEE Star Rating (India)Is BEE star rating compulsory? Yes for 17 appliance categories in India, including ACs, fridges, TVs, LED lamps and…](/guides/bee-star-rating)