CROSS-STANDARD public interest · Refrigerator / cold appliance
China-to-Brazil Household Refrigerator Compliance Gap Matrix
AI-compiled from official public sources — cross-checked by multiple AI models, not human-verified. Informational only; see disclaimer. Public-interest, source-linked comparison of Chinese household refrigerator compliance (CCC, GB 4706.13, GB 12021.2) against Brazil's INMETRO compulsory certification, ABNT NBR IEC 60335-2-24 safety, ABNT NBR IEC CISPR EMC, Selo PROCEL / PBE energy labelling, ANATEL homologation, and IBAMA refrigerant requirements.
Dataset 2026-06-11
Last verified 2026-06-15
7 rows
GAP MATRIX
Compliance Gap Matrix
| Compliance item | Common China baseline | Brazil (INMETRO) | Gap / action | Source + verification date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMC — Household Refrigerating Appliances (INMETRO conformity + ABNT NBR IEC CISPR 14 series) | China's EMC requirements for household appliances (including refrigerators) are primarily governed by GB 4343.1-2018 (Electromagnetic disturbance characteristics of household appliances, electric tools and similar apparatus — Part 1: Emission limits and measurement methods; mandatory, equivalent to CISPR 14-1:2016) and GB/T 4343.2-2020 (Part 2: Immunity — product family standard; recommended, equivalent to CISPR 14-2:2015). For harmonic emissions, GB 17625.1-2022 (mandatory, IDT IEC 61000-3-2:2020) applies. These standards are enforced under the CCC mandatory certification regime administered by SAMR/CNCA. Test reports generated by CNAS-accredited Chinese laboratories against GB 4343.1 are not directly accepted as the basis for Brazilian INMETRO certification.GB 4343.1-2018 — Electromagnetic disturbance characteristics of household appliances, electric tools and similar apparatus — Part 1: Emission limits and measurement methods (mandatory; equivalent to CISPR 14-1:2016; enforced under CCC by SAMR/CNCA) GB/T 4343.2-2020 — Part 2: Immunity — product family standard (recommended; equivalent to CISPR 14-2:2015) GB 17625.1-2022 — Limits for harmonic current emissions ≤ 16 A/phase (mandatory; IDT IEC 61000-3-2:2020) |
Household refrigerating appliances placed on the Brazilian market are subject to electromagnetic compatibility requirements assessed within the INMETRO compulsory conformity framework. The applicable Brazilian standards are the ABNT NBR IEC CISPR 14 series: ABNT NBR IEC CISPR 14-1 (Electromagnetic compatibility — Requirements for household appliances, electric tools and similar apparatus — Part 1: Emission, adopting CISPR 14-1) and ABNT NBR IEC CISPR 14-2 (Part 2: Immunity — product family standard, adopting CISPR 14-2). Emission limits cover conducted and radiated disturbances across the supply-frequency range, including brush-type motors, induction motors and the switching electronics of modern inverter-driven compressors. Where the appliance incorporates radio modules (Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for smart-home features), separate ANATEL homologation applies. Unlike the EU self-declaration route, Brazilian conformity for the regulated scope is established through third-party certification by an INMETRO-accredited certification body (OCP) with the certificate held by a Brazil-resident entity (CNPJ).INMETRO compulsory conformity assessment for household appliances — administered via INMETRO Portarias (Ordinances) ABNT NBR IEC CISPR 14-1 — Electromagnetic compatibility — Requirements for household appliances, electric tools and similar apparatus — Part 1: Emission (Brazilian adoption of CISPR 14-1) ABNT NBR IEC CISPR 14-2 — Part 2: Immunity — product family standard (Brazilian adoption of CISPR 14-2) ABNT NBR IEC 61000-3-2 — Limits for harmonic current emissions (≤ 16 A/phase input) — supplementary where applicable ANATEL Resolution / Ato de homologação — radiofrequency homologation where wireless connectivity is present |
Because both GB 4343.1-2018 and ABNT NBR IEC CISPR 14-1 derive from the CISPR 14-1 base, the technical emission content may be broadly aligned for many refrigerator types. However, several gaps remain: (1) Conformity route — Brazil requires third-party certification by an INMETRO-accredited OCP with factory inspection and ongoing market surveillance, not manufacturer self-declaration; CNAS test reports cannot substitute without acceptance by the Brazilian OCP and re-issuance of an INMETRO certificate. (2) Edition and deviation alignment — the specific ABNT NBR IEC CISPR 14-1 edition adopted in Brazil must be confirmed; emission test data must be reconciled to the Brazilian-adopted edition and to 60 Hz supply conditions rather than China's 50 Hz. (3) Inverter compressor models — modern variable-speed inverter compressors may generate additional EMC phenomena; manufacturers should verify their existing test configurations cover the inverter-specific emission requirements of the Brazilian standard. (4) Wireless modules — any Wi-Fi/Bluetooth function triggers separate ANATEL homologation independent of the INMETRO EMC scope.[INFORMATIONAL] EMC compliance to the ABNT NBR IEC CISPR 14 series is assessed within Brazil's INMETRO compulsory certification for household refrigerators. Chinese CCC EMC test data (GB 4343.1-2018) cannot be directly used; certification through an INMETRO-accredited OCP (with factory inspection and a CNPJ certificate holder) and reconciliation to 60 Hz Brazilian supply conditions are required. Inverter-compressor models warrant particular attention, and any wireless module triggers separate ANATEL homologation. | INMETRO — Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Qualidade e Tecnologia2026-06-15 · reference |
| Energy Efficiency — Household Refrigerating Appliances (INMETRO minimum efficiency + ABNT NBR ISO 15502 / IEC 62552) | China's mandatory energy efficiency standard for household refrigerating appliances is GB 12021.2-2015 (Minimum allowable values of energy efficiency and energy efficiency grades for household refrigerators). It establishes energy efficiency grades (Grade 1 most efficient, Grade 5 minimum threshold) and minimum annual energy consumption limits. The standard is mandatory (GB) and enforced by SAMR under the energy labelling system administered by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC). Products must display the China Energy Label (CEL) before sale. The GB 12021.2 framework uses a different test methodology and efficiency calculation basis than the Brazilian INMETRO/PBE programme — Chinese energy grades and Brazilian efficiency classes are not directly comparable.GB 12021.2-2015 — Minimum allowable values of energy efficiency and energy efficiency grades for household refrigerators (mandatory; enforced by SAMR/NDRC under China Energy Label system) GB/T 8059-2016 — Household and similar refrigerating appliances (test method standard, aligned with IEC 62552 series) |
Energy performance of household refrigerating appliances in Brazil is regulated under INMETRO Portarias within the Brazilian Labelling Programme (PBE, Programa Brasileiro de Etiquetagem) and reinforced by minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) set under the Energy Efficiency Law (Lei 10.295/2001) and CGIEE/INMETRO ordinances. It applies to refrigerators, freezers and refrigerator-freezer combinations. Key requirements include: (1) Minimum energy efficiency levels — appliances must not fall below the minimum class permitted for their category by the governing INMETRO Portaria, with energy consumption assessed against rated volume and configuration; (2) Energy consumption measured by Brazilian-adopted test methods (ABNT NBR ISO 15502 / ABNT NBR IEC 62552 series); (3) Classification into A-to-G efficiency classes for the ENCE label; (4) Certification and test data held by a Brazil-resident certificate holder (CNPJ). The most efficient models may additionally qualify for the Selo PROCEL endorsement. Energy values must be derived under 60 Hz, 127/220 V supply conditions used in Brazil.Lei 10.295/2001 (Energy Efficiency Law) and Decreto 4.059/2001 — enabling framework for minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) INMETRO Portarias for household refrigerating appliances — minimum efficiency levels and labelling rules under the PBE ABNT NBR ISO 15502 / ABNT NBR IEC 62552 series — Household refrigerating appliances — Characteristics and test methods (Brazilian-adopted measurement standards) |
Three major gaps exist between Chinese energy compliance and Brazilian requirements: (1) Different efficiency framework — Brazilian INMETRO Portarias classify appliances into A-to-G classes against Brazilian-adopted test methods and minimum efficiency levels; a Chinese Grade 1 or Grade 2 rating does NOT guarantee compliance with Brazilian minimum levels without independent re-measurement and re-classification. (2) Supply conditions — energy consumption must be determined under Brazil's 127/220 V, 60 Hz conditions; data generated under China's 220 V, 50 Hz may differ, particularly for inverter-compressor models. (3) Certification and labelling — energy data must be filed through an INMETRO-accredited OCP and the ENCE label issued for the Brazilian market; there is no acceptance of the Chinese CEL as a substitute. Measurement to the Brazilian-adopted ABNT NBR ISO 15502 / IEC 62552 method is required, and the certificate holder must be a Brazil-resident entity (CNPJ).[INFORMATIONAL] Brazilian minimum energy efficiency levels and PBE/ENCE labelling are legally binding for market placement of household refrigerators. Chinese GB 12021.2 energy grades do not substitute for Brazilian compliance — independent measurement to the Brazilian-adopted ABNT NBR ISO 15502 / IEC 62552 method under 60 Hz, 127/220 V conditions and re-classification to A-to-G classes are required. Certification must be held by a Brazil-resident (CNPJ) entity through an INMETRO-accredited OCP. | INMETRO / PBE — Programa Brasileiro de Etiquetagem2026-06-15 · reference |
| Energy Labelling — ENCE / PBE Label + Selo PROCEL Endorsement (INMETRO + Eletrobras) | China's energy labelling for household refrigerators is governed by the China Energy Label (CEL) system under the Measures for the Administration of Energy Efficiency Labels (NDRC/SAMR, revised 2016). The China Energy Label displays a 1-to-5 grade scale (1 highest, 5 minimum threshold) and annual energy consumption. Labels are administered by the China National Institute of Standardization (CNIS) under NDRC/SAMR. Manufacturers self-declare grade based on testing against GB 12021.2 and file the label record domestically. The Chinese 1-to-5 grade system and the Brazilian ENCE A-to-G class system are structurally different and not cross-comparable without recalculation.Measures for the Administration of Energy Efficiency Labels (NDRC/SAMR 2016 revision) — China Energy Label framework GB 12021.2-2015 — Minimum allowable values of energy efficiency and energy efficiency grades for household refrigerators (underlying grade standard) |
The Brazilian Labelling Programme (PBE) requires that all household refrigerating appliances placed on the Brazilian market bear the ENCE (Etiqueta Nacional de Conservação de Energia), displaying the energy efficiency class (A-to-G scale), annual energy consumption, and category. The PBE is coordinated by INMETRO; the complementary Selo PROCEL endorsement seal is administered by Eletrobras/PROCEL and awarded to the most efficient models in each category. The ENCE is issued on the basis of certification by an INMETRO-accredited OCP using Brazilian-adopted test methods. Dealers and retailers must display the ENCE on the appliance at point of sale and in online listings. Unlike the EU EPREL system, Brazil does not operate a public product-registration database analogous to EPREL; conformity is evidenced by the INMETRO certificate and the affixed ENCE, with the certificate held by a Brazil-resident entity (CNPJ).Brazilian Labelling Programme (PBE) — coordinated by INMETRO; ENCE (Etiqueta Nacional de Conservação de Energia) format and content rules set by INMETRO Portarias Selo PROCEL — endorsement seal administered by Eletrobras/PROCEL (Programa Nacional de Conservação de Energia Elétrica) Lei 10.295/2001 and Decreto 4.059/2001 — legal basis for the energy efficiency and labelling programme |
Two mandatory actions with no direct Chinese equivalent: (1) ENCE issuance and display — each model must be certified by an INMETRO-accredited OCP and bear the ENCE in the A-to-G format before sale at point of sale and in online listings; the Chinese CEL must be replaced and cannot serve as the Brazilian label. (2) Certificate held in-country — the INMETRO certificate underpinning the ENCE must be held by a Brazil-resident entity with a CNPJ (importer or local representative); a Chinese manufacturer cannot hold the Brazilian certificate directly. While Brazil has no public EPREL-style registration database, INMETRO maintains certificate records and conducts market surveillance, and the Selo PROCEL endorsement (Eletrobras/PROCEL) requires meeting the highest-efficiency criteria. Failure to display a valid ENCE is a market surveillance trigger, particularly for products sold online.[INFORMATIONAL] ENCE labelling (PBE) and a valid INMETRO certificate are mandatory hard gates for Brazilian market access for household refrigerators, with the certificate held by a Brazil-resident (CNPJ) entity. The Chinese CEL label does not satisfy Brazilian labelling obligations. The Selo PROCEL is an additional Eletrobras/PROCEL endorsement for the most efficient models, not a substitute for the mandatory ENCE. | Eletrobras / PROCEL — Programa Nacional de Conservação de Energia Elétrica2026-06-15 · reference |
| INMETRO Compulsory Certification — Multi-Requirement Conformity (Safety + EMC + Energy Labelling) | In China, household refrigerating appliances require China Compulsory Certification (CCC) covering both safety (GB 4706.13) and EMC (GB 4343.1) before sale. CCC is a mandatory third-party certification administered by CNCA-designated certification bodies (CABs); it does not involve manufacturer self-declaration. Energy labelling (China Energy Label based on GB 12021.2) is a separate mandatory requirement administered by NDRC/SAMR. There is no single Brazil-equivalent mark in China: CCC covers safety/EMC, the China Energy Label covers energy, and these are separately issued and displayed.CCC (China Compulsory Certification) — safety (GB 4706.13) + EMC (GB 4343.1); mandatory; administered by CNCA/SAMR China Energy Label — Measures for the Administration of Energy Efficiency Labels (NDRC/SAMR); based on GB 12021.2-2015 |
Household refrigerating appliances placed on the Brazilian market must hold INMETRO compulsory certification, demonstrating conformity with the applicable Brazilian conformity assessment programmes set out in INMETRO Portarias (Ordinances). For a standard household refrigerator, this means: (1) electrical safety to ABNT NBR IEC 60335-2-24 (read with ABNT NBR IEC 60335-1); (2) electromagnetic compatibility to the ABNT NBR IEC CISPR 14 series; (3) energy efficiency and ENCE labelling under the PBE (Programa Brasileiro de Etiquetagem). If the appliance includes wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth), ANATEL homologation also applies. Unlike the EU's manufacturer self-declaration (CE) route, Brazilian conformity is established through third-party certification by an INMETRO-accredited certification body (OCP), including initial type testing in an accredited laboratory, factory inspection, and ongoing market surveillance. The certificate is issued to and held by a Brazil-resident legal entity with a CNPJ. The INMETRO conformity mark must be displayed on the product.INMETRO compulsory conformity assessment — administered via INMETRO Portarias (Ordinances) for household refrigerating appliances ABNT NBR IEC 60335-2-24 — electrical safety (read with ABNT NBR IEC 60335-1) ABNT NBR IEC CISPR 14-1 / 14-2 — electromagnetic compatibility (emission / immunity) Programa Brasileiro de Etiquetagem (PBE) — energy efficiency and ENCE labelling ANATEL homologation (Resolução / Ato de homologação) — if wireless connectivity present Lei 9.933/1999 and Lei 10.295/2001 — legal framework for INMETRO conformity assessment and energy efficiency |
Chinese manufacturers must build a complete Brazilian conformity package from scratch — CCC and China Energy Label do not substitute for any Brazilian requirement: (1) INMETRO certification via an accredited OCP — covering ABNT NBR IEC 60335-2-24 safety and ABNT NBR IEC CISPR 14 EMC, with initial type testing in an accredited laboratory plus factory inspection; CCC type-test reports cannot be re-used without OCP acceptance and re-issuance. (2) ENCE energy label under the PBE — separate from safety/EMC certification. (3) In-country certificate holder — the INMETRO certificate must be held by a Brazil-resident entity with a CNPJ (importer or representative); this is a structural difference from China's CCC (held by the manufacturer) and from the EU (where the manufacturer self-declares). (4) ANATEL homologation for any wireless module. (5) Supply-condition re-testing — Brazil operates at 127/220 V, 60 Hz versus China's 220/380 V, 50 Hz, so electrical and energy data generated in China cannot be assumed to cover Brazilian test conditions. The INMETRO certification process is third-party and cannot be self-declared by the manufacturer.[INFORMATIONAL] INMETRO compulsory certification (covering safety and EMC) plus ENCE energy labelling under the PBE are mandatory for Brazilian market access for household refrigerators. Chinese CCC and China Energy Label are entirely separate systems — neither substitutes for INMETRO certification, the ENCE label, ANATEL homologation, or the in-country (CNPJ) certificate-holder requirement. Certification is third-party (accredited OCP) and cannot be self-declared by the manufacturer. | INMETRO — Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Qualidade e Tecnologia2026-06-15 · reference |
| In-Country Importer / Representative (CNPJ) — Brazilian Certificate Holder and Import Controls | China has no direct regulatory equivalent requiring manufacturers of export-bound products to designate a foreign-country resident legal representative responsible for product compliance and market surveillance cooperation. Chinese export manufacturers typically appoint overseas distributors or trading companies on a commercial basis, without a statutory Brazil-style in-country certificate-holder obligation. Under the CCC domestic regime, the certification holder is the responsible party for domestic market compliance — this role and obligation does not extend to or satisfy Brazilian market surveillance and import-control requirements.N/A — no direct Chinese regulatory equivalent for the Brazilian CNPJ certificate-holder obligation | Brazilian conformity assessment requires that the INMETRO certificate for a regulated product be held by a legal entity established in Brazil and registered with a CNPJ (Cadastro Nacional da Pessoa Jurídica). For household refrigerating appliances manufactured outside Brazil (including China), this means an in-country importer or appointed representative must hold (or be named on) the INMETRO certification, be the responsible party for conformity, and cooperate with INMETRO market surveillance. Importation is controlled through Brazilian customs (Receita Federal) and licensing in the SISCOMEX/Portal Único Siscomex system; products subject to compulsory certification require evidence of the INMETRO certificate at import. The responsible party must keep technical documentation available, ensure the INMETRO mark and ENCE are correctly applied, and take corrective action (including recall) if a product is found non-compliant. Inbound goods typically clear through the main ports of Santos or Paranaguá; inland transport of goods is regulated by ANTT. This responsibility cannot be satisfied by a freight forwarder, customs broker, or test laboratory acting alone — it must be a legally established Brazilian entity with a documented role.INMETRO Portarias — requirement that the certificate be held by a Brazil-resident legal entity (CNPJ) Receita Federal / SISCOMEX / Portal Único Siscomex — import licensing and customs controls for regulated products ANTT (Agência Nacional de Transportes Terrestres) — regulation of inland goods transport Lei 9.933/1999 — legal basis for INMETRO conformity assessment and responsible-party obligations |
This is a structural gap with no Chinese regulatory analogue. Chinese refrigerator manufacturers cannot directly hold a Brazilian INMETRO certificate; an in-country importer or appointed representative with a CNPJ must hold (or be named on) the certificate and act as the responsible party before any product is imported and placed on the Brazilian market. The responsible party's identity must be reflected in the certification and on product documentation. Without a CNPJ certificate holder, the product cannot legally clear customs or be sold in Brazil regardless of test results. Imports must be licensed through SISCOMEX with INMETRO-certificate evidence, typically clearing via Santos or Paranaguá, with inland transport regulated by ANTT. INMETRO market surveillance actively checks certification and labelling, including for products sold via online platforms.[INFORMATIONAL] Chinese refrigerator manufacturers must appoint a Brazil-resident importer or representative with a CNPJ to hold the INMETRO certificate before any unit is imported or placed on the Brazilian market. This is a hard legal gate — without a CNPJ certificate holder and SISCOMEX import licensing evidencing the INMETRO certificate, goods cannot clear customs (typically via Santos or Paranaguá) or be sold, exposing the parties to seizure, fines, and market withdrawal by INMETRO. | INMETRO — Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Qualidade e Tecnologia2026-06-15 · reference |
| Refrigerant / HFC Phase-Down — R-600a Flammable Refrigerant Handling (IBAMA / Kigali Amendment + ABNT NBR IEC 60335-2-24) | China regulates refrigerant use primarily through GB 9237-2001 (Safety requirements for refrigerating systems and heat pumps — general and related definitions; aligned with ISO 5149) and the more recent GB/T 5773-2016 (Performance test methods for positive displacement refrigerant compressors). For household appliances, EN 60335-2-24 equivalent refrigerant charge limits are addressed in GB 4706.13-2014 (which incorporates R600a flammability provisions derived from IEC 60335-2-24). China has not adopted an equivalent to the EU F-Gas phase-down schedule for HFCs in refrigeration; China operates its HFC phase-down under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol (ratified June 2021), with its own schedule administered by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE). Chinese appliance manufacturers exporting with R600a units are generally well-positioned for the refrigerant aspect, but must verify charge amounts and documentation against the destination market's requirements.GB 4706.13-2014 — Annex provisions for flammable refrigerant (R600a) requirements in household refrigerating appliances (derived from IEC 60335-2-24) GB 9237-2001 — Safety requirements for refrigerating systems and heat pumps (aligned with ISO 5149:1993) Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol — China HFC phase-down schedule (ratified June 2021, administered by MEE) |
Brazil regulates hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) under its implementation of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, administered by IBAMA (Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis) together with the Ministry of the Environment, with import quotas and a phase-down schedule for HFCs. Household refrigerators and freezers marketed in Brazil have overwhelmingly transitioned to R-600a (isobutane, GWP about 3) — a hydrocarbon refrigerant outside the HFC phase-down scope and well-positioned under the Kigali regime. Manufacturers must: (1) verify the refrigerant charge complies with ABNT NBR IEC 60335-2-24 flammable-refrigerant requirements (maximum R-600a charge per compartment configuration, ventilation and ignition-source requirements); (2) declare the refrigerant type and charge quantity (grams) in product documentation; (3) if the appliance contains any HFC (e.g., R134a, GWP 1430) or HFO, confirm it is consistent with Brazil's HFC import-quota and phase-down controls under IBAMA; (4) note that any controlled-substance importation interfaces with IBAMA licensing. R-600a domestic appliance charges are far below thresholds that would impose technician-certification obligations, so routine service of R-600a domestic appliances does not trigger controlled-substance handling requirements in practice.Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol — Brazil's HFC phase-down (administered by IBAMA / Ministry of the Environment, with import quotas) ABNT NBR IEC 60335-2-24 — Annex requirements for appliances using flammable refrigerants (R-600a charge limits, ventilation, ignition-source requirements) ISO 817 — Refrigerants — Designation and safety classification (R-600a classified A3: lower flammability) IBAMA import-control / licensing for controlled substances (ozone-depleting substances and HFCs) |
For R-600a appliances, the main gap is documentation and charge verification rather than a fundamental technology gap: (1) Brazilian product documentation must explicitly state the refrigerant designation (R-600a / isobutane), charge weight in grams, and relevant safety precautions per ABNT NBR IEC 60335-2-24; (2) The exact R-600a charge against ABNT NBR IEC 60335-2-24 maximum limits must be verified — these are a function of room volume and appliance configuration; Chinese CCC test reports may not explicitly confirm Brazilian charge-limit compliance if tested under slightly different configurations or supply conditions (60 Hz vs 50 Hz); (3) If any appliance in the export range still uses R134a or another HFC, the manufacturer must assess Brazil's HFC import-quota and phase-down controls administered by IBAMA, and any controlled-substance importation must be reconciled with IBAMA licensing. [NOTE: The exact Brazilian HFC phase-down milestones and any product-level restrictions under IBAMA / the Kigali implementation should be confirmed against current IBAMA and Ministry of the Environment instruments before regulatory submissions.][INFORMATIONAL] R-600a is the dominant refrigerant in Brazilian-market household refrigerators and is outside the HFC phase-down scope, so it is well-positioned under Brazil's Kigali implementation administered by IBAMA. However, manufacturers must verify R-600a charge against ABNT NBR IEC 60335-2-24 limits and explicitly document refrigerant type and charge weight. Any HFC-based models, and any importation of controlled substances, should be assessed against IBAMA's HFC import-quota and licensing controls before Brazilian market entry. | IBAMA — Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis2026-06-15 · reference |
| Electrical Safety — Household Refrigerating Appliances (INMETRO compulsory certification + ABNT NBR IEC 60335-2-24) | China's mandatory safety standard for household refrigerating appliances is GB 4706.13-2014 (Safety of household and similar electrical appliances — Particular requirements for refrigerating appliances, ice-cream appliances and ice-makers), which is technically derived from IEC 60335-2-24:2010 but incorporates Chinese national deviations. GB 4706.13-2014 is mandatory (GB) and enforced by SAMR under the China Compulsory Certification (CCC) regime. Products must be CCC-certified by a CNCA-designated certification body before sale in China. CCC test reports issued by Chinese laboratories against GB 4706.13 are NOT accepted as equivalent evidence under the Brazilian INMETRO conformity assessment pathway.GB 4706.13-2014 — Safety of household and similar electrical appliances — Particular requirements for refrigerating appliances, ice-cream appliances and ice-makers (mandatory; derived from IEC 60335-2-24:2010 with national deviations; enforced under CCC by SAMR/CNCA) GB 4706.1-2005 — General requirements (read in conjunction with GB 4706.13) |
Household refrigerating appliances (refrigerators, freezers, refrigerator-freezer combinations, wine coolers, ice-cream appliances) placed on the Brazilian market must comply with INMETRO compulsory certification for electrical safety. The specific Brazilian standard is ABNT NBR IEC 60335-2-24 (Safety of household and similar electrical appliances — Part 2-24: Particular requirements for refrigerating appliances, ice-cream appliances and ice-makers), read in conjunction with the general standard ABNT NBR IEC 60335-1. Key requirements cover: protection against electric shock; insulation resistance and dielectric strength; thermal cut-outs; creepage and clearance distances; mechanical strength of housing; earthing continuity; and appliance markings. Unlike the EU manufacturer self-declaration route, Brazilian conformity is established through third-party certification by an INMETRO-accredited certification body (OCP), including type testing in an accredited laboratory, factory inspection, and ongoing surveillance; the INMETRO conformity mark is applied before market placement, and the certificate is held by a Brazil-resident entity (CNPJ). Testing must reflect Brazilian supply conditions (127/220 V, 60 Hz).INMETRO compulsory conformity assessment for electrical safety — administered via INMETRO Portarias (Ordinances) ABNT NBR IEC 60335-2-24 — Safety of household and similar electrical appliances — Part 2-24: Particular requirements for refrigerating appliances, ice-cream appliances and ice-makers (Brazilian adoption of IEC 60335-2-24) ABNT NBR IEC 60335-1 — General requirements (read in conjunction with Part 2-24) |
Because both GB 4706.13-2014 and ABNT NBR IEC 60335-2-24 derive from IEC 60335-2-24, the base technical content is broadly aligned, but the conformity route and deviations differ: (1) Third-party certification — Brazil requires certification by an INMETRO-accredited OCP with type testing in an accredited (or ILAC MRA-accepted) laboratory, factory inspection, and ongoing surveillance; manufacturer self-declaration is not permitted. CCC type-test reports cannot be re-used without OCP acceptance and re-issuance of an INMETRO certificate; IECEE CB Scheme reports (IEC 60335-2-24 basis) may reduce re-testing scope if they cover Brazilian national deviations — verify with the OCP. (2) National deviations and supply conditions — GB 4706.13 deviations (socket/plug types, earthing arrangements, test conditions) and China's 220 V, 50 Hz differ from Brazil's 127/220 V, 60 Hz; data must be reconciled to Brazilian conditions. (3) Documentation — INMETRO certificate held by a CNPJ entity, the INMETRO conformity mark on the appliance, technical file, and Portuguese-language instructions for the Brazilian market.[INFORMATIONAL] INMETRO compulsory certification for electrical safety is mandatory for household refrigerating appliances. ABNT NBR IEC 60335-2-24 (with ABNT NBR IEC 60335-1) is the applicable safety standard. Chinese CCC certification to GB 4706.13 does not satisfy the Brazilian conformity pathway; certification through an INMETRO-accredited OCP — with type testing, factory inspection, a CNPJ certificate holder, and reconciliation to 127/220 V, 60 Hz conditions — is required. IECEE CB Scheme reports may partially reduce re-testing scope; verify with the OCP. | INMETRO — Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Qualidade e Tecnologia2026-06-15 · reference |
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SOURCES
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- INMETRO — Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Qualidade e Tecnologia · accessed 2026-06-15 · reference · used in 3 rows
- INMETRO / PBE — Programa Brasileiro de Etiquetagem · accessed 2026-06-15 · reference · used in 1 rows
- Eletrobras / PROCEL — Programa Nacional de Conservação de Energia Elétrica · accessed 2026-06-15 · reference · used in 1 rows
- INMETRO — Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Qualidade e Tecnologia · accessed 2026-06-15 · reference · used in 1 rows
- IBAMA — Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis · accessed 2026-06-15 · reference · used in 1 rows