At SIMO Motor  Co., Ltd., we manufacture and export motors for industrial applications worldwide. For companies importing motors into China, energy-efficiency labeling is a compliance issue that cannot be ignored. Under China’s Energy Efficiency Labeling system, products listed in the official catalogue must follow the relevant labeling rules, and the 2025 catalogue now covers 38 product categories. For motor products, the key items include permanent magnet synchronous motors and high-voltage three-phase cage induction motors. Their implementation rules take effect on January 1, 2026 and April 1, 2026 respectively, and products manufactured or imported before those dates may receive a two-year transition period before the new label is applied.

1) Products in the mandatory catalogue

If a motor falls within the current energy-efficiency label catalogue, the importer must ensure the product is labeled and filed according to the official rules. The management measures require the producer or importer to complete filing before the product is sold or imported, and the filing materials generally include the business license or registration document, the product energy-efficiency test report, a label sample, basic configuration information, and the relevant laboratory or third-party testing credentials.

For motor importers, this means classification must be checked carefully before shipment. If the product is one of the motor categories now under regulation, the label requirements should be built into the import plan from the start.

2) Products outside the catalogue

If a motor product is not listed in the 2025 catalogue, it is generally outside the scope of the energy-efficiency label requirement. In that case, no label filing is required under this regime. Even so, importers should keep the latest catalogue and product classification documents on hand, because customs or compliance checks may still ask how the product was classified.

This is especially important for exporters and trading companies that handle multiple motor types. A product that is exempt today may be added in a later catalogue update, so classification should be reviewed on a shipment-by-shipment basis.

3) Imports intended for re-export

There is also a specific exemption for goods imported into China only to be re-exported. Under the Energy Efficiency Labeling management measures, products may be exempt from labeling and filing when they are clearly not intended for domestic sale or use in China. In practice, the importer should be able to present consistent documentary proof, such as a company declaration, import and export contracts, bonded warehouse or bonded logistics records, and supporting destination documents.

This exemption is not automatic. Customs review is usually strict, and all documents must match. If the original re-export plan changes and the goods are diverted to domestic sale, the energy-efficiency labeling filing should be completed immediately before the goods enter the Chinese market.

4) Other special exemption cases

In addition to re-export goods, the regulation lists eight special cases that may be exempt from labeling and filing, including self-use items for foreign embassies, consulates, and international organizations in China; self-use items for Hong Kong and Macao official institutions on the mainland; personal effects carried in by travelers; foreign government aid or gifts; products needed for scientific research or testing; parts for evaluating a technology-imported production line; products needed directly for end-user repair; and equipment or parts for factory or complete production lines, excluding office supplies.

These exemptions all have narrow conditions. Importers should prepare documentary support in advance and confirm that the declared use matches the actual use of the goods.

At SIMO Motor  Co., Ltd., we support export motor supply for international customers and can help align product selection with compliance requirements for cross-border trade. For businesses importing motors into China, the key is simple: confirm the catalogue status, identify whether an exemption applies, and prepare the right documents before shipment.