{"id":"F2014L01580","name":"Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (External Power Supplies) Determination 2014","slug":"greenhouse-and-energy-minimum-standards-external-power-supplies-determination-2014","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":128758,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2014L01580-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-03","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (External Power Supplies) Determination 2014","content":"![](image.001.png)\n\nGreenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (External Power Supplies) Determination 20141\n\nGreenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards Act 2012\n\nI, IAN MACFARLANE, Minister for Industry, under sections 23 and 35 of the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards Act 2012 revoke the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (External Power Supplies) Determination 2012 and make this Determination.\n\nDated 21 November 2014\n\nIAN MACFARLANE\n\nMinister for Industry\n\n  \nCOPYRIGHT\n\n© 2014 Commonwealth of Australia\n\nThis Determination includes material from Australian Standards and/or Australian/New Zealand Standards, which are copyright Standards Australia Ltd. Apart from reproduction for personal and non-commercial use, and uses permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, Standards Australia Ltd material may not be reproduced without permission or licence.\n\nWith the exception of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms, Commonwealth copyright material is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Australia Licence. To view a copy of this licence, visit [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/.](http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/)\n\nYou are free to copy, communicate and adapt the Commonwealth copyright material, so long as you attribute the Commonwealth of Australia.\n\nComplete Australian/New Zealand Standards are available for purchase from Standards Australia Ltd. Requests and inquiries concerning other reproduction and rights pertaining to standards should be directed to SAI Global Limited.\n\n  \n\n1 Name of Determination\n\nThis Determination is the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (External Power Supplies) Determination 2014.\n\n2 Commencement\n\nThis Determination takes effect on the day after it is registered.\n\n3 Revocation of Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (External Power Supplies) Determination 2012\n\nThis Determination revokes and replaces the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (External Power Supplies) Determination 2012.\n\n4 Definitions\n\nIn this Determination:\n\n> Act means the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards Act 2012.\n\n> AS/NZS 4665 means AS/NZS 4665.1:2005 and AS/NZS 4665.2:2005 as it exists on the day this Determination takes effect.\n\n> AS/NZS 4665.1:2005 means Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 4665.1:2005 Performance of external power supplies Part 1: Test method and energy performance mark, as it exists on the day this Determination takes effect.\n\nNote 1: AS/NZS 4665.1:2005 is available from Standards Australia Limited.\n\nNote 2: AS/NZS4665.1:2005 includes all amendments up to and including AS/NZS4665.1:2005/Amdt:1 made on 27 February 2009.\n\n> AS/NZS 4665.2:2005 means Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 4665.2:2005 Performance of external power supplies Part 2: Minimum energy performance standard (MEPS) requirements, as it exists on the day this Determination takes effect.\n\nNote 1: AS/NZS 4665.2:2005 is available from Standards Australia Limited.\n\nNote 2: AS/NZS4665.2:2005 includes all amendments up to and including AS/NZS4665.2:2005 Amdt 1 made on 27 February 2009.\n\n> Australian/New Zealand Standard means a standard that is jointly published by Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand, is applicable in both countries and denoted by the letters “AS/NZS” and identifying numbers and/or letters.\n\n> Australian Standard means a standard that is published by Standards Australia Limited denoted by the letters “AS” and identifying numbers and/or letters.\n\n> end-use product means the product powered by the external power supply.\n\n> EPS means an abbreviation of the words external power supply.\n\n> extra low voltage (ELV) means a voltage available at the output of a power supply that does not exceed 50 volts alternating current or 60 volts direct current between conductors, and between conductors and earth, when the power supply is supplied at the rated input voltage.\n\nNote: This is the same meaning as in subclause 1.3.7 of AS/NZS 4665.1:2005.\n\n> IEC Standard means a standard that is published by, or on behalf of, the International Electrotechnical Commission.\n\n> IEMP means the International Efficiency Marking Protocol for External Power Supplies, Version 3.0, September 2013.\n\nNote: The IEMP is available from Docket EERE-2008-BT-STD-0005 on [Regulations.gov](http://www.regulations.gov/#!home).\n\n> Regulations means regulations made under the Act.\n\n> single output external power supply means an appliance that is designed to supply power to other appliances and that:\n\n> (a) has an input from mains supply;\n\n> Note: This input is usually 110 volts, 60 hertz; 230 volts, 50 hertz; 240 volts, 50 hertz or a range including some or all of these input conditions.\n\n> (b) has one extra low voltage output (either alternating current or direct current) that is either at a fixed voltage or a user selectable voltage through a selector switch;\n\n> (c) is sold with, or intended to be used with, a separate end-use product that constitutes the primary load on the power supply;\n\n> Note: These units are often used to power/re-charge laptop computers, mobile telephones, portable stereo units and other portable household devices. It is immaterial whether or not the power supply and end use product are packaged separately or together.\n\n> (d) is contained in a separate physical enclosure from the end-use product;\n\n> Note: These units cannot be built into the equipment being powered and hence are ‘external’ to the device being powered. The housings of the EPS and its associated end use product are different. Designs covered include units with an integral mains plug, ‘in-line’ units and units with provision for equipment to sit in a cradle whilst being used.\n\n> (e) is connected to the end\\-use product via a hard-wired or removable male/female electrical connection, cable, cord or other wiring;\n\n> (f) does not have batteries, or battery packs, that physically attach directly to the power supply unit (either permanently or only for the purpose of charging); and\n\n> Note: This includes batteries that are removable from the power supply unit. For example, a battery pack for a portable electric drill.\n\n> (g) does not have either:\n\n> (i) a battery chemistry, or type selector, switch; or\n\n> (ii) an indicator light or state of charge meter.\n\n> Note: These are the same requirements as in subclause 1.3.19 of AS/NZS 4665.1:2005.\n\n> standard means an Australian Standard, an Australian/New Zealand Standard, an IEC Standard or any other equivalent document.\n\n> Note: Several other words and expressions used in this Determination have the meaning given by section 5 of the Act. For example:\n\n> category A product\n\n> covered by\n\n> family of models\n\n> GEMS\n\n> GEMS labelling requirements\n\n> GEMS level requirements\n\n> model\n\n> product classes.\n\n5 Interpretation\n\nApplicable definitions of terms or phrases\n\n(1) A term or phrase that is not defined in the Act, the Regulations or this Determination, that is defined in a standard mentioned specifically in section 4, has the same meaning in this Determination as it has in the standard.\n\nApplicable version of documents incorporated into standards\n\n(2) Where a standard mentioned in this Determination refers to a document under a heading ‘Referenced Documents’ or an equivalent heading in that standard, the document referred to is as it exists on the day this Determination comes into effect.\n\n> Note: For example section 2 of AS/NZS 4665.2:2005 provides that the average active mode efficiency of a single output EPS shall be measured in accordance with AS/NZS 4665.1:2005. The applicable version of AS/NZS 4665.1:2005 is the version that existed at the date this Determination takes effect.\n\n6 Specified product classes covered by this Determination\n\n(1) This Determination covers single output external power supply units with a maximum output power of 250 watts or 250 volt-amperes (VA) in the product classes set out in subsection (2).\n\n(2) The product classes are as follows:\n\n| Product class | Products covered by the product class                                                                                                         |\n| ------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| 1             | single output EPS with non user selectable output voltage and with an alternating current input and a direct current output (a.c.–d.c.)       |\n| 2             | single output EPS with user selectable output voltage and with an alternating current input and a direct current output (a.c.–d.c.)           |\n| 3             | single output EPS with non user selectable output voltage and with an alternating current input and an alternating current output (a.c.–a.c.) |\n| 4             | single output EPS with user selectable output voltage and with an alternating current input and an alternating current output (a.c.–a.c.)     |\n\nNote 1: This subsection reflects the scope specified in clause 1.1 of AS/NZS 4665.2:2005.\n\n> Note 2: This subsection specifies products that are covered by the Determination. See subsection (3) for products that are not covered.\n\n(3) For subsection 23 (2) of the Act, this Determination does not cover:\n\n(a) external power supplies with simultaneous multiple output voltages;\n\nNote: For example, some personal computer power supplies.\n\n(b) direct current to direct current (d.c. to d.c.) voltage conversion equipment such as direct current to direct current (d.c. to d.c.) converters;\n\n(c) single output external power supplies for transformers and electronic step-down converters for extra low voltage (ELV) lamps;\n\n(d) therapeutic devices on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods in accordance with the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 and the Therapeutic Goods (Medical Devices) Regulations 2002; and\n\n(e) direct current (d.c.) or battery powered equipment.\n\nNote: This subsection reflects the exclusions in clause 1.2 of AS/NZS 4665.2:2005.\n\n(4) In this section:\n\n> user selectable output voltage means a means by which a user can select one of multiple output voltages.\n\n7 GEMS level requirements\n\nEnergy use and greenhouse gas production\n\n(1) For paragraphs 24 (1) (a) and 25 (a) of the Act, the specified energy use requirements are:\n\n(a) for products in product classes 1 and 2—the requirements mentioned in clause 2.1 of AS/NZS 4665.2:2005 (No Load Power Consumption and Average Active Mode Efficiency); and\n\n(b) for product classes 3 and 4—the requirements mentioned in clause 2.2 of AS/NZS 4665.2:2005 (Average Active Mode Efficiency).\n\nConducting tests—user selectable EPS (product classes 2 and 4)\n\n(2) For paragraphs 24 (1) (a) and 25 (b) of the Act, the specified requirements for conducting tests for products in product classes 2 and 4 are the requirements mentioned in:\n\n(a) section 2 of AS/NZS 4665.1:2005 (General Conditions for Measurement);\n\n(b) section 3 of AS/NZS 4665.1:2005 (Measurement Approach);\n\n(c) clause 4.2 of AS/NZS 4665.2:2005 (Input Test Voltage); and\n\n(d) clause 4.3 of AS/NZS 4665.2:2005 (Output Test Voltages at Highest and Lowest Voltage only).\n\nConducting tests—non user selectable EPS (product classes 1 and 3)\n\n(3) Subject to subsection (4), for paragraphs 24 (1) (a) and 25 (b) of the Act, the specified requirements for conducting tests for products in product classes 1 and 3 are the requirements mentioned in:\n\n(a) section 2 of AS/NZS 4665.1:2005 (General Conditions for Measurement);\n\n(b) section 3 of AS/NZS 4665.1:2005 (Measurement Approach); and\n\n(c) clause 4.2 of AS/NZS 4665.2:2005 (Input Test Voltage).\n\n(4) For subsection (3), if a product in product class 1 or 3 is part of a family of models, the testing requirements in clause 4.3 of AS/NZS 4665.2:2005 (Output Test Voltages at Highest and Lowest Voltage only) are also specified for those products.\n\n8 GEMS labelling requirements\n\nLabelling and communication requirements\n\n(1) For paragraphs 24 (1) (b), 26 (1) (a) and (b) of the Act, the specified labelling and communication requirements for a product class mentioned in subsection 6 (2) are:\n\n(a) the requirements mentioned in Appendix A of AS/NZS 4665.1:2005 and section 5 of AS/NZS 4665.2:2005 (Energy Performance Mark) in relation to the energy performance mark to be shown on the product; or\n\n(b) if a product exceeds the energy performance requirements for Mark V as mentioned in Appendix A of AS/NZS 4665.1:2005 and meets the performance requirements for Mark VI mentioned in the IEMP then the product may be labelled in accordance with the requirements for:\n\n(i) Mark V mentioned in Appendix A of AS/NZS 4665.1:2005 and sections 4.2 and 5 of AS/NZS 4665.2:2005 (Energy Performance Mark); or\n\n(ii) Mark VI mentioned in the IEMP.\n\nNote: AS/NZS 4665:1:2005 provides that the energy performance of an EPS covered by this Determination will be measured at 230 volts or 240 volts as applicable.\n\nConducting tests\n\n(2) For paragraphs 24 (1) (b) and 26 (1) (c) of the Act, the specified requirements for conducting tests for a product class mentioned in subsection 6 (2) are the same as in subsections 7 (2) to 7 (4).\n\n9 Other GEMS requirements\n\nHigh efficiency level\n\n(1) For subsection 24 (2) and paragraph 27 (1) (a) of the Act, the specified requirements for a product class mentioned in subsection 6 (2) to meet the high efficiency level are:\n\n(a) the requirements mentioned in section 3 of AS/NZS 4665.2:2005 (High Efficiency Levels) for that product class; or\n\n(b) if a product meets the performance requirements for Mark VI of the IEMP then the requirements for Mark VI of the IEMP.\n\nConducting tests\n\n(2) For subsection 24 (2) and paragraph 27 (1) (e) of the Act, the requirements for conducting tests are the same as those mentioned in subsections 7 (2) to 7 (4).\n\n10 Families of models\n\nNon user selectable output voltage\n\n(1) For section 28 of the Act, the specified circumstances, in which 2 or more models of product in either of product classes 1 or 3, are in the same family of models, are the circumstances mentioned in clause 1.3.8 of AS/NZS 4665.1:2005.\n\nUser selectable output voltage\n\n(2) For section 28 of the Act, the specified circumstances, in which 2 or more models of product in either of product classes 2 and 4 are in the same family of models, are the circumstances mentioned in clause 1.3.9 of AS/NZS 4665.1:2005.\n\n11 Product categories\n\nFor section 29 of the Act, the products covered by this Determination are category A products.\n\n> Note\n\n> Note: 1. All legislative instruments and compilations are registered on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments kept under the Legislative Instruments Act 2003. See [http://www.frli.gov.au](http://www.frli.gov.au).","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":5,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The instrument expressly revokes and replaces the 2012 Determination (s3) but, on its face, sets out scope consistent with AS/NZS 4665 requirements: single‑output EPS up to 250 W with specified exclusions (s6). The text does not itself state a broader or narrower scope change; any substantive scope differences would require comparison with the 2012 text not contained here."},"complexity_factors":["Extensive incorporation of external technical standards (AS/NZS 4665.1:2005, AS/NZS 4665.2:2005, IEMP) requiring users to consult and sometimes purchase third‑party documents (see s4 and s5).","Multiple product classes and precise technical definitions for single‑output EPS and user‑selectable vs non‑selectable voltages (s6, s4 definition of single output external power supply).","Detailed, conditional testing rules that vary by class and family membership (test voltages, highest/lowest settings) increasing procedural complexity for compliance testing (s7(2)–(4), s8(2), s9(2)).","Labelling options that reference different marking schemes (Appendix A of AS/NZS 4665.1:2005 or IEMP Mark VI) creating alternative compliance pathways (s8(1)(a)–(b)).","Cross‑references to the Act, Regulations and other defined terms mean legal effect depends on multiple instruments (s3, s4 note, s5).","Specific exclusions (simultaneous multiple outputs, DC‑DC converters, therapeutic devices on ARTG, battery‑powered equipment) require careful product classification (s6(3)).","Family‑of‑models rules delegate grouping criteria to the incorporated standards, affecting testing scope and sample selection (s10).","Copyright and access constraints for standards and test methods may impose administrative costs and limit direct access to full technical requirements (preamble, s4 notes)."],"plain_english_summary":"This Determination requires single‑output external power supplies (EPS) up to 250 W to meet minimum energy‑performance (MEPS) and labelling rules. It defines four product classes, lists exclusions, and prescribes testing methods and voltages by reference to AS/NZS 4665.1/2 and the IEMP Mark VI. Manufacturers, importers and retailers must test and label covered EPS; compliance imposes testing, labelling and documentation costs and relies on purchased standards and specified test procedures."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This is a straightforward re-enactment and update of the 2012 Determination. The scope remains tightly focused on external power supplies for consumer electronics. The 2014 version updates referenced standards and incorporates the International Efficiency Marking Protocol, but does not expand beyond the original purpose of regulating energy efficiency in external power supplies."},"complexity_factors":["Heavy incorporation by reference of external standards (AS/NZS 4665.1:2005, AS/NZS 4665.2:2005, and the International Efficiency Marking Protocol), requiring cross-referencing to understand full requirements","Multiple defined terms (14 explicit definitions in section 4, plus incorporated definitions from the parent Act and referenced standards)","Nested conditional logic for testing requirements: different test procedures apply depending on whether the product has user-selectable voltage (product classes 2 and 4) or fixed voltage (classes 1 and 3), with additional conditions for families of models","Dual labelling pathways: products can comply via either the Australian/New Zealand Standard marking system OR the International Efficiency Marking Protocol (Mark VI), creating parallel compliance routes","Product classification system with four distinct classes based on voltage selectability and AC/DC output combinations","Specific exclusions in section 6(3) that require careful parsing to determine scope (e.g., therapeutic devices, DC-DC converters, multi-output supplies)","Version-locking provisions: standards are 'frozen' at their version as of the Determination's commencement date, creating potential ambiguity about amendments"],"plain_english_summary":"This law updates Australia’s mandatory energy-efficiency rules for external power supplies (wall chargers and adapters), raising performance and idle‑power limits, requiring energy‑rating labels, and prescribing AS/NZS 4665 testing methods. It applies to single‑output AC‑input supplies up to 250 W, affecting manufacturers and suppliers and, indirectly, consumers by cutting standby waste, lowering bills, and reducing greenhouse emissions through stricter, internationally aligned standards."},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/greenhouse-and-energy-minimum-standards-external-power-supplies-determination-2014","history":"/api/acts/greenhouse-and-energy-minimum-standards-external-power-supplies-determination-2014/history","analysis":"/api/acts/greenhouse-and-energy-minimum-standards-external-power-supplies-determination-2014/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/greenhouse-and-energy-minimum-standards-external-power-supplies-determination-2014/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/greenhouse-and-energy-minimum-standards-external-power-supplies-determination-2014/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/greenhouse-and-energy-minimum-standards-external-power-supplies-determination-2014/documents"}}