Energy-efficiency ratings on electronic devices of eight categories will be published at the end of this year and put into force next year, the country's authority of standardization said yesterday, warning manufactures, importers and exporters involved to be prepared.

The eight categories that will be labeled will include both white goods and office appliances, such as water heaters, electric cookers, fans, variable-frequency air conditioners, computer monitors and copy machines, according to Wang Ruohong, deputy director of resource and environment standardization under China National Institute of Standardization (CNIS).

The energy-efficiency rating label, as a mandatory mark, enables consumers to compare the energy efficiency of domestic appliances on a fair and equitable basis. It also provides incentives for manufacturers to improve the energy performance of appliances.