Air Conditioners
Coverage
Cooling capacity up to 7.1 kW (24,226 Btu/h)
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Energy efficiency standards and labelling programme of the Maldives — helping consumers buy efficient appliances, save on bills, and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.
The Ministry has launched the Hakathari Program — an energy efficiency labelling programme for appliances and equipment. The purpose of this programme is to promote the use of energy-efficient appliances and equipment.
The Hakathari Program provides consumers with a simple and clear indication of the energy-saving potential of electrical appliances at the point of purchase. This is achieved through the Hakathari label affixed to appliances, which features a five-star rating system. A greater number of stars on the label indicates a higher level of energy efficiency and energy savings.
The programme was developed under the Strengthening Low Carbon Energy Island Strategies Project.
Programme Reach
Process
Step 01
All importers who wish to participate in the Hakathari Programme must register their organisation by submitting Form 1 — Registration of Applicant.
Email the signed form to [email protected] or submit it to the Ministry reception.
Step 02
To register your preferred appliance model, you will need to fill and submit three documents:
Document 1 — Form 2 (Product Registration): register different models of a particular appliance. You can register up to four models per form.
Document 2 — Form 3 (Test Report): submit a test report for each model listed in Form 2 along with a copy of the original test reports from an accredited test laboratory.
Document 3 — Cover Letter: submit a cover letter for each submission. You can submit one cover letter for any number of models you wish to register in a single submission.
Frequently Asked
Hakathari is the Maldives' Energy Efficiency Standards and Labelling Programme. It sets minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) and assigns star-rated labels (1–5 stars) to appliances to help consumers make energy-efficient choices.
Contact Us
For questions or support regarding the Hakathari Programme, reach out to the Ministry.
Coverage
Capacities up to 14 kg
Email the complete document set to [email protected] or submit it to the Ministry reception. A one-time model registration fee of MVR 500 must be paid for each model upon receiving approval.
Step 03
When requesting customs clearance, the Label Approval Certificate must be submitted to Maldives Customs Service.
The standard Customs protocol will be followed thereafter.
To improve appliance efficiency, reduce energy demand and GHG emissions, and support sustainable development. It also helps consumers save on energy bills and make informed purchasing decisions.
Phase out inefficient appliances by introducing minimum energy performance standards (MEPS); enable consumers to easily compare energy performance; and encourage environmentally friendly refrigerants (low ODP / GWP).
The programme was launched in September 2021.
Currently it is voluntary. A mandatory phase is expected to be introduced in 2025.
The Energy Department of the Ministry is responsible for implementing and managing the programme, including monitoring and verification.
Visit the Approved Models page to browse registered products by appliance type.
Yes. Through a financing scheme with Maldives Islamic Bank, consumers can buy 3, 4 and 5-star products at a 10% annual rate.
Air conditioners, refrigerators and washing machines. More appliances may be added in the future.
Single-phase, single-split and unitary type ACs (fixed or variable speed) up to 7.1 kW (24,226 Btu/h).
Compression-type Direct-Cool and Frost-Free refrigerators with rated capacities from 100 to 650 litres.
Automatic and semi-automatic washing machines (front- or top-load) with capacities up to 14 kg.
Yes — expansion is planned for future phases.
Appliance importers in the Maldives.
Importers must register their organisation and appliance models, affix approved labels, submit data regularly, and comply with programme rules.
Submit Form 1 (organisation registration); submit Form 2 (model registration), Form 3 (test report) and a cover letter; and pay MVR 500 per model upon approval.
Yes — MVR 500 per model. Renewal is needed if efficiency or specifications change.
Importers are responsible for affixing the Hakathari label as per the guidelines once approved.
Participation is voluntary for all until the programme becomes mandatory.
Yes — if covered by the same accredited test report. Importers should register all such variations.
No — only the Hakathari label should be visible at the point of sale.
All relevant programme documents and appliance-specific guides are available on the Ministry's website.
Approved models and ratings are listed on the Ministry website under "Approved Models".
Not during the voluntary phase. A validity period may be introduced in the mandatory phase.
The Ministry conducts market inspections and may perform verification testing through accredited labs.
In the voluntary phase it must be deregistered. In the mandatory phase it cannot be sold without corrective action (relabelling or withdrawal).
Currently there are no restrictions on appliances outside the programme scope. Customs checks will apply once the mandatory phase begins.
Importers are advised to shift to recognised distributors or manufacturers to ensure compliance.