Hakathari Program – Energy efficiency standards and labeling program of the Maldives

05 Sep 2021

The Ministry has launched the Hakathari Program – an energy efficiency labeling program for appliances and equipment. The purpose of this program 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 purpose of the program is:

  • To encourage the purchase of energy-efficient appliances.
  • To help consumers make informed choices and save money on their household electricity bills.
  • To encourage importers and manufacturers to promote energy efficient technologies and products in the Maldivian market, bringing about a market transformation.
  • To reduce the emission of greenhouse gases and progress towards a sustainable future.

The program was developed under the Strengthening Low Carbon Energy Island Strategies Project.

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Total Approved Models
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Air Conditioners
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Refrigerator
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Washing Machine

Hakathari Program details

Program document

The program document details out all the terms and conditions. This includes program requirements, process for program participation, monitoring and verification and other aspects of the program.

  • Program document – Amendment 2 [Download]

Appliances covered

How to Get the Hakathari Label

Step 1: Participating in the Program

Step 2: Model registration.

  • To register your preferred appliance model, you will need to fill and submit 3 documents.

Document 1

Submit Form 2- Product Registration to register different models of a particular appliance. You can register up to 4 models per form.

Document 2

Submit Form 3- Test Report for each model listed out in Form 2 along with copy of original test reports from accredited test laboratory.

List of possible Accredited Laboratory’s information can be downloaded here. Please note that the test results will be accepted from any laboratory accredited by a recognized accrediting authority which are MRA signatories such as ILAC/APLAC as stated in the program document.

Document 3

Submit a Cover Letter for each submission. You can submit one cover letter for any number of models that you wish to register in a single submission.

All FORMS and COVER LETTER can be downloaded here.

  • Email complete document set to hakathari@environment.gov.mv or submit to ministry reception.
  • A one-time Model Registration fee of MVR 500 has to be paid for each model upon receiving approval. The same shall be submitted by the registered applicant for renewal of each model if there is a change in specifications or energy efficiency grade.
  • The ministry will issue a Label Approval Certificate to the applicant once payment is confirmed

Step 3: Import of labelled appliances

  • When requesting customs clearance, Label Approval Certificate should be submitted to Maldives Customs Service.
  • The standard Customs protocol will be followed thereafter.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)

🔹 About the Hakathari Program

Hakathari Program is the Maldives’ Energy Efficiency Standards and Labelling Program. It sets minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) and assigns star-rated labels (1–5 stars) to appliances to help consumers make energy-efficient choices.

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 MEPS.

  • Enable consumers to easily compare energy performance.

  • Encourage environmentally friendly refrigerants (low ODP/GWP).

The program 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 program, 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.

🔹 Scope & Appliance Coverage

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 7.1kW (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/top load) with capacities up to 14 kg.

Yes, expansion is planned for future phases.

🔹 Participation & Registration

Appliance importers in the Maldives.

Importers must register their organization and appliance models, affix approved labels, submit data regularly, and comply with program rules.

  • Submit Form 1 (organization registration)

  • Submit Form 2 (model registration) + Form 3 (test report) + cover letter

  • Pay MVR 500 per model upon approval

Yes, MVR 500 per model. Renewal is needed if efficiency or specs change.

Importers are responsible for affixing the Hakathari label as per the guidelines once approved.

 

Participation is voluntary for all until the program becomes mandatory.

Yes, if covered by the same accredited test report. Importers should register all such variations.

🔹 Label Design & Use

No. Only the Hakathari label should be visible at the point of sale.

All relevant program 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.

🔹 Monitoring & Compliance

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 (relabeling or withdrawal).

Currently, there are no restrictions on appliances outside the program scope. Customs checks will apply once the mandatory phase begins.

Importers are advised to shift to recognized distributors or manufacturers to ensure compliance.

📞 Contact Us

For questions or support regarding the Hakathari Program, reach out to the Ministry:

📧 Email: hakathari@environment.gov.mv