I see many Indian consumers who are actively looking for the star label affixed on appliances like Air Conditioners, refrigerators, ceiling fans, geysers, washing machines, LED lights, televisions, etc., while they go shopping. These star labels are affixed on a wide array of products to give consumers information on the performance of the product, helping them understand cost and energy-saving potential at the time of purchase.
In India, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), under the Ministry of Power, the govt. of India, oversees this crucial aspect of consumer satisfaction and transparency.
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Why a QR Code-based Solution?
Now, these star labels can be misused as well. All an appliance manufacturing firm has to do is print and affix these labels, and the customers will be under the impression that it is authentic and regulated by the government.
To curb any such potential misadventure, BEE now aims to implement a QR Code in the present system of star labels on products. This will allow customers to retrieve and verify the details on a star label by simply scanning the QR Code on the star label. The data from the registered appliance database of BEE will be linked with the QR Code on each such product.
It’s a fail-proof way for appliance manufacturers to authenticate the star label on their products and boost customer trust with transparency.
QR Code Product Authentication and Anti-counterfeiting
Similarly, a QR Code-based solution can also be used for product authentication and preventing counterfeiting of branded items. Certain brands that deal with luxury retail items, medicines, and high-value items like wine, etc., have already started to use QR codes for real-time product authentication, where customers can scan the QR Code on the product packaging, which directs them to the official brand page where the product is authenticated.
Lately, QR Code technology is increasingly being used in India to streamline various product and service-related areas, boosting transparency, customer satisfaction, and customer trust.
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BEE Mobile App for Star Label Scanning
Each genuine BEE Star Label will now carry a unique QR code that can be scanned by consumers using the BEE Star Label mobile application. Scanning the QR code instantly verifies product authenticity and provides access to real-time information from BEE’s centralized S&L database, making the system more reliable and fail-proof against counterfeiting.
The BEE Star Label App, available on both Android and iOS, connects directly with the BEE’s live database to deliver accurate and updated information daily. Through this app, consumers can make informed choices by comparing products on the basis of energy efficiency, potential savings, and performance.
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How can an Appliance Manufacturer Integrate a QR Code on a Product Star Label?
Since June 18, 2024, the appliance manufacturers can integrate a QR Code on the star label on each of their products. The process follows these steps:
1.QR Code Request Initiation
The manufacturer must log in and raise a request on the BEE Portal for QR Code generation.
2. Model Application ID Requirement
Each request must be linked to a valid Model Application ID.
3. Serial Number Request Limit
A maximum of 2000 serial numbers can be requested per submission.
4. XML File Handling
After submitting the request, users must download an XML file from the portal. Post-production, users must update the XML file with actual serial numbers and upload it back to the portal.
5. Validity Period
The application remains valid for 60 days from the date of the request for uploading serial numbers.
6. Partial Uploads & XML Regeneration
If only a portion of the requested serial numbers are uploaded, users can re-download the XML file, which will contain only the remaining serial numbers.
7. Tracking Uploaded Serial Numbers
Users can download an Excel report from the portal showing which serial numbers have been successfully uploaded.
8. QR Code Content Requirement
As per BEE’s instruction, the Indoor unit (IDU) Serial Number (example: Air conditioner) must be embedded within the QR Code. A similar serial number can be used for other appliances.
9. Print and apply the new label.
a. Integrate the downloaded QR code image into your manufacturer's star label design.
b. Print the labels according to BEE guidelines. The new label must include the QR code along with other required information, such as the unique label number, star rating, and model details.
c. Affix the label to the appliance's body or packaging as per BEE's standards.
What happens when the QR code is scanned?
Once the integrated QR code is on the product, a consumer can scan it with the official BEE Star Label mobile app to:
1. Verify the authenticity of the appliance and its star rating.
2. View detailed product specifications and energy consumption information.
3. Compare different models and report non-compliant products.
How does a BEE QR Code App benefit consumers and Manufacturers in India?
The QR Code on the star label is linked to the BEE product database, thus offering a real-time authenticity check not just for consumers but also for manufacturers as well.
Here are some obvious features of this app and initiative:
a.QR Code Verification
Each star label now includes a secure QR code. Scanning it through the app confirms the label’s authenticity and provides complete details about the product’s energy efficiency rating, manufacturer, and model.
b. Product Comparison
Consumers can compare multiple products based on energy consumption, cost savings, and star ratings, allowing them to choose the most efficient appliances available in the market.
c. Smart Filters
The app allows filtering of products by parameters such as star rating, capacity, energy consumption, and type, simplifying the product search process.
d. Receipt Storage
Users can store and manage purchase receipts by uploading pictures; helpful for warranty claims, maintenance records, and future reference.
e. Favourites
Products can be bookmarked under the “Favourites” section for easy access and comparison during in-store purchases.
f. Custom Settings
The app lets users adjust assumptions used in energy-saving calculations, such as energy cost per unit or number of years, based on their region or personal usage patterns.
g. Feedback and Engagement
Consumers can submit feedback on products or app features directly through the platform. This feedback loop helps BEE enhance policies, appliance standards, and consumer awareness.
To summarize, to further strengthen transparency and prevent duplication of its energy efficiency star labels, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has introduced a QR code-enabled star labelling system for appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators, geysers, and others covered under its Standards & Labelling (S&L) program.
It has also developed a QR Code scanning mobile app that allows users to verify these QR-enabled star labels, where the product-related data is retrieved from the BEE database to verify the star label on each product under the S&L program.
BEE is also actively promoting the use of the mobile app and QR-based verification system through advertisements and outreach programs. This initiative aims not only to ensure authenticity and eliminate duplication of star labels but also to empower consumers to make energy-efficient, cost-effective purchasing decisions.
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