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Heat PUmps

Importing heat pumps from China to the EU

As the world becomes more environmentally conscious, the popularity of heat pumps is on the rise. These devices transfer thermal energy from one area to another, making them a more sustainable option than similar devices. Certainly, China is one of the largest exporters of heat pumps in the world, with market size of over twenty billion yuan. When Importing heat pumps from China to the EU, it is important to consider the following factors: product quality, Chinese standards, and transportation costs.

Furthermore, The EU is the world’s largest market for heat pumps, accounting for about one-third of global sales. In 2016, the EU imported heat pumps worth €6.4 billion, with China being the largest supplier (€2.4 billion).

The growing demand for heat pumps in the EU is being driven by a number of factors, including the EU’s commitment to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40% by 2030, as well as increasing energy efficiency standards for new buildings. Heat pumps are seen as a key technology for meeting these targets, as they can significantly reduce energy consumption and emissions.

Everything You Need to Know Before Ordering a Heat Pump from China

There are a few things to know before importing heat pumps from China to the EU. First, let’s find out what types of heat pumps are on the market:

  • Air source heat pumps (ASHP) – the heat source is air from the outside.
  • Ground-source heat pumps (GSHP) – the heat is drawn from the soil or groundwater.
  • Exhaust air heat pumps (EAHP) – the heat is extracted from the building exhaust air and requires mechanical ventilation.
  • Water source heat pumps (WSHP) – the heat is drawn from a body of water.
  • Hybrid heat pumps – the heat is drawn from different sources.

Heat pumps are mainly used to heat and cool buildings and vehicles, and to cool refrigerators and freezers. Air source heat pumps have the largest share of the Chinese market (over 90%), followed by ground-source and water heat pumps.

In recent years, the demand for heat pumps in Europe is increasing, which is reflected in the sharp increase in the dynamics of exports of these devices from China.

Why Chinese Heat Pumps Are Taking Over the World

China is the world’s largest manufacturer of heat pumps, with a production capacity of over 20 million units per year. Chinese manufacturers have a significant cost advantage over their European counterparts, due to lower labor and production costs. As a result, Chinese heat pumps are typically 20-30% cheaper than European models.

The Top 5 provinces in China for heat pump production

When importing heat pumps from China to the European Union, it is important to research the main production bases and find a reputable supplier. The production of heat pump parts is concentrated in Zhejiang and Jiangsu Provinces, and the largest producers of complete heat pumps are Guangdong (Guangzhou, Foshan, Shenzhen, Zhongshan), Zhejiang (Jiaxing) and Shandong (Jinan, Dezhou) Provinces.

Factory of Heat pumps in China

A reputable supplier will have a good understanding of the Chinese heat pump market and will be able to source products from the most reputable manufacturers. They will also be able to provide after-sales support and service, should it required.

Importing heat pumps from China to the EU – duty rates

As the world increasingly looks for ways to move away from traditional forms of energy generation and towards renewable sources, heat pumps have come to the fore as a potential solution. However, before importing heat pumps from China to the EU, it is important to be aware of the duty rates that will apply.

The duty rate on heat pumps is 2.2% and this must pay at the customs border. The rate is applied to the HS (product) code for the heat pump and is based on the classification of the heat pump as either pre-charged hydrofluorocarbons (8418 61 00 91) or other (8418 61 00 99).

In addition to the duty rate, it is also important to be aware of the regulations that apply to the import of heat pumps into the EU. These can be found on the official TARIC open-access tariff system. This system is easy to navigate and provides all the information you need in relation to importing heat pumps into the EU.

Requirements for importing heat pumps from China to the EU

If you’re thinking about importing heat pumps from China to the EU, there are a few things you need to know first. Each importer is required to get familiar with the requirements for the imported product in the target market. Otherwise, the non-compliant product will not release for free circulation (you may be forced to destroy the goods).

The main legal acts specifying product requirements in the European Union are directives and regulations. Moreover, importers must comply with national laws. In order to ensure that your heat pumps comply with all the relevant requirements, you should:

  1. Get familiar with the relevant directives and regulations, as well as national laws.
  2. Make sure that your suppliers are aware of and can comply with the requirements.
  3. Conduct regular audits of your suppliers.
  4. Keep all documentation related to the compliance of your heat pumps.

If you take these steps, you can be confident that your heat pumps will comply with the relevant requirements and can be successfully imported into the EU.

In the European Union, the import of heat pumps from China is subject to the following requirements:

1. Provisions on fluorinated greenhouse gases

First and foremost, all imported heat pumps must meet the requirements of the F-gas Regulation (EU) No 517/2014. Heat pumps imported from China must comply with the provisions of the EU F-Gas Regulation, which sets out rules for the containment, recovery, and destruction of fluorinated greenhouse gases.

2. Pressure equipment

The Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU covers pressure equipment and assemblies that are new to the EU market when they are placed in the market. Heat pumps imported from China must comply with the Pressure Equipment Directive, which sets out rules for the design, manufacture, and testing of pressure equipment.

3. Machinery Directive

The Directive 2006/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on machinery sets out mandatory requirements concerning human health, safety, and environmental issues. Machines must have a nameplate affixed. Heat pumps imported from China must comply with the Machinery Directive. It sets out rules for the design, manufacture, and safety of machinery.

4. Low Voltage Directive

As of 19 April 2016, all heat pumps placed on the market in the European Union (EU) must comply with the requirements of the Eco-design Directive (2014/35/EU).

 In particular, heat pumps must:

  • Have a minimum Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 2.6 and a minimum Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) of 2.0 when tested in accordance with the European Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (ESEER) procedure.
  • Have a minimum hot water temperature of 55 °C.
  • Be able to operate in both heating and cooling mode.
  • It must fit with a device to prevent the user from inadvertently setting an excessively high temperature.

The directive also requires manufacturers to provide consumers with information on the expected annual energy consumption of the heat pump under average climate and load conditions. Furthermore,Heat pumps placed on the market before 19 April 2016 may remain in use until they reach the end of their useful life.

5. Electromagnetic Compatibility

When looking for a heat pump that is able to generate or contribute to high levels of electromagnetic emissions, it is important to be aware of Directive 2014/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council. Heat pumps imported from China must comply with the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive, which sets out rules for the electromagnetic compatibility of electrical equipment.

6. Labeling

As of September 1st, 2015, all new models of heat pumps imported into the EU from China must comply with the requirements of the EU’s new energy labeling directive, Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 811/2013. Heat pumps imported from China must be labeled in accordance with the labeling requirements of the EU Energy Efficiency Directive.

7. Ecodesign

Heat pumps imported from China must comply with the Eco-design Directive, which sets out rules for the energy efficiency of products. As of September 26, 2016, the Ecodesign Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/2281 implements Directive 2009/125/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council. It establishes a framework for setting ecodesign requirements for energy-related products. This regulation applies to air heating products, cooling products, high-temperature process chillers and fan coil units, and heat pumps.

Documentation must provide product-specific requirements

In order to ensure that imported heat pumps from China meet the eco-design requirements set forth in the EU, manufacturers must provide documentation to the importer that demonstrates compliance with the following product-specific requirements:

  • Firstly, the minimum seasonal efficiency of the heat pump must be 2.6 times that of an electric resistance heater of the same capacity and operating conditions.
  • Secondly, the maximum sound power level emitted by the heat pump must not exceed 45 dB(A).
  • Thirdly, the maximum power consumption in standby mode must not exceed 1 watt.

1-Coefficient performance (COP)

The minimum Coefficient of performance COP must be:

  • 3.2 for air-to-water heat pumps,
  • 2.75 for water-to-water heat pumps,
  • 1.75 for brine-to-water heat pumps.

2-Compliance information for seasonal efficiency

In order to demonstrate compliance with the seasonal efficiency requirement, manufacturers must provide information on the following:

  • The heating and cooling capacities of the heat pump.
  • The coefficient of performance (COP) and seasonal coefficient of performance (SCOP) for both heating and cooling operation, is based on the European Seasonal Efficiency of Residential Heat Pumps (SEER) and Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SCOP) test methods.
  • The maximum water temperature for heat pumps used for domestic hot water production. In order to demonstrate compliance with the maximum sound power level requirement, manufacturers must provide information on the following:
  • The sound power level of the heat pump is measured in accordance with the ISO 3744 test method. In order to demonstrate compliance with the maximum power consumption in standby mode requirement, manufacturers must provide information on the following:
  • The power consumption of the heat pump in standby mode was measured in accordance with the IEC 62301 test method. The following information must also be provided in order to demonstrate compliance with the minimum COP requirement:

The documentation required by the importer must be in English, French, or German. The Ecodesign Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/2281 provides for a transition period of two years from the date of entry into force of the regulation, during which time manufacturers may continue to place on the market heat pumps that do not comply with the minimum seasonal efficiency requirement. Moreover, After the expiration of the transition period, only heat pumps that comply with the minimum seasonal efficiency requirement may place on the market.

8. WEEE symbol:

First and foremost, all imported heat pumps must meet the requirements of the F-gas Regulation (Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment, Directive 2012/19/EU). The WEEE symbol is required on all imported heat pumps in order to indicate that the product must dispose of according to the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive. Furthermore, this Directive requires that waste electrical and electronic equipment must treat in an environmentally sound manner.

WEEE symbol

In order to ensure that heat pumps are disposed of in an environmentally sound manner, importers must provide information on the proper disposal of the heat pump. This information must be readily accessible to the user and must include in the user manual.

In addition to the WEEE symbol, importers of heat pumps from China must provide the following information in the user manual:

  • The name and address of the importer.
  • A description of the proper disposal method for the heat pump.
  • Information on the nearest collection point for waste electrical and electronic equipment.
  • The importer’s contact information in case the user has any questions.

CE Marking and Declaration of Conformity!

CE Mark

The above regulations require the device to bear a CE mark. The manufacturer’s declaration of conformity (DoC) is based on test reports. If there is a DoC, the product can bear the CE mark. The declaration of conformity must contain the relevant legislation with which the product complies. In addition to any harmonized standards or other means used to prove compliance. A copy of the declaration of conformity must keep for ten years from the moment the equipment is placed on the market.

Do not forget to attach a user manual (in the target country’s official language) and the technical documentation.

Heat pumps trade fairs in China

For those interested in purchasing a heat pump, trade fairs are the perfect place to start. Not only can you compare offers from different manufacturers, but you can also establish contact with potential Chinese contractors. This, in turn, can lead to a better offer.

So, if you’re in the market for a heat pump, be sure to check out some of the following trade fairs in China:

  • The China International Trade Fair for Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, Sanitation & Home comfort systems (HVACS). It is one of the largest and most well-known trade fairs devoted to heat pumps in China. It is held annually in Guangzhou and attracts buyers from all over the world.
  • The China Refrigeration Expo is another large trade fair devoted to heat pumps and refrigeration equipment. It is held annually in Beijing. HVACS is a great place to find the latest and greatest in heat pump technology.
  • The China Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Expo is held annually in Shanghai. It is one of the most comprehensive trade fairs for those interested in heat pumps and other HVACR equipment.

These are just a few of the many trade fairs devoted to heat pumps. HVACS held in China each year. So, if you’re in the market for a heat pump, be sure to check out one of these trade fairs. You won’t be disappointed.

Central China (Zhengzhou) International Equipment Manufacturing Exposition (CCEME)

1-Canton Fair Phase 1 – China Export and Import Fair

The Canton Fair is China’s largest and oldest trade fair, held twice a year. The first phase of the Canton Fair focuses on electrical and electronic equipment, vehicles, and machinery, including heat pumps.

Website: cantonfair.org.cn

2-China Guangzhou International Electric Heating Exhibition

The China Guangzhou International Electric Heating Exhibition (GEHE) is the only trade fair in China. Moreover, its focuses on electric heating devices and equipment mostly. The Exhibition is held at the Canton Fair Complex in Guangzhou. GEHE fair provides a great opportunity for businesses to gain exposure to the Chinese market.

For more information, please visit the website: gehe.cn/index.php?lang=en

3-ISH China & CIHE (China International Trade Fair for Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, Sanitation & Home Comfort Systems)

The ISH China & CIHE is a trade fair for heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and sanitation solutions. Exhibitors at the ISH China & CIHE showcase innovative and green solutions in heating, ventilation, and more. It is held at the New China International Exhibition Center in Beijing.

The website for the event is ishc-cihe.hk.messefrankfurt.com/beijing/en.html.

Conclusion

To sum up, importing heat pumps from China to the EU involves checking compliance with many EU regulations and applying the CE mark. Before you decide on a supplier, have due diligence conducted. Even if the company is trustworthy, make sure that the products undergo quality control and sign a valid commercial contract.

SkyAbound is a reliable trusted supplier in China that can help you Import heat pumps from China to the EU.

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