As global industries push toward carbon reduction and sustainable manufacturing, display technologies are facing increasingly strict energy-efficiency requirements. Industrial displays—often high-brightness, rugged, and designed for continuous operation—must now meet new national standards to ensure lower energy consumption without compromising performance. China’s latest standard, GB 21520-2023 – “Energy Efficiency Limits and Grades for Displays”, officially takes effect on June 1, 2024. For industrial display manufacturers, including companies such as OSCAN / Oscy Monitor, this new regulation introduces both compliance challenges and opportunities for technological advancement. This article provides a comprehensive explanation of GB 21520-2023 and outlines how industrial display manufacturers can prepare and benefit from the new requirements. Overview of GB 21520-2023 Purpose and Background GB 21520-2023 replaces the older 2015 edition, updating energy-efficiency requirements to: Reduce power consumption across the display industry Encourage adoption of more efficient technologies Support national energy-saving and carbon-neutral goals The standard introduces new test protocols, revised energy grades, and expanded product coverage—reflecting today’s rapid evolution in display technologies. Expanded Scope of Application Unlike the older version, GB 21520-2023 applies to a much broader range of display products. Key additions include: OLED displays LED integrated display terminals DC-powered display devices High-performance displays (such as high-resolution or HDR-capable screens) Some specialized categories, however, remain excluded, such as: VR/AR/MR headsets Medical imaging displays Cinema-grade projection equipment KVM or console-specific display modules This expansion means many industrial-grade devices—previously not regulated—must now meet mandatory energy standards. Energy Efficiency Grades and Power Requirements GB 21520-2023 defines three energy-efficiency grades: Level 1 — Highest efficiency Level 2 — Standard efficiency Level 3 — Minimum acceptable efficiency These limits differ depending on display type (LCD, OLED, LED integrated terminals, etc.). The standard also places new restrictions on: On-mode power consumption Sleep-mode power consumption Off-mode power consumption Industrial displays must now optimize energy behavior not only during active use, but also during idle and standby states. Updated Testing Methods To accurately measure power and efficiency, the standard introduces updated testing rules, including: More precise measurement equipment requirements Standardized viewing distance and brightness conditions Additional tests for OLED and LED integrated displays High-performance-display requirements such as: Native resolution Horizontal viewing angle Color gamut coverage HDR peak luminance These changes ensure consistency and reliability in evaluating energy performance across various display technologies. Certification, Conversion, and Compliance Timeline Manufacturers must pay close attention to certification requirements. Key points include: New certification aligns with GB 21520-2023, replacing the older GB 21520-2015 rule. Existing certificates under the old standard must be converted before May 31, 2025. After the transition deadline, outdated certificates will be suspended and eventually revoked. Annual surveillance audits conducted after June 1, 2024 must comply with the new standard. Certification bodies have already opened applications based on GB 21520-2023. For display manufacturers, timely preparation is essential to maintain market access. Impact on Industrial Display Manufacturers For companies such as OSCAN (Oscy Monitor), which specialize in industrial LCD monitors and touch displays, GB 21520-2023 introduces significant changes across product development, testing, and market positioning. Product Design and Engineering Manufacturers must adopt new design strategies to achieve higher efficiency levels, such as: High-efficiency backlight systems (e.g., advanced LED or mini-LED designs) Automatic Brightness Control (ABC) for dynamic power savings Optimized driver boards and power-management ICs Low-power display controllers and processors Targeting Level 1 or Level 2 energy efficiency can significantly enhance product competitiveness, especially in power-sensitive industrial environments. Laboratory and Testing Upgrades To meet stricter testing requirements, companies must enhance their in-house testing capabilities: Calibration-grade luminance meters Higher-accuracy power analyzers Controlled lighting environments Expanded test procedures for sleep/off-mode power Capability to evaluate high-performance displays (HDR, wide-gamut, high-refresh-rate) A well-equipped testing facility ensures accuracy, reduces certification risk, and shortens time to market. Certification and Compliance Management Manufacturers must plan ahead for: New-standard certification applications Conversion of existing certifications Annual audits aligned with GB 21520-2023 Documentation updates (specification sheets, test reports, energy labels) Failure to comply may result in suspended certificates, delayed shipments, or lost market access. Market Strategy and Brand Positioning Energy efficiency is becoming a purchasing priority for industrial clients. Manufacturers can leverage compliance to: Promote “GB 21520-2023 Level 1 Certified” as a premium feature Strengthen brand reputation as a green, energy-efficient supplier Reduce customers’ long-term operating costs Support smart-factory and environmental-sustainability initiatives OEM/ODM partners—especially in automation, transportation, digital signage, and industrial control—actively seek low-power display solutions to meet their own energy goals. Long-Term Sustainability and Innovation GB 21520-2023 encourages manufacturers to pursue long-term innovation: Smart power-management algorithms Light-sensor-based brightness control AI-driven display optimization Ultra-low-power display materials Integration with renewable-energy powered systems Companies that embrace these advancements will be better positioned in global green-manufacturing ecosystems. Recommendations for OSCAN (Oscy Monitor) and Industrial Display Brands Based on industry standards and typical capabilities of established industrial display manufacturers, several strategic actions are recommended: Perform a Full Product Energy-Efficiency Audit Identify: Models already meeting Level 1/Level 2 Models needing redesign High-performance displays requiring specialized testing Upgrade Design for Lower Power Consumption Focus on: Efficient backlights Auto brightness Optimized PCBA power rails Energy-efficient touch controllers Accelerate New-Standard Certification Prepare documentation early and begin certification applications immediately. Promote Energy-Efficient Product Lines Highlight compliance in marketing: Website product pages Datasheets Catalogs OEM/ODM proposals Trade shows and customer presentations Strengthen R&D Around Green Display Technologies Build long-term competitive advantage through sustainable innovation. Conclusion GB 21520-2023 marks a significant milestone in China’s efforts to enhance energy efficiency across the display industry. For industrial display manufacturers—especially those producing rugged industrial monitors, touch displays, and high-brightness screens—the new standard represents both a compliance requirement and a strategic opportunity. Companies that proactively adapt their designs, upgrade testing facilities, and adopt energy-efficient technologies will gain: Stronger market competitiveness Greater customer trust Compliance with national sustainability trends A future-proof product portfolio   For manufacturers like OSCAN (Oscy Monitor), aligning with GB 21520-2023 not only ensures regulatory compliance but also reinforces their position as a leading provider of efficient, reliable, and environmentally responsible industrial display solutions.