special feature in some mandatory and voluntary labeling programs is awards and recognitions formanufacturers who have gone above and beyond standard requirements in producing energy efficientappliances. Such programs have a long history in Japan and in the U.S. EPA's ENERGY STAR program.However, many consumers make purchase decisions on energy efficient appliances at the point of sales,so the retailers' qualifications are also significant. For this reason, the ENERGY STAR program alsoawards retailers based on their product offerings, employee knowledge and training, as well asmarketing and consumer education. In this paper, the methodologies and processes for awardingmanufacturers and retailers will be examined in Japan, the U.S., and China. The U.S. experience inparticular will be analyzed to compare the advantages of awarding retailers in addition to manufacturersand how this helps appliance labeling programs expand. Experience from China's "Energy Saving ProductManufacturers Leadership" will also be detailed with recommendations for how retailer awardprograms might be introduced to China.