What Hospitality Businesses Need to Know
Commercial ice machines are essential equipment for many Australian hospitality businesses. From keeping drinks cold in busy bars to supporting food preparation, accommodation services and commercial kitchens, reliable ice production is part of everyday operations.
But when purchasing a new commercial ice machine, there is now another factor to consider alongside ice production, storage capacity and installation requirements: energy efficiency compliance.
Commercial ice-making equipment covered by Australia's Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) regulations has been subject to new requirements.
Understanding these changes can help hospitality businesses make informed purchasing decisions and avoid confusion when comparing equipment.
What is GEMS?
GEMS stands for Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards. It is an Australian Government program that establishes energy performance requirements for a range of electrical appliances and commercial equipment.
The purpose is to improve the energy efficiency of products supplied to the Australian market, helping reduce electricity consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions.
Commercial ice machines are now included under the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (Commercial Ice-makers) Determination 2025.
For commercial equipment covered by the regulations, manufacturers and suppliers must demonstrate that the machines meet minimum energy performance standards and relevant testing requirements.
Eligible models must also be registered with the Australian GEMS Regulator before being offered for sale, unless a valid exemption or grandfathering provision applies.
Which Ice Machines Are Covered?
The requirements apply to defined categories of automatic commercial ice machines with a tested production capacity of up to and including 1,000 kilograms of ice per 24 hours.
The regulations cover a broad range of commercial ice-making equipment, including applicable machines with integrated ice storage or dispensing functions.
Not every type of ice-making equipment is covered, so the exact model and its technical specifications should be checked.
What Is an AIM Registration Number?
When an applicable commercial ice machine is approved under the GEMS program, it receives a registration number beginning with AIM, which stands for Australia Ice-maker.
For example, a registration number may appear as AIM1234.
This number identifies the registered model and allows its details to be checked through the Australian Government's Energy Rating Registration Database.
For registered machines, the GEMS registration number must be displayed when the equipment is advertised or offered for sale, including online, in printed material and in-store.
Unlike household appliances, commercial ice machines are not required to display the familiar Energy Rating star label.
The registration number, rather than a compulsory star-rating sticker, is an important piece of information buyers should look for.
Can Older Ice Machines Still Be Sold?
The commencement of GEMS requirements does not automatically mean that all previously manufactured commercial ice machines can no longer be sold.
Grandfathering provisions may allow commercial kitchen equipment imported into Australia or manufactured locally before 3 March 2026 to continue to be supplied without meeting the new requirements, provided the relevant legal conditions are satisfied.
This means buyers may encounter both registered models and legally available older stock during the transition.
It is worth confirming the status of an individual machine with the supplier rather than assuming all stock is subject to identical requirements.
When selecting a new machine, confirm its registration or applicable transitional status, review its energy performance and ensure its production capacity is suitable for the business.
A little more attention to these details at the purchasing stage can help deliver reliable ice production throughout the busiest periods of service.