Compact freezer units designed for household use and maintaining sub-zero storage temperatures throughout their volume generally fall under this heading regardless of size, provided their primary function is deep-freezing rather than refrigeration. However, small combination units with both a refrigerator and freezer section are typically classified under the household refrigerator heading based on principal function. A binding ruling from CBP is advisable for borderline cases.

Importers (or the US brand owner) must certify that each covered freezer model meets DOE energy conservation standards, submit certification reports to DOE's Compliance Certification Management System (CCMS), and ensure testing was conducted under the applicable DOE test procedure (10 CFR Part 430). Models that fail to meet the standard cannot be imported for sale; DOE can seek civil penalties for non-compliant products already in commerce.