由 caicai8478 After successfully securing an order in Southeast Asia and resolving tariff issues, have you ever encountered this dilemma: your goods arrive safely at the port, only to be detained by customs for lacking a small certification label, preventing them from being put on the market?
For exporters, overcoming tariff barriers is only the first step. Technical Trade Measures (TBT)—or market access certification—is the “invisible gatekeeper” that truly determines whether your products can reach consumers on the shelves.
This article systematically reviews the mandatory certification requirements of major Southeast Asian countries to help you proactively mitigate risks and ensure foolproof market access.
- Why is certification so important?
Unlike tariffs, the core concerns of product certification are:
Public health and safety
Environmental protection
Consumer rights protection
Technical standard harmonization
Consequences of ignoring certification:
Customs detention: Goods are intercepted at the port, resulting in high demurrage fees.
Market ban: Products are prohibited from sale and circulation.
Rectification/Return/Destruction: Forced rectification, return, or even destruction can result in significant losses. Damage to brand reputation: Products classified as “non-compliant” can negatively impact brand image.
II. Map of Compulsory Certification in Major Southeast Asian Countries
The following chart provides a quick overview of the core certification systems and their respective symbols for each country:
- Indonesia – SNI Certification
Core Symbols:
Competent Authority: Indonesian National Bureau of Standards
Products Covered: Extremely broad, including but not limited to:
Home Appliances: Air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, electric irons
Electronic Products: Mobile phones, tablets, televisions
Automotive and Parts: Tires, batteries
Building Materials: Cement, ceramic tiles, glass
Consumer Goods: Toys, footwear, textiles
Key Points: SNI is mandatory. Products must be tested in a laboratory approved by the Indonesian Standards Agency (BSN) and affixed with the SNI label before customs clearance and sale.
- Malaysia – SIRIM Certification & Compulsory Certification Scheme
Core Mark: SIRIM ST CoA (Conformity Assessment Report)
Competent Authority: Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia
Covered Products:
Information Technology Equipment
Household Appliances
Audio and Video Equipment
Medical Devices
Toys
Key Points: Products must be tested by a SIRIM-accredited laboratory and receive a SIRIM-issued certification. This is a key focus of market surveillance.
- Thailand – TISI Certification
Core Mark:
Competent Authority: Thai Industrial Standards Institute
Covered Products:
Electrical Equipment (e.g., plugs, sockets, circuit breakers)
Household Appliances
Construction Materials (e.g., cement, rebar)
Automotive Parts
Consumer Products (e.g., toys)
Key Points: TISI certification is either mandatory or voluntary. Products included in the mandatory catalogue must undergo a TISI-specified process (including factory inspections and product sampling tests) before obtaining approval.
- Philippines – PS Certification and ICC License
Core Mark: PS Mark or ICC License Mark
Competent Authority: Philippine Bureau of Standards
Covered Products:
PS Certification (Philippine Standards): Building materials (such as steel pipes and cement), electrical products, and household appliances.
ICC License (Import Customs Clearance): For high-risk products such as household appliances, lamps, and consumer electronics.
Key Points: PS Certification focuses more on standards compliance, while ICC License is a mandatory prerequisite for customs clearance; both may be required.
- Vietnam – CR Certification
Core Mark: CR Mark (QR Code)
Competent Authority: Quality Inspection Agency under the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam
Covered Products: 129 product groups, including toys, electrical appliances, vehicles, pharmaceuticals, and food.
Key Points: Under the new regulations, many products can use a self-declaration of conformity model, but high-risk products still require third-party certification. The certificate will include a QR code for verification by regulatory authorities.
- Singapore – CPS Scheme
Core Mark: Safety Mark
Regulatory Agency: Enterprise Singapore
Products Covered: A relatively narrow scope, primarily covering products with high safety requirements, such as:
Plugs and sockets
Household switches
Small appliances such as electric irons and electric kettles
Key Points: Suppliers must ensure their products meet safety standards and designate a local Singapore company as the “supplier” responsible for registration and compliance.
III. Your Action Guide: How to Overcome Certification Challenges
Facing complex certification requirements, follow this four-step approach to stay on top of them:
Step 1: Product Classification and Target Country Confirmation
During the R&D or quotation stage, use the product’s HS code and description to make a preliminary determination of which country’s certification catalog it may fall under.
Step 2: Clarify Responsibilities with the Customer/Importer
Clearly stipulate in the sales contract:
Who (exporter or importer) is responsible for applying for certification?
Who will bear the certification costs?
Who will provide the technical data and samples required for certification?
(Typically, the exporter is responsible for providing technical support and ensuring product compliance, while the importer is responsible for applying locally on their behalf.)
Step 3: Choose a Professional Certification Service
The certification process is complex, involving document preparation, sample testing, and communication with foreign agencies. An experienced third-party certification consulting firm or laboratory can significantly save you time and trial-and-error costs.
Step 4: Plan Your Timeline and Budget
Incorporate certification cycles and costs into your project plan. Certification typically takes several weeks to several months, and costs range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of RMB. Planning ahead can help avoid delays in business opportunities.
IV. Beyond Certification: Other Compliance Requirements
In addition to product certification, consider the following:
Language and Labeling: Almost all countries require consumer products to be labeled in their local language.
Energy Efficiency Labeling: Energy-consuming products such as air conditioners and refrigerators require energy efficiency labels.
Chemical Regulations: Regulations such as REACH-like regulations restrict hazardous substances in products.
Packaging and Environmental Protection: Some countries require packaging materials to be recyclable.
Summary:
In the Southeast Asian market, compliance is both a cost and an investment. It will remove market entry barriers, build brand trust, and serve as the cornerstone for long-term sustainable development. Don’t let a single certificate become a stumbling block to your global strategy.