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In today’s global marketplace, the safety and quality of products are of paramount importance. Consumers worldwide rely on safety standards to protect themselves and their families from potential harm. Hong Kong, a bustling metropolis known for its vibrant markets and diverse range of products, has implemented the Hong Kong Safety Mark to ensure the safety of goods available in the city.
What is the HKSI?
The Hong Kong Certification Centre (HKCC) (formerly known as The Hong Kong Safety Institute – HKSI) was established in 1998 as a product certification body in Hong Kong.
HKCC operation system is accredited by China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment (CNAS) and Hong Kong Accreditation Service (HKAS) for particular scopes of product certification service, as well as a Recognized Certification Body (RCB) of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) in Hong Kong.
One of the important developments in HKCC was the introduction of the Hong Kong Safety Mark Product Certification Scheme. HKCC also launched the ECO Mark and Phthalate Compliance Mark for monitoring the hazardous substances such as VOCs and heavy metals particular in furniture, paint, and plasticizers in food containers respectively.
In addition, according to the Government of Hong Kong, Electrical & Mechanical Services Department (EMSD), all household electrical products must comply with the Electrical Products Safety Regulation (EPSR) and hold the valid safety compliance certification.
What is the Hong Kong Safety Mark Product Certification Scheme?
The Hong Kong Safety Mark Scheme (also known as HKSI Scheme or HKSM Scheme) is an independent product certification program applicable to manufacturers, retailers, importers, and distributors for a wide range of different products, particularly electrical appliances which are under control of safety regulations. Being developed, operated, and administered by the Hong Kong Certification Centre (HKCC), the Scheme was commissioned in 1998.
The Importance of the Hong Kong Safety Mark?
- Consumer protection: the primary objective of the Hong Kong Safety Mark is to safeguard consumers from potentially hazardous products. By adhering to stringent safety standards, products with the Safety Mark provide consumers with peace of mind, knowing that they have been thoroughly tested and deemed safe for use.
- Product Quality: the Safety Mark is not only an indicator of safety but also signifies product quality. Manufacturers and suppliers who obtain the Safety Mark demonstrate their commitment to providing products that meet or exceed relevant safety requirements.
- Market confidence: the Hong Kong Safety Mark instills confidence in both local and international consumers. Its presence on a product indicates that it has undergone rigorous testing and complies with the safety standards set by the Hong Kong government, bolstering the reputation of the brand and the overall market.
Products that require the Hong Kong Safety Mark
There are several products that require a Hong Kong Safety Mark before they can be sold in Hong Kong. These products include electrical appliances, toys, and gas appliances. Other products that require the mark include motor vehicles, building materials, beauty products, industrial and commercial instruments and medical devices.
- Electrical appliances: electrical appliances are some of the most commonly used products in Hong Kong, and they can pose a significant risk if they are not properly designed and manufactured. Products that require the Hong Kong Safety Mark include refrigerators, washing machines, ovens, air conditioners. These products must meet specific safety standards to ensure that they are safe for use.
- Toys: toys are another product that must have a Hong Kong Safety Mark before they can be sold in Hong Kong. Children’s toys must meet specific safety standards to ensure that they do not pose a risk to children. These standards include requirements for materials, size, and safety features.
- Gas appliances: gas appliances are another product that requires a Hong Kong Safety Mark. These appliances include gas stoves and heaters. They must meet specific safety standards to ensure that they do not pose a risk of fire or explosion.
- Motor vehicles: motor vehicles are another product that requires a Hong Kong Safety Mark. These vehicles must meet specific safety standards to ensure that they are safe for use on Hong Kong roads. The standards include requirements for emissions, safety features, and performance.
- Building materials: building materials are another product that requires a Hong Kong Safety Mark. These materials include cement, steel, and glass. They must meet specific safety standards to ensure that they are safe for use in construction projects.
- Beauty products: beauty products are another product that requires a Hong Kong Safety Mark. These products include cosmetics and skincare products. They must meet specific safety standards to ensure that they do not pose a risk of allergic reactions or other health issues.
The Regulation requires all household electrical products comply with the “essential safety requirements” to protect users from hazards arising from the electrical products and hazards, which may be caused by external influences on the electrical products.
Under the Electrical Products Safety Regulation (EPSR), certain types of household electrical products which are of special nature and more liable to cause hazards are distinguished between “Prescribed Products” and “Non-Prescribed Products”.
The following Prescribed products shall comply with the “specific safety requirements” in addition to the “essential safety requirements”:
- Plugs
- Adaptors
- Lampholders
- Flexible cords
- Extension units
- Unvented thermal storage type electric water heaters
Household electrical products other than these 6 types of “Prescribed products” are considered to be “Non-Prescribed products”. For some particular types of electrical products, certain additional safety requirements are stipulated in the Regulation. For instance, a 110V a.c. electrical product must bear the following warning label:
The EPSR stipulates that a “Certificate of Safety Compliance” have to be issued for any electrical product designed for household use before it can be supplied on the market.
For a “Prescribed product”, the following documents can be accepted as a certificate of safety compliance:
- a declaration of conformity issued by a “recognized manufacturer”
- a certificate or test report issued by a “recognized certification body”
For a “Non-prescribed product”, the following documents can be accepted as a certificate of safety compliance:
- a declaration of conformity issued by the product manufacturer
- a declaration of conformity issued by a “recognized manufacturer”
- a certificate or test report issued by a “recognized certification body”
Certified products are supplied with the Hong Kong Safety Mark License (certificate) by a recognized certification body and are authorized to bear the following Hong Kong Safety Mark:
Penalties for selling products without the Hong Kong Safety Mark
Selling products without the Hong Kong Safety Mark is a criminal offense in Hong Kong. Individuals or companies found guilty of selling products without the mark can face fines and imprisonment. The penalties are severe because the safety of consumers is a top priority in Hong Kong.
Through its’ one-stop product certification service, clients are able to obtain their products recognition one at a time in local and overseas by saving time and cost.
Products, such as electrical appliance, luminary products, audio & video products, information technology equipment and other electronic accessories, must prove to be safety compliant and obtain a License comprising both the EMC and safety test compliance certificates.
How can GTG assist you with HKSM?
GTG is a company that specializes in product certification and testing. We have experience in helping businesses obtain various certifications, including the HKSM. GTG can assist businesses in the entire process of obtaining the HKSM. We can help businesses determine which products require certification, conduct the necessary testing, and assist with the application process.
Contact GTG today and receive your HKSM in a timely manner.
