Electrical/electronic equipment and its parts are subject to certification. The ASTA Mark is a globally recognized certification for product safety, particularly for electrical and electronic devices. If you manufacture or import electrical components, the ASTA Mark can significantly enhance the credibility of your product.
What is the ASTA Mark?
The ASTA Mark (ASTA Diamond Mark) is an internationally recognized symbol for the safety of electrical and electronic products.
The ASTA Mark is issued by Intertek based on tests conducted in ASTA-recognized laboratories and overseen by qualified observers. In addition to the rigorous testing, the production facility is sometimes subject to annual quality inspections.
What products qualify for the ASTA Mark?
The ASTA certification is particularly relevant for low-voltage electrical equipment and power distribution components. Products commonly certified under ASTA include:
- Adaptors and Connection units BS1363
- Appliance connectors IEC/BS EN60320-1
- Appliance cord sets BS1363/IEC60320-1
- Busbar trunking and powertrack systems IEC60439-2/IEC61534
- Cartridge fuse-links BS1362
- Consumer units and distribution boards IEC/BS EN60439-3
- Cooker control units BS4177
- Distribution systems BS5733
- Flat cable installation systems IEC/BS EN60998
- General purpose switches IEC/BS EN60669-1
- Lampholders BS EN61184
- Miniature circuit-breakers IEC/BS EN60898
- Plug connectors IEC/BS EN60320-2-2
- Plugs and socket outlets BS1363/BS546
- PVC conduit and fittings BS EN50086
- Rocker switches IEC60947-5-1
- Screwless connecting devices IEC60998-1/-2
- Shaver plugs BS4573
- Shaver units, plug-in adaptors and transformer IEC/BS EN61558
- Surface boxes & blanking plates BS5733/BS4662
- Transformers IEC61558/IEC60742
- Y splitters IEC60320-1/IEC60799
How to obtain ASTA certification – step-by-step
- Choose the right certification type – Type Test vs. full Diamond Mark license
- Submit product samples for electrical safety testing in accredited Intertek labs
- Complete a factory audit (for the Diamond Mark license)
- Receive your certificate and license number
- Display the ASTA Mark on your products and marketing materials
- In case of Diamond Mark, maintain certification through annual inspections and production audits
How long is the ASTA certificate valid?
For products requiring one-time testing, choose an ASTA Type Test Certificate, particularly popular for niche products. All test reports and certificates are verified by independent Intertek engineers.
ASTA Diamond Mark licenses are valid until the next audit or until revoked due to changes in standards or failure to maintain quality requirements. Audits are conducted annually, along with production sample testing.
How much does ASTA certification cost?
ASTA certification is subject to a fee. Costs vary depending on the type and scope of certification:
- Type Test Certification (one-time product testing):
- No annual renewal or audits
- Starts at a few hundred dollars per model
- Full ASTA License (Diamond Mark):
- Includes testing, licensing fees, and annual audits
- Can cost several thousand dollars per year for large product ranges or multiple factories
Why should you get ASTA certified?
Being ASTA certified gives you a lot of benefits.
- The ASTA Mark confirms compliance with international standards, building customer confidence.
- You aim to differentiate your product from uncertified or lower-quality competitors.
- Annual audits will ensure you maintain consistent quality.
- The certificate can be used to support technical files related to CE Marking for the European Union and a UKCA in the United Kingdom.
