Electrical Product Certification in Australia

saa, short for the Standards Association of Australia, refers to certification granted based on Australian standards. It is commonly known as Australian Certification. Products listed in the mandatory category must obtain saa certification before being sold legally in Australia and New Zealand. These products must also display the certification number on the label.

There are two main types of SAA marks:

①　Type Approval: Only the sample is reviewed.

②　Standard Mark: Requires auditing of each manufacturing facility.

Australia and New Zealand have a system of standard unification and mutual certification recognition. saa approvals Pty Ltd, accREDited under JAS-ANZ (Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand), issues certification for electrical equipment that meets the safety standards of either country. Once certified in one country, products can be legally sold in the other.

Types of SAA Certification and How to Apply

1. Certification Types

①　Mandatory Certification: Applies to around 62 categories of regULated electrical products. These products must obtain SAA certification and display the certificate number on the product.

②　Voluntary Certification: For non-regulated products. Although certification is not mandatory, the safety responsibility falls on the manufacturer or seller. Voluntary certification can still be pursued.

2. Application Methods

You can apply for SAA certification in the following ways:

①　Using a cb certificate and Reportwith Australian deviations.

②　Using an IEC Standard Reportalong with additional tests for Australian deviations.

③　Direct Applicationwithout a CB certificate or IEC report — simple and straightforward.

Scope of SAA Certification

1. Products Requiring Mandatory Certification

Examples of products that require mandatory certification include:

①　Appliance connectors

②　Arc welding machines

③　Bayonet lamp holders and adapters

④　Electric carpets and toasters

⑤　Clothes dryers

⑥　Control or regulation devices

⑦　Portable kitchen equipment

⑧　Extension socket outlets

⑨　Cord switches

⑩　Decorative lighting fixtures

⑪　Dishwashers

⑫　Edison screw lamp holders

⑬　Electric fans

⑭　Circuit boosters

⑮　Heated blankets

⑯　Floor polishers and scrubbers

⑰　Fluorescent lamp ballasts and starters

⑱　Hair care devices

⑲　Hedge trimmers

⑳　Immersion heaters

21　Insect killers

22　Portable lamps

23　Irons

24　Kitchen machines

25　Lawn care equipment

26　Liquid heaters

27　Moveable lamps and spotlights

28　Massagers

29　MICrowave ovens

30　Miniature circuit breakers

31　Plugs and sockets

32　Power chargers

33　LED modules

34　Projectors

35　Cooktops

36　Range hoods

37　Shavers and hair clippers

38　Refrigerators and freezers

39　Residual current devices

40　Indoor space heaters

41　Sewing machines

42　Electric soldering irons

43　Flexible power cords

44　Pool and spa equipment

45　Television receivers

46　Therapy lamps

47　Electric drills

48　Sanders and polishers

49　Circular saws

50　Planers and grinders

51　Chainsaws

52　Vacuum cleaners

53　Wall switches

54　Washing machines

55　Waterbed heaters

56　Water heaters

2. Products Not Requiring Mandatory Certification

These include products not listed under the regulated categories, such as commercial kitchen appliances. Although not legally required, voluntary certification is recommended to ensure safety and market competitiveness.

Common SAA Certification Standards

SAA certification standards typically follow Australia/New Zealand joint standards, prefixed with AS/NZS. These are closely aligned with IEC standardsbut may include national deviations.

Here are commonly used standards:

1. AS/NZS 60950– Safety requirements for information technology products

2. AS/NZS 60065– Safety requirements for audio and video equipment

3. AS/NZS 60598.1– General safety requirements for luminaires

4. AS/NZS 60598.2.x– Safety for specific types of luminaires

5. AS/NZS 61347.1– Safety of lamp control gear (general)

6. AS/NZS 61347.2.x– Safety of specific lamp control gear

7. AS/NZS 60335.1– General safety for household appliances

8. AS/NZS 60335.2.x– Safety for specific types of appliances

These standards are used to ensure compliance and safety in the Australian and New Zealand markets.

SAA Certification Process

The standard process for obtaining SAA certification includes:

1. Submit the Application Formalong with required documents

2. Send Sample for Testing

3. Rectify the Productif it fails testing

4. Receive Test Report

5. Submit Report for Official Review

6. Receive Certificationonce approved

Required Documents for Certification

To apply for certification, prepare the following:

①　Application Form

②　Authorization Letter

③　Test Report

④　Product User Manual

Processing Time: Usually takes 10–15 working days

Validity of the saa certificate

SAA certificates are valid for a maximum of 5 years. In cases where the product standard changes or the product is classified as high-risk (e.g., hair straighteners), the validity period can be shortened upon request.

If there is a serious violation of the terms and conditions during the certification process, either the certificate holder or SAA Approvalshas the authority to cancel the certificate.