Overview of Chinese and Western Smart Lock Standards: Where Are the Differences?
As an essential component of modern home security, smart locks have garnered widespread attention and adoption worldwide. To ensure their performance, safety, and reliability, various countries have established relevant standards. This article will provide an overview and comparison of the smart lock standards in China and Western countries.
China's Smart Lock Standards
China’s smart lock industry adheres to multiple standards that regulate various aspects of smart lock performance, security, and durability. Key standards include:
GB 21556-2008 "General Safety Technique Requirement of Locks": As the only mandatory national standard in China's lock industry, this standard applies to a variety of locks, including smart door locks. It specifies mandatory technical requirements across electronic, identification, mechanical, and environmental dimensions.
GA 374-2019 "Electronic Anti-theft Lock Standard": Drafted by the Ministry of Public Security, this standard defines and sets requirements for electronic anti-theft locks in terms of mechanics, electronics, protection, environment, and installation, along with a security classification. Widely recognized in the smart lock industry, it is a key reference for product standards.
GA 701-2007 "General Technical Requirements for Fingerprint Anti-theft Locks": This is a recommended standard for fingerprint anti-theft locks, outlining technical requirements for electronics, protection, mechanics, and environmental factors, as well as security grade evaluations.
JG/T 394-2012 "General Technical Requirements for Building Smart Door Locks": Drafted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, this recommended standard focuses on electronic requirements for smart door locks, providing specific grading based on security, durability, and environmental adaptability.
T/CHNA 1013-2018 "Functional Requirements for Smart Cloud Locks": Issued by the China Hardware Association, this group standard aims to regulate the smart cloud lock market by defining terminology, terminal device requirements, technical specifications, and testing methods for smart cloud locks.
Smart Lock Standards in Europe and the United States
In Europe and the United States, smart lock standards are similarly diverse, designed to ensure product quality and safety. Key standards include:
European Standards:
EN 12209: A harmonized standard for mechanical locks, detailing essential requirements and testing methods for lock performance.
EN 14846: The harmonized standard for electric locks, focusing on safety and performance evaluations of electronic locking systems.
CE Certification: The European conformity marking required for all electronic and electrical products entering the EU market, indicating compliance with relevant directives.
U.S. Standards:
ANSI/BHMA A156.25: The electronic lock standard issued by the American Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA), specifying requirements for performance, security, and durability.
ANSI/BHMA A156.13: The mortise lock standard, also by BHMA, applied to mechanical mortise locks for performance and safety evaluations.
FCC Authorization: Mandated by the Federal Communications Commission, this certification is required for all electronic devices (unless exempted) entering the U.S. market, ensuring electromagnetic compatibility and safety.
Comparison and Summary
Chinese and Western smart lock standards each have distinctive characteristics. China's standards system is relatively comprehensive, covering multiple aspects through a mix of mandatory national standards, recommended standards, and group standards. In contrast, Western standards are more unified and clearly defined, with the EN series in Europe and ANSI/BHMA standards in the U.S. offering strong operational consistency and standardization.
In terms of safety, both China and the West emphasize requirements around mechanical strength, electronic security, protective features, and environmental adaptability for locks. With the rise of IoT technology, information security has also become a critical component of smart lock standards.
Overall, the establishment and implementation of smart lock standards play a vital role in ensuring product quality, enhancing user experience, and promoting the healthy development of the industry. Both China and Western regions continue to refine and optimize their standards systems to keep pace with rapid market and technological advancements.