What Are the Smart Lock Standards in Southeast Asia?
Below is a comprehensive summary of the implementation standards and certification requirements across major Southeast Asian markets:
I. Key Standards for Electronic and Smart Locks in Southeast Asia
1. ASEAN Harmonized Standards (AHEEERR)
The ASEAN Harmonization of Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulatory Regime (AHEEERR) sets unified requirements for the safety, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and energy efficiency of electronic locks. Compliance with international standards such as IEC 60364 (electrical safety) and CISPR 32 (EMC) is typically required.
If the product includes wireless communication features (e.g., Wi-Fi or Bluetooth), it must comply with ASEAN radio equipment standards, such as QCVN 54:2011/BTTTT.
2. Country-Specific Standards
Singapore: Products must be certified by Spring Singapore, meeting safety and environmental requirements such as SS 550 (safety standards for electronic devices).
Thailand: Labels must include Thai language and comply with TISI (Thai Industrial Standards Institute) safety certifications.
Indonesia: Requires SNI (Indonesian National Standards) certification, such as SNI 04-6957-2019 (electronic lock safety standards).
Vietnam: Wireless router-type devices must comply with MIC Vietnam’s 42/2016/TT-BTTTT circular, including RF and EMC testing (e.g., QCVN 18:2014/BTTTT for EMC and QCVN 54:2011/BTTTT for RF).
For smart locks with Wi-Fi modules, the 2.4GHz band transmission power must not exceed 20 dBm (100 mW). Products exceeding this limit are not allowed to enter the market.
II. Certification Requirements for Exporting Smart Locks to Southeast Asia
1. Indonesia:
Upcoming SNI Certification Updates (2025)
Foreign manufacturers must register their trademarks in Indonesia and appoint a local official representative.
Certification includes SNI COC (Certificate of Conformity) and SPPT (Product Registration Certificate), both subject to approval by the Ministry of Industry.
Applicable products include automotive parts, AV equipment, and, in certain categories, electronic locks.
2. Vietnam:
Products with wireless capabilities must undergo MIC type approval, submit test reports from accredited labs, and apply for an import license.
Labeling: Must carry the ICT mark, with product information in Vietnamese.
3. Thailand:
Smart locks must pass TISI safety testing.
Labeling: Thai language is required. Exporters may apply for batch-exempt clearance (non-one-certificate-per-shipment basis).
4. Malaysia:
Products must meet SIRIM certification based on MS standards (e.g., MS 1915 for electrical safety).
Certain products may also require Halal certification.
5. Philippines:
Products must pass BPS (Bureau of Philippine Standards) safety and quality tests.
Labeling: Product information must include instructions in Filipino.
6. ASEAN Certificate of Origin (FORM E):
For tariff exemptions within ASEAN, exporters must obtain a FORM E Certificate, proving that the product meets the regional value content (≥45%) or has undergone Change in Tariff Heading (CTH).
III. Other Key Considerations
1. Wireless Communication Compliance
Smart locks with wireless modules (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular) must meet local RF regulations, such as Vietnam’s QCVN 47:2015/BTTTT.
Singapore has stringent power limits for high-frequency devices (e.g., 5GHz bands).
2. Environmental and Energy Efficiency Requirements
Some countries (e.g., Singapore, Malaysia) require compliance with eco-labeling schemes or energy efficiency ratings (e.g., Energy Star).
3. Cross-Border Data Compliance
If smart locks involve user data transmission (e.g., cloud-based services), exporters must comply with ASEAN data transfer regulations, including cross-border security assessments between China and ASEAN nations.
IV. Certification Process Recommendations
1. Preparation
Identify mandatory standards and certification requirements for the target country.
Complete trademark registration (e.g., in Indonesia, this may take 1.5 years).
2. Testing & Documentation
Engage accredited labs for safety, EMC, and RF testing.
Prepare required technical documentation (e.g., circuit diagrams, user manuals).
3. Certification Application
Submit applications through local representatives or official channels (e.g., a local importer is required for Vietnam).
4. Labeling & Packaging
Ensure compliance with labeling regulations (e.g., Thai-language labels, ICT marks).
Conclusion
To successfully export smart locks to Southeast Asia, manufacturers must adapt to the diverse regulations of each country. Focus on key certifications such as Indonesia's updated SNI, Vietnam’s MIC approval, and Thailand’s TISI labeling requirements. It is strongly recommended to collaborate with local certification bodies and plan the certification timeline in advance to avoid delays in market entry.