Safety and reliability are crucial aspects for every product and service, and EV chargers are no exception. With consumers heightened awareness of safety and quality standards, certifications are always sought after by EV charger providers to ensure adherence to industry regulations, enhance the efficiency and safety of EV charging systems, and gain consumers’ trust.
With the increasing number of EV adoption nowadays, a deep understanding of certified charger features is crucial for EV users for making sustainable and informed choices. Here is a breakdown of the key certifications that EV chargers must obtain to meet international requirements:
🇪🇺 European Union (EU) – CE Certification
CE certification (Conformité Européene) confirms EV chargers comply with the European Union’s (EU) rigorous safety, health, and environmental standards. This certification is critical for manufacturers and providers especially if they are selling within the European Economic Area (EEA). This fosters consumer confidence and trust in Europe, guaranteeing market access and ultimately, sales.
It covers the following criteria:
- Electrical Safety
- Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
- Environmental Compliance
- Communication protocols for chargers up to 1000V AC/1500V DC
Processing Time: 3-4 weeks
NA North America – UL certification
UL certification (Underwriters Laboratories) guarantees EV charger reliability through thorough evaluation of equipment’s electrical safety, compatibility, and performance, fostering user trust and standardised charging infrastructure. UL certified EV chargers have been rigorously assessed for potential hazards like electrical faults and overheating.
Although primarily known and often required in North America (US and Canada), UL certification is also now attaining international recognition, with UL Solutions (the organisation behind the certification) now issuing certifications in Europe.
It covers the following criteria:
- Electrical Safety
- Durability
- Compatibility
- Smart Charging Features for advanced EV chargers
🇨🇳 China – CQC Certification
On March 1, 2025, China Compulsory Certification (CQC) came into effect for enhanced safety and reliability of EV charging equipment that are marketed, imported, and sold in China. This certification requires manufacturers to undergo mandatory product evaluation and obtain approval before their products can be used for any commercial purposes in the country, with details outlined under CQC-C2501-2025.
It covers the following criteria:
- Product Safety
- EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility)
- Energy Metering Standards
🇸🇬 Singapore – LTA TR25
Singapore’s national EV charging standard is TR25 (Technical Reference 25), enforced by the LTA (Land Transport Authority), to ensure safety and performance of EV chargers, now with TR25:2002 as the current version.
🇰🇷 South Korea – KC Certification
South Korea requires EV chargers to obtain KC (Korea Certification) Safety Certification to be legally sold within the country. Its primary purpose is to proactively identify and prevent potential risks that could compromise user health and safety. This ensures compliance with safety regulations, validating their electrical, thermal, and chemical integrity.
Outside of Korea, only product manufacturers are eligible to apply for KC certification. Traders, exporters, and distributors cannot apply. The official KC certificate will bear the manufacturer’s name.
It covers the following criteria:
- Safety
- EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility)
- RF (Radio Frequency)
Processing time: 3-4 months (without audit) or about 4-5 months (if an audit is required)
🇯🇵 Japan – PSE Certification
PSE (Product Safety Electrical Appliance & Material Certification) certification is a mandatory requirement for electrical products, validating electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility, and energy efficiency. Its electromagnetic compatibility checks are limited to measuring unintentional radiation.
PSE certification ensures both domestic and foreign electrical products adhere to Japan’s safety standards and do not pose any risks to users and the environment. Failure to comply can result in a sales ban and serious penalties.
It is crucial for manufacturers and exporters to have an early review of PSE certification to ensure market access and legal clarity.
It covers the following criteria:
- Electrical Safety
- EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility)
- Energy Efficiency
Why do certifications matter?
Safety and reliability are paramount to users and a product certification guarantees them that. Certifications for EV chargers are absolutely essential as they are the core of building trust with EV users. By complying to rigorous safety and performance standards, certifications help guarantee the safety, efficiency, and compatibility of an EV charging system. This also demonstrates a commitment to user safety and responsible product development.
At Charge Ninja, we are driven to shape the future of EV infrastructure with certified, cutting-edge solutions. By responsibly adhering to international standards, we contribute to a more secure, sustainable, and interconnected EV ecosystem.
Does CE marking have a period of validity?
CE marking itself has no expiration date, however, the accompanying EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC) that is required for the CE marking needs continuous updates.
Where can I find certified and reliable EV charging units?
As a trusted and certified provider of cutting-edge EV charging and solar solutions, Charge Ninja’s products are certified to meet stringent industry standards, ensuring reliability, safety, and performance.
Do EV chargers need to be serviced?
For safety reasons and optimal performance, EV chargers need scheduled maintenance.