Which Safety Approval Does a Power Cord Need? Certification by Country
Updated 2026-10-02 · Shenzhen Coptic Electronics Co., Ltd.
A power cord is approved as a set: the plug, the cable and often the appliance connector each need an approval that the destination market recognises. This table summarises what buyers typically ask for and which approvals CPENT holds, model by model.
| Market | What buyers typically require | CPENT |
|---|---|---|
| China | CCC (China Compulsory Certification) for plugs, connectors, cord sets and cable | CCC: CPT-10 / 10Z / 11 / 12 / 12A plugs, C13 / C5 / C19 / C7 connectors, cord sets, RVV cable |
| USA | Listing to UL 817 (cord sets) by a nationally recognised test lab such as UL or Intertek (ETL) | ETL: CPT-13, CPT-14, CPT-14A (5-20), C13 / C5 / C7 connectors, SPT / SVT / SJT / SJTW cords |
| Canada | Certification to CSA C22.2 No. 21 (cUL, cETL or CSA) | Ask us |
| European Union | Household plugs are regulated nationally rather than by the Low Voltage Directive, so buyers ask for a third-party mark such as VDE or KEMA-KEUR, plus CE for the appliance | VDE: CPT-15, CPT-21, CPT-03, CPT-07 and H03 / H05 cables; KEMA-KEUR: CPT-15, CPT-21A |
| United Kingdom | BS 1363 plug approved by an appointed body and fitted with a BS 1362 fuse | KEMA-KEUR and DEKRA: CPT-22 |
| Japan | Diamond PSE: cords and plugs are Specified Electrical Appliances under the DENAN law | PSE: CPT-17, CPT-18 / 18A, CPT-20 plugs, CPT-01 / 01B / 07 connectors, VFF / HVFF / VCTFK / HVCTF cords |
| South Korea | KC safety certification | KC: CPT-21 and CPT-15 plugs, CPT-01 / CPT-07 connectors, cord sets, IEC 52 / 53 cords |
| Australia / New Zealand | Certificate of approval for the plug (e.g. SAA) and RCM marking | SAA for cords (H03VV-F / H05VV-F); plug approval on request |
| Singapore | Safety Mark under the Consumer Protection (Safety Requirements) scheme | Safety Mark registration for CPT-22 |
| Saudi Arabia | SASO conformity via the SABER platform | Ask us |
| Italy | A third-party mark such as IMQ or KEMA-KEUR to CEI 23-50 | KEMA-KEUR: CPT-25 |
| Argentina | S-Mark safety certification | Ask us |
| Brazil | INMETRO certification for plugs and cord sets | Ask us |
| Switzerland | Swiss safety mark (e.g. S+) or accepted equivalent | Ask us |
| South Africa | NRCS Letter of Authority (LOA); SABS mark often requested | Ask us |
| International | IECEE CB test certificate, used to speed up national approvals | CB: 60227 IEC 52 / 53 cords |
Three things to check before ordering
- Scope. A certificate covers specific models, ratings and cable types. A VDE plug approval for 3G0.75 mm² does not automatically cover 3G1.5 mm².
- Holder. Ask for the certificate in the manufacturer's name and check that the model number on it matches the cord you are buying.
- Validity. Some marks need annual surveillance. Ask for the current certificate, not an old copy.
CPENT sends certificate PDFs and test reports for the exact model on request. See our certifications page.
This is a buyer's summary, not legal advice. Requirements change and can depend on the end product, so confirm with your compliance team or test lab.