Certification Introduction

Laos implements mandatory access certification for electrical and electronic products, which is supervised and implemented by the Department of Standards and Metrology (DISM, formerly DISC) under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce of Laos. It covers 28 categories of common electrical and electronic products including household appliances, information technology equipment, lighting products, power adapters, and IoT terminals. Products that have not obtained certification cannot complete customs clearance and are not allowed to be sold in the domestic market of Laos. Laos recognizes test reports under the IECEE CB system, which can simplify the certification process.

Laws and Regulations

The core legal basis for certification is Lao PDR "Standardization Law" (No. 09/NA) and "Regulations on Import and Export Commodity Inspection", and the core technical regulation is the "Electrical Safety Technical Specification" (LS 1056:2023) revised in 2023. This revised version adds energy efficiency control requirements for smart home and IoT terminal devices. The specific product scope of application shall be subject to the latest official announcement of the Lao DISM.

Technical Requirements

Safety Requirements: Equivalent adoption of IEC international standards converted into Lao national standards (LNS series), requiring completion of test items including insulation performance, voltage withstand test, leakage current detection, shell mechanical strength, 850℃ glowing wire fire resistance, etc. Household appliances correspond to IEC 60335-1, and IT equipment corresponds to IEC 60950-1. Electromagnetic Compatibility Requirements: Need to meet the index requirements of radiated emission (30MHz-1GHz) and electrostatic discharge immunity (±8kV contact discharge). Energy Efficiency Requirements: Refer to the ASEAN EEELS energy efficiency rating system for 3-5 star rating, energy efficiency level must be marked, and some products need to comply with local Lao energy efficiency standards. Marking Requirements: Certified products must be affixed with Lao language labels, provided with Lao version instruction manuals, and marked with certification mark, manufacturer information, product parameters and other content.

Certification Process

Importers, local agents or manufacturer-authorized representatives shall submit formal applications to the Lao DISM, together with materials including product manuals, circuit diagrams, lists of key components, existing international certification certificates and test reports, manufacturer qualification documents, etc.

The certification body first conducts document review. After passing the review, samples are drawn and arranged for testing. Products with valid CB reports only need to supplement tests for local difference items.

For high-risk products or enterprises applying for certification for the first time, the certification body will arrange on-site factory inspection to confirm the production quality control system.

After all links are reviewed and approved, the certification certificate will be issued, and the product can clear customs and enter the market.

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