Which Certifications Do EV Chargers Need to Be Sold Globally?

As electric vehicles continue to grow worldwide, EV chargers are no longer just a product — they are regulated electrical infrastructure.

Before selling or exporting EV chargers, understanding certification requirements is essential. Different countries require different approvals, and each certification focuses on safety, grid compatibility, EMC performance, and user protection.

This article provides a clear, practical overview of the main EV charger certifications, which countries they apply to, what they actually verify, and how manufacturers can prepare for compliant global sales.

🔍Why Are Certifications Mandatory for EV Chargers? 

EV chargers handle high voltage, high current, and direct interaction with vehicles and power grids.

Certifications are required to ensure that chargers:

🔒 Protect users from electric shock and fire risks

⚙️ Operate safely with local power grids

📡 Do not interfere with other electronic equipment (EMC)

🚗 Communicate correctly with electric vehicles

📜 Comply with national laws and market access rules

Without proper certification, EV chargers cannot be legally sold, installed, or insured in most markets.

What Is CE Certification and Where Is It Required?

CE marking is mandatory for EV chargers sold in the European Union and EEA countries.

CE certification mainly ensures compliance with:

LVD (Low Voltage Directive) – electrical safety

EMC Directive – electromagnetic compatibility

RED (if wireless communication is used)

RoHS – restriction of hazardous substances

📌 Applicable Markets:

EU countries, Norway, Switzerland, and many countries that recognize EU standards.

🛡️ What CE Really Ensures:

That the EV charger is electrically safe, environmentally compliant, and suitable for connection to European power systems.

What Certifications Are Required in the UK After Brexit?

The UK now requires UKCA certification instead of CE (with limited transition periods).

UKCA covers requirements similar to CE:

Electrical safety

EMC performance

Environmental compliance

📌 Applicable Market:

United Kingdom only.

⚠️ Important Note:

Products certified only with CE may not be accepted in the UK without UKCA marking.

Which Certifications Are Needed for North America? 

North America has some of the strictest safety standards globally.

UL / ETL (USA)

UL 2594 (AC chargers)

UL 2202 (DC fast chargers)

CSA (Canada)

🛡️ These certifications focus heavily on:

Fire prevention

Insulation and enclosure protection

Abnormal operation testing

Long-term durability

📌 Applicable Markets:

United States and Canada.

⚠️ Key Difference:

North American standards are often more conservative than IEC standards used elsewhere.

What About Australia and New Zealand Certifications? 

Australia and New Zealand require RCM (Regulatory Compliance Mark).

RCM ensures:

Electrical safety compliance (AS/NZS standards)

EMC compliance

Grid compatibility

📌 Applicable Markets:

Australia and New Zealand.

🔌 Chargers must be tested against AS/NZS 3000 and related standards, which differ from EU norms.

🌏Which Certifications Apply to Asia, the Middle East, and Other Regions? 

Different regions adopt different frameworks:

IEC / CB Scheme – International basis accepted by many countries

G-Mark / SASO (Saudi Arabia)

BIS (India)

KC (South Korea)

PSE (Japan)

🧩 Common Practice:

Many countries accept CB test reports as a foundation, then require local deviations or national registration.

🧪What Do EV Charger Certifications Actually Test? 

Across regions, certifications usually evaluate:

⚡ Electrical safety (overcurrent, grounding, insulation)

🔥 Fire resistance and thermal performance

📡 EMC/EMI (emissions and immunity)

🌧️ Environmental protection (IP ratings)

🔄 Communication protocols (IEC 61851, ISO 15118)

🔧 Mechanical strength and enclosure durability

In short: certifications confirm the charger is safe, reliable, and grid-compatible.

📦How Can Manufacturers Prepare EV Chargers for Global Sales? 

For exporters and distributors, smart preparation includes:

Designing products based on IEC standards first

Supporting multi-certification architecture

Using modular power systems adaptable to regional needs

Preparing documentation, labeling, and firmware localization

This approach significantly reduces certification time and cost when entering new markets.

🚀How Does FES Power Support Certified Global EV Charger Sales? 

At FES Power, we design EV charging solutions with global compliance in mind.

🔋 Our product portfolio includes:

AC chargers with CE / UKCA-ready designs

DC fast chargers aligned with IEC & UL structures

High-power modular systems supporting multi-market certification

🌍 We support:

Certification-ready hardware architecture

Flexible customization for regional standards

Export-focused documentation and compliance support

Whether for Europe, the UK, Australia, the Middle East, or emerging markets, our chargers are built to help partners enter markets faster and more confidently.

✅What Should You Remember Before Exporting EV Chargers? 

Selling EV chargers internationally is not just about price or power — certification is the real market entry key.

✔️ Always confirm target-country certification requirements

✔️ Understand what each certification actually ensures

✔️ Work with manufacturers who design for compliance from day one

🌍With the right preparation and the right partners, global EV charger sales become clear, compliant, and scalable.