There is no unified certification system across Southeast Asia; instead, each country maintains its own list of products subject to mandatory certification: Malaysia (SIRIM), Thailand (TISI), Indonesia (SNI), Vietnam (CR), and the Philippines (PS/ICC), while Singapore generally has no mandatory product certification requirements. When exporting hardware structural components to Southeast Asia, one must first identify the specific requirements of the destination country and then prepare internationally recognized test reports.
While reports from organizations like SGS are accepted for most structural metal products, items included in mandatory certification lists require local certification. This article outlines the requirements by country.
I.
Malaysia: SIRIM Mandatory Certification and Steel COA
SIRIM mandatory certification covers 34 product categories (including electrical and electronic appliances, rebar, safety glass, and other construction materials).
Steel products are subject to a separate mechanism: imports of steel products falling under 27 specific HS codes require a Certificate of Approval (COA). These are issued by SIRIM QAS for non-construction applications and by the CIDB for construction applications, based on verification and testing against MS standards (e.g., MS 144/145 for wire rods and rebar; MS 1490/1491 for angle bars and structural steel sections).
Regulations were tightened starting in 2025: the validity period for test reports was reduced from five years to two years, and certification for products imported on a long-term basis must be issued by a local Malaysian certification body in accordance with MS standards.
II. Thailand and Indonesia: Focus on TISI and SNI Mandatory Lists
Thailand’s TISI certification marks fall into two categories: voluntary and mandatory. The mandatory scope covers electrical and electronic equipment, construction materials, and machinery products; items such as steel pipes, steel bars, and fasteners included in the mandatory list require TISI certification. Indonesia’s SNI certification is mandatory for steel products (e.g., water/gas steel pipes under SNI 39:2024 and galvanized steel sheets under the SNI 07-2053 series) and utilizes the Type 5 certification scheme (production process assessment + ISO 9001 system + product testing). Metal traders must also obtain an Import License (API); given the lengthy processes and extensive documentation required in Indonesia, planning should begin 4 to 8 months in advance.
III.
Vietnam, the Philippines, and Singapore
Vietnam implements the CR mark for specific product categories (overseen by the Ministry of Science and Technology, with testing based on standards such as QCVN 16:2019/BKHCN), with additional disclosure requirements introduced under Circular 01/2026. The Philippines’ Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) mandates the PS mark or ICC sticker for products such as black steel pipes, galvanized steel pipes, rebar, angle steel, steel wire, and nails; overseas manufacturers can register to use these quality marks. Singapore generally does not require mandatory product certification and accepts test reports based on international standards; however, fire-safety-related products—such as fire door locks—must be assessed in accordance with SCDF requirements (e.g., SS 332).
IV.
Common Practice: Combining International Reports with Local Certificates
The structural metal market in Southeast Asia generally accepts internationally recognized test reports (such as those issued by SGS, TÜV, or BV in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025) for bidding and factory inspections; however, local certificates are required for customs clearance and mandatory compliance.
Recommended strategy: First, check the destination country’s mandatory certification lists (e.g., SIRIM, TISI, SNI, PS). For products on the list, apply for local certification in advance (lead time: 3–8 months; cost: approx. US$2,000–$7,000). For products not on the list, utilize a combination of international test reports, system certificates (ISO 9001), and material certificates;
also, pay attention to ASEAN Free Trade Area tariff preferences and import licensing requirements.
V. Practical Tips
First, distinguish between “mandatory certification” and “voluntary market certification”—the absence of mandatory requirements in Singapore does not mean there are no requirements at all; government projects still necessitate international reports. Second, monitor standard updates (such as new SNI versions in Indonesia and changes to report validity periods in Malaysia).
Third, for steel exports, verify import licensing mechanisms (e.g., COA, API) in advance—success in exporting hardware to Southeast Asia often hinges not on the testing itself, but on the completeness of customs clearance documentation.
