NSF Certification
- Overview
- Certification Policies
- Complaints and Requests for Investigations
- Accreditations
- The Regulator’s Role in Certification
Third-party certification provides information to stakeholders that allows them to determine compliance to regulatory and purchase specifications, to apply risk management principles and to determine general suitability of products, systems and processes.
NSF accredited third-party certification provides all stakeholders – industry, regulators, users and the general public – assurance that a certified product, material, component or service complies with the technical requirements of the referenced standard.
The NSF certification process is specific to the product, process or service being certified and the type of certification, but generally follows seven steps:
- Application and information submission
- Product evaluation
- Product testing in lab
- Manufacturing facility inspection, production confirmation and product sampling
- Test results review and acceptance
- Contract signed and products listed
- Annual plant inspection and retesting
Certification Policies
All certification programs are governed by certification policies that are referenced in the contract. The policies provide an overview of the rights and responsibilities of both the certifier and the manufacturer. The policies provide clear rules on the use of the NSF mark on products, labels and advertising, and prohibit misrepresentations. The policies also provide for product recalls by NSF and public notice when a certified product is thought to present a public health concern. Additionally, due process is afforded in the event of appeals to administrative hearings.
This contract legally binds NSF and the company and confers rights and responsibilities to each, including authorized use of the NSF mark. The contract is the basis for certification.
Complaints and Requests for Investigations
It may be unclear whether a specific product or installation is indeed certified. We encourage regulators to contact the NSF Regulatory Hotline (+1 800.673.6275, ext. 5105 or regulatory@nsf.org) to check the status of a product. Alternatively, regulators can file a complaint/request for investigation. We will conduct a thorough investigation of the manufacturer's claim, and report back to the regulator.
Accreditations
NSF certification programs are accredited to multiple international standards by national and international accreditation bodies, including ANSI and ANAB. For more information and a complete list of accreditations, see NSF Accreditations.
The Regulator’s Role in Certification
Regulatory bodies have worked with and built confidence in NSF International. Regulators can strengthen regulatory programs by recognizing accredited certifications, or other certifications, such as “NSF or equivalent”, ensuring that other certifications are deemed equivalent to those of NSF. NSF listings are updated daily and are the only way to ensure that a specific manufacturer and/or model is currently NSF certified.
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LCDR Katie L. Bante Wins Walter F. Snyder Environmental Health Award From NSF International and NEHA
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ANN ARBOR, Mich. – NSF International and the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) are pleased to announce that LCDR Katie...
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NSF International Announces 2018 Canadian Food Safety Recognition Award Winners
- 10 months ago
GUELPH, Ontario – NSF International, a global public health organization, announces the winners of the NSF International 2018 Food Safety...
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Public Health Researchers Warn of Dietary Supplements Containing Higenamine
- 1 year ago
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Less than two years after the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) added higenamine to its list of...
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What do the letters "NSF" stand for?
NSF International was founded as the National Sanitation Foundation in 1944, but we changed our name to NSF International in 1990 as we expanded our services beyond sanitation and into global markets. The letters NSF do not represent any specific words today.
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How can I obtain current listings of NSF certified products?
Look for NSF certified products in our product listings, which are updated daily.
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How can I get on the mailing list for NSF publications?
Fill out your information on this form and check the box “Yes, I want to receive email updates from NSF International.”
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Who do I contact with questions regarding specific NSF standards (not certified products)?
Contact Jessica Evans, Director of Standards.
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How can I get an NSF employee to do a presentation about a specific NSF program or service?
Contact Stan Hazan, Senior Director, Scientific and Regulatory Affairs, at 800-NSF-MARK (800-673-6275) or hazan@nsf.org.
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How do I file a complaint about a product?
Complete the online complaint / investigation form and follow the instructions for submission.
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What does NSF do with a complaint about certified products?
If the complaint is validated by NSF, the manufacturer is required to take appropriate corrective action. If the complaint is not validated by NSF, no further action is taken.
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What is a public notice?
A public notice is a process by which NSF informs the public, industry, and regulatory communities of a non-conformance of public health significance found in a listed product that is not corrected. These notices are generally performed through the use of publications, press releases, and website notification.
Have Questions? Need to Request an Investigation
Contact Our Regulatory Affairs Hotline
- e regulatory@nsf.org
- p +1 734.769.5105
Toll Free USA
