Skip to main content

Behind the Mark: Product Certification Explained

Learn about the six steps to getting certified to NSF/ANSI 60 and NSF/ANSI 61, both widely recognised standards in the water industry.

NSF/ANSI/CAN 60 and 61: The standards behind safe drinking water

NSF/ANSI/CAN 60 and NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 are North America’s leading health effects standards for drinking water safety. These standards protect public health by ensuring that chemicals and system components used in water treatment do not introduce harmful contaminants into potable water.

  • NSF/ANSI/CAN 60 covers any chemical added—directly or indirectly—to treat drinking water, whether or not it remains in the finished water.
  • NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 applies to any material or product that comes into contact with drinking water or treatment chemicals, from source to tap.

Why certification matters

Certification to these standards confirms that treatment chemicals and water system components meet strict health and safety requirements. This process includes:

  • Full disclosure of product information by the manufacturer
  • Comprehensive technical review
  • Rigorous laboratory testing
  • On-site audits of all manufacturing facilities.

Only products that meet every requirement earn the NSF certification mark, a trusted symbol of compliance and quality.

Ready to get certified?

Explore the six steps to certification for NSF/ANSI/CAN 60 and 61—two of the most recognised standards in the water industry.

Ready to Get Certified by NSF?

Start your certification journey today

What’s New with NSF

  • Reverse osmosis water purification system under sink in a kitchen.  Water cleaning system installation. 3d illustration

    NSF Launches Protocol 549 for Glyphosate Reduction Claims

    October 14, 2026
    P549 is the first standard globally that validates glyphosate reduction performance of water filtration systems and products.
    Read the Story
  • Cambium Analytica, an NSF Company, Opens New Lab in Traverse City, Mich

    October 6, 2026
    Ribbon cutting debuts innovative 15,000-square-foot testing facility to support evolving needs of the food & supplement industries.
    Read the Story
  • Young beautiful athlete woman training on outdoors exercise bike in park and eating energy bar.

    NSF Drives Industry Conversations at SupplySide Global 2026 - Las Vegas, Oct. 26–30

    September 17, 2026
    NSF returns to SupplySide Global with expert-led training and trusted certification solutions. Visit Booth 4741 to discover how NSF and Cambium Analytica help brands build trust, increase consumer confidence and stand out in a competitive marketplace.
    Read the Story
  • NSF Welcomes Hanjun Kwon, Managing Director, APAC

    September 14, 2026
    Experienced business leader to drive sustainable growth, organizational development and operational excellence across the Asia-Pacific region.
    Read the Story