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What Is Third-Party Certification?

Third-party certification means that an independent organization has reviewed the manufacturing process of a product and has independently determined that the final product complies with specific standards for safety, quality or performance.

This review typically includes comprehensive formulation/material reviews, testing and facility inspections. Most certified products bear the certifier’s mark on their packaging to help consumers and other buyers make educated purchasing decisions. Ours is the NSF mark.

NSF Certification

Recognized by regulatory agencies at the local, state, federal and international levels, NSF certification demonstrates that a product or service complies with all standard requirements. NSF conducts periodic facility audits and product testing to verify that the product continues to comply with the standard.

NSF tests and certifies a wide variety of products including food, drinking water treatment products and water filters, commercial foodservice equipment, bottled water and nutritional supplements.

Why Do Companies Seek NSF Certification?

Our 75 years of experience providing independent, third-party testing and certification helps organizations:

  • Demonstrate compliance with national or international standards and regulations
  • Demonstrate independent validation and verification of their commitment to safety and quality
  • Increase credibility and acceptance with retailers, consumers and regulators

The NSF Mark

The NSF mark is your assurance that a product has been tested by a trusted independent certification organization.

NSF Product Listings

Search for companies whose products and systems have been certified by NSF.

How NSF Can Help You

Get in touch to find out how we can help you and your business thrive.

What’s New with NSF

  • 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.
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  • 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
  • A mother and her son standing in the kitchen as she prepares food for lunch. He is eating a strawberry while he watches. Mom is Caucasian, in her 30s and the boy is mixed race Black and Caucasian, 3 years old. The focus is on the woman.

    NSF to Exhibit and Present at PACK EXPO International

    September 11, 2026
    NSF is proud to be part of PACK EXPO International 2026, the premier event bringing together packaging and processing leaders from across industries.
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  • Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) Welcomes NSF’s Brian Schultz into the 2026 Hall of Fame

    September 10, 2026
    Lifetime achievement recognition honors exceptional leadership and lasting contributions to the cybersecurity profession.
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