Understanding Air Fryer Certification Standards

Air fryers have become one of the most popular household kitchen appliances worldwide, prized for their ability to deliver crispy, fried-style results with minimal oil. While consumers focus on convenience and performance, regulators and industry bodies place equal emphasis on safety, compliance, and environmental impact. Because air fryers rely on high heat, electrical components, and food-contact materials, certification is essential. Products cannot legally enter many markets without passing strict safety and performance tests.

What Are Air Fryer Certification Standards?

Air fryer certification standards are a combination of international, regional, and national regulations that govern electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), food-contact compliance, and environmental responsibility.

These standards are designed to minimize risks such as:

Electric shock from faulty wiring or insulation
Fire hazards due to overheating or flammable components
Mechanical failure under prolonged high-temperature operation
Electromagnetic interference with household devices
Chemical exposure from coatings, plastics, or non-stick surfaces

Certification serves multiple purposes. It verifies that the appliance is safe under normal and foreseeable misuse conditions, ensures environmentally responsible production, and supports transparent consumer information through labeling.

International Safety Standards for Air Fryers

IEC 60335-1 and IEC 60335-2-9: Household Appliance Safety

The IEC 60335-1 standard sets general requirements for electrical safety of household appliances. Air fryers, as countertop cooking appliances, also fall under IEC 60335-2-9, which covers grills, toasters, ovens, and similar devices.

Key requirements include:

Resistance to overheating and fire
Safe insulation and wiring to prevent electric shock
Stability and mechanical strength under daily use
Surface temperature limits to avoid user burns
Durability of switches, plugs, and connectors

Compliance ensures that air fryers can withstand long-term, high-heat operation without posing hazards.

IEC 62233: Electromagnetic Fields

This standard addresses human exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted by household appliances. Air fryers must prove that their emissions remain within safe thresholds.

UN38.3: Lithium Battery Transportation (For Smart Air Fryers)

While traditional air fryers rely on direct power, some smart air fryers integrate lithium-ion batteries for portable use or control functions. In such cases, UN38.3 applies. Products must pass rigorous tests for vibration, shock, and temperature cycling before shipment by air or sea.

United States Certification Standards

UL 1026 and UL 1083

Air fryers in the United States typically fall under UL 1026 (Electric Household Cooking and Food Serving Appliances) or UL 1083 (Household Electric Toasters), depending on design. Testing covers:

Overheating protection
Fire resistance of housing materials
Cord and plug safety
Durability under repeated heating cycles

Retailers like Walmart, Target, and Amazon often require UL Listed or ETL Listed certification before accepting products.

FCC Part 15 Subpart B

All air fryers must comply with FCC Part 15, which regulates unintentional electromagnetic emissions. Testing ensures the appliance does not interfere with radios, televisions, or Wi-Fi equipment. Products must bear an FCC compliance label.

FDA Food-Contact Compliance

Any part of an air fryer that directly contacts food such as baskets, trays, and non-stick coatings must comply with FDA 21 CFR regulations for food-contact materials. This ensures coatings are free from harmful chemicals like PFOA, PFAS, or lead.

European Union Certification Standards

EN 60335-1 and EN 60335-2-9

The EU adopts the EN versions of IEC standards under the Low Voltage Directive (LVD). Compliance allows manufacturers to affix the CE Mark, legally required to sell air fryers within the European Union.

CE-EMC Directive (2014/30/EU)

Air fryers must also pass EMC testing under EN 55014-1 and EN 55014-2, which regulate emissions and immunity against interference.

RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU)

The Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive bans materials such as lead, cadmium, and mercury in electrical appliances. Non-compliance means rejection at customs.

REACH Regulation (EC 1907/2006)

Manufacturers must disclose any substances of very high concern (SVHCs) in coatings, plastics, or adhesives used in air fryers. Failure to register may result in sales bans.

Ecodesign and Energy Labeling

Air fryers marketed in the EU may fall under Ecodesign Directive (2009/125/EC) and Energy Labeling Regulation (EU 2017/1369), depending on wattage and efficiency classification.

WEEE Directive (2012/19/EU)

Producers are obligated to fund and support recycling systems for e-waste disposal of used air fryers.

China Certification Standards

CCC Certification and GB Standards

In China, China Compulsory Certification (CCC) is mandatory for household appliances. Air fryers must comply with:

GB 4706.1: General safety requirements for household appliances
GB 4706.14: Specific safety requirements for cooking appliances
GB/T 4343.1 and GB/T 4343.2: EMC emission and immunity

Testing must be conducted in CNCA-approved laboratories, and products without CCC marks are blocked at customs.

South Korea Certification Standards

KC Certification

Air fryers must carry the KC Mark after passing safety and EMC testing:

KC 60335-1 / KC 60335-2-9 for safety
KN 32 and KN 35 for EMC emissions and immunity

Taiwan Certification Standards

BSMI Certification

The Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) enforces compliance through standards including:

CNS 60335-1 and CNS 60335-2-9 for safety
CNS 13438 for EMC
Food-contact testing for non-stick coatings and materials

Australia and New Zealand Certification Standards

RCM Mark

Air fryers must display the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) after meeting both safety and EMC requirements:

AS/NZS 60335.1 and AS/NZS 60335.2.9 for electrical safety
AS/NZS CISPR 14.1 and CISPR 14.2 for EMC compliance

Key Safety Features Required in Certified Air Fryers

Certified air fryers must integrate specific safety mechanisms that are evaluated during compliance testing:

Overheating protection with automatic shutdown
Non-stick coatings compliant with food-contact safety
Short-circuit and overcurrent protection
Stable housing with flame-retardant materials
Child lock or safety interlock features
Temperature regulation sensors to prevent thermal runaway
Durable power cords with proper insulation and grounding

These features are critical not only for regulatory approval but also for building consumer trust in product safety.

Why Certification Matters for Air Fryers

Certification ensures more than market access. It protects manufacturers against legal claims, prevents costly recalls, and enhances brand value. Retailers and online platforms increasingly require documented compliance before listing appliances. Without certification, even well-designed air fryers may never reach store shelves.

Every major market enforces strict rules for air fryer certification. Non-compliance leads to customs rejection, penalties, or bans from retail platforms. Certified products demonstrate that they are built to operate safely, perform reliably, and comply with environmental responsibilities across every region.

To ensure smooth market entry and trusted consumer acceptance, initiate third-party testing with an accredited laboratory aligned to your target requirements. Contact ECQA today to streamline the certification of your air fryer and secure full compliance.