If you do business in digital/IT products for the US market, or have bought electronic devices in the US, you have definitely seen the UL mark on products. In recent years, you have often heard the saying that “UL 60950-1 is being phased out and replaced by UL 62368-1”. Many people are confused: have old UL 60950-1 certificates already become invalid? Can products with the old standard still be sold after 2020? What exactly is the difference between the new and old standards?
Note: All timelines and rules in this article are subject to the latest official UL announcements; adjustments may apply to special product categories.
1. Basic Introduction: First Understand What UL 60950-1 Is
UL 60950-1 is a safety certification standard issued by the US-based UL organization for information technology equipment (commonly referred to as IT/digital office equipment; no need to memorize the abbreviation for basic understanding). It focuses on controlling the most common safety risks of electronic equipment, such as electric shock, fire, overheating, and mechanical injury, and is one of the most widely used safety benchmarks for IT products in the US.
Many products we use in daily life fall within its scope, such as desktop computers, laptops, routers, printers, servers, and power adapters for digital products. Basically, any electronic equipment whose core purpose is information processing, transmission, or storage is applicable to this standard.
However, it is not a universal standard for all electronic products: categories such as pure home appliances, medical equipment, and industrial control equipment have their own exclusive UL safety standards, and do not need to apply UL 60950-1. Many people think that “products with USB or Ethernet ports are IT equipment”, but in fact, the core criterion is the main purpose of the product. For example, a smart refrigerator with an Ethernet port has a core function of refrigeration and belongs to the home appliance category, so it does not apply to this transition rule.
In terms of market positioning, UL certification itself is mostly voluntary in the US and is not a mandatory requirement at the federal level. However, retailers, e-commerce platforms, and corporate procurement generally regard it as a de facto access threshold — products without UL certification are difficult to enter mainstream sales channels and difficult to pass the compliance acceptance of enterprises or projects.
Many people hear “standard transition” and think it is just a minor revision, but that is not the case: this is a full process where UL 60950-1 (and the old audio-visual exclusive standard UL 60065) are gradually replaced by UL 62368-1, and new applications under the old standards are suspended. The fundamental reason for the transition is that the boundary between IT and audio-visual equipment is becoming increasingly blurred. For example, products such as smart speakers and webcams are both IT equipment and audio-visual equipment. The category-based logic of the old standards cannot cover converged products, so a cross-category new standard was introduced. For ordinary users, understanding the transition rules can help them identify valid certifications when buying IT/digital products in the US market, and avoid buying counterfeit or non-compliant products.
Clarify Easily Confused Standards and Certification Types at a Glance
People who are new to UL certification are easily confused by various similar terms. The table below explains the most common easily confused items clearly:
| Easily Confused Items | Plain Language Explanation and Boundary |
|---|---|
| UL 60950-1 vs IEC 60950-1 | UL 60950-1 is the US-localized safety standard for IT equipment, while IEC 60950-1 is the international basic version. Their contents are not completely consistent and cannot be used directly interchangeably. |
| UL 60950-1 vs CSA 60950-1 | CSA 60950-1 is the corresponding Canadian safety standard for IT equipment. Certifications with the cULus mark cover the safety requirements of both the US and Canada. |
| UL 60950-1 vs UL 60065 | UL 60065 is the old exclusive safety standard for audio-visual equipment. Like UL 60950-1, it has been simultaneously replaced by UL 62368-1. |
| UL Safety Certification vs FCC/CE | FCC governs US electromagnetic compatibility, and CE governs overall EU compliance. Neither can replace the safety certification function of UL. |
| UL Listed | For complete, ready-to-use finished products; it is the most common finished product safety certification, and the UL Listed mark can be used. |
| UL Recognized Component | Only for internal components of products, used as a supporting part of whole-product certification; cannot be used alone as proof of finished product compliance. |
| UL Classified | Only for specific performance or specific risks of products; its coverage is smaller than UL Listed, and it is not equivalent to a complete finished product safety certification. |
| cULus Mark | Indicates that the product meets the safety standards of both US UL and Canadian CSA, and can be circulated in both the US and Canada. |
| NRTL (Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory) | A general term for safety certification bodies recognized by US OSHA; UL is the most well-known among them. Other NRTLs can also conduct certifications according to UL standards, but cannot use the UL mark, and their certifications are not equivalent to UL certification. |
| CB Report/Certificate | Mutually recognized test reports of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), which can be used to offset part of the tests when converting to national certifications, but cannot be directly equated with UL certification. |
2. Key Timeline: Can Old Certificates Still Be Used?
This is the question everyone cares about most. First, the core conclusion: UL 60950-1 does not have a unified mandatory expiration date at the US federal level. December 20, 2020 is only the date when new applications for first-time certification of brand-new products are suspended. The validity of existing old certificates must be judged based on three core conditions: whether the official UL file status is valid, whether the product has no major design changes, and whether the recipient has no requirements for the new standard.
Three Core Stages
The entire transition is divided into three clear stages:
- Voluntary Selection Period (2018 – December 19, 2020): UL 62368-1 officially takes effect. Manufacturers can freely choose to apply for certification under the old or new standard, and both certifications are fully valid.
- Suspension Period for New Applications Under Old Standard (starting from December 20, 2020): In principle, UL no longer accepts first-time certification applications for brand-new products under UL 60950-1. However, for products that have already obtained old standard certification, minor design changes, certificate renewal, and factory follow-up services (services where UL regularly visits factories to verify that mass-produced products are consistent with certified samples) can still be carried out according to the old standard.
- Boundary Period for Old Certificate Applicability: There is no unified expiration date. Whether existing UL 60950-1 certificates can continue to be used is judged based on the three core conditions mentioned above. At the same time, reference should also be made to the special provisions of product categories and the specific requirements of local regulators (that is, local departments responsible for electrical and fire safety inspections; no need to memorize the terminology for basic understanding).
Compliance Boundaries of Each Stage
After the suspension period, the old standard can only be applied to mass-produced products that have been certified and have no major design changes — if the product’s core design is changed, such as replacing the power module or modifying the housing structure, it can no longer follow the old standard and needs to be converted to the new standard.
If your customers, platforms, or local regulators explicitly require UL 62368-1, only regular inventory products that were produced and entered the circulation chain before the requirement takes effect can be sold and used normally. Products newly produced after that must meet the requirements of the new standard.
Actual Consequences of Non-Compliance
Many people think that “since there is no federal mandatory expiration, the old standard can be used all the time”, but that is not the case. The actual impact of non-compliance is very tangible:
- May be directly rejected by e-commerce platforms, retailers, corporate procurement, and project acceptance;
- Equipment used in workplaces may not meet OSHA’s requirements for NRTL certification, facing compliance risks;
- In scenarios such as insurance claims, project acceptance, or accident liability determination, if the insurance policy, contract, or local regulator explicitly requires the corresponding level of NRTL or UL certification, non-conforming certification may affect claim results, acceptance approval, or liability determination;
- During inspections by some local regulators, certification meeting current requirements may be required, affecting product release.
3. Core Differences: What Exactly Is the Difference Between the Old and New Standards?
UL 62368-1 is not a simple number change; its underlying logic and scope of application have both changed. Here we explain it level by level from basic to intermediate understanding.
Scope of Application: From Single Category to Cross-Category
The old standards are divided by category: UL 60950-1 only covers information technology equipment, and UL 60065 only covers audio-visual equipment. Converged products need to pass both standards, which is very troublesome.
The new standard UL 62368-1 covers information technology equipment, audio-visual equipment, and some communication equipment (collectively called ICT equipment). Cross-category converged products only need one certification. For example, smart speakers, webcams, conference terminals, smart displays, and TV boxes can all use the same standard now.
Underlying Logic: From “Follow the Rules” to “Control Risks”
This is the most fundamental difference between the two standards:
- The old standard is prescriptive: it clearly tells you design details, such as how thick the housing should be and what the insulation distance should be. You are considered qualified if you follow the regulations.
- The new standard is risk-based (the professional term is Hazard-Based Safety Engineering, HBSE; no need to memorize it for basic understanding): first assess what hazards the product has and how high the hazard level is, then determine whether the people who will come into contact with the product are ordinary users, technical personnel, or children, and finally match the corresponding protective measures. You are considered qualified as long as the risk is controlled within a safe range.
To use a common analogy: the old standard requires “you must wear a 3 cm thick fireproof suit”, while the new standard requires “ensure you are not burned” — you can use a new type of ultra-thin fireproof material, as long as it achieves the protective effect.
The risk logic of the new standard is actually very simple, with only three steps: first classify energy sources such as electricity, heat, and mechanical force according to hazard level, then distinguish the groups of people who come into contact with the product (ordinary users / technical personnel / children), and finally match the corresponding protective measures.
Differences That Ordinary Users Can Directly Perceive
For ordinary consumers, there are two most intuitive changes:
First, the standard number on the product’s UL mark has changed, from the previous UL 60950-1 or UL 60065 to UL 62368-1;
Second, safety protection is more in line with actual usage scenarios. For example, scenarios that were insufficiently covered by the old standard, such as whether children may accidentally touch and get an electric shock, or whether misoperation may cause danger, have more explicit requirements in the new standard.
Actual Impact on Products and Manufacturers
If you are a manufacturer or seller, you need to know several actual changes brought by the new standard:
- More flexible design: Innovative products do not have to rigidly follow the fixed regulations of old categories. For example, foldable screen devices and new types of smart terminals can pass certification as long as they can prove that risks are controllable.
- Added risk assessment requirements: Applying for new standard certification requires providing product risk assessment materials, and cannot only follow design specifications.
- Some old products need adjustment: For example, there are differences between the new and old standards in requirements such as power isolation and protection of accessible parts, and some old designs may need to be modified to pass the new standard.
- Key components must be matched: Core components such as power supplies and batteries that previously only met UL 60950-1 may need supplementary testing or replacement before they can be used for whole-product certification under the new standard.
Notes on Standard Versions
Here is a special reminder of a common pitfall: UL 62368-1 has iterative versions such as the 2nd and 3rd editions, and the technical requirements of different versions vary. Moreover, the content of the US UL version, the Canadian CSA version (corresponding to local Canadian safety requirements), and the international IEC/EU EN version are not fully synchronized. You cannot assume they are universal just because the standard number is the same. If the product bears the cULus mark, it usually means it meets the corresponding standard requirements of both US UL and Canadian CSA, and can be circulated in both regions.
When applying for certification or verifying certificates, be sure to confirm the standard version corresponding to the target market, otherwise the product may be rejected due to version mismatch.
4. Scope of Impact Judgment: Should You and Your Products Care About This Transition?
Not everyone needs to study this transition in depth. First, see which category you belong to and whether your product is within the scope.
Three Groups of People Who Need to Pay Close Attention
- IT/digital manufacturers exporting to the US, cross-border sellers: Directly affects whether products can be launched compliantly and whether they will be removed from platforms.
- Local US IT equipment purchasers, wholesalers: Affects whether the products you purchase can be sold normally and pass project acceptance.
- Ordinary consumers: Helps you identify valid safety certifications and avoid buying counterfeit or non-compliant dangerous products.
Products Directly Affected by the Transition
- Traditional IT equipment: computers, servers, routers, switches, printers, office electronic equipment;
- Converged digital products: smart speakers, webcams, conference terminals, smart displays, TV boxes;
- Supporting components: external power adapters, chargers, built-in power modules — the certification standards of these components must match the whole product. If the whole product uses the new standard, the components must also meet the new standard requirements.
Boundary Products That Are Easily Misjudged
Many people think that “as long as it has a USB or Ethernet port, it is an IT device and must follow this transition”, but that is actually wrong. The core criterion for judgment is the core purpose of the product, not whether it has interfaces:
- Pure home appliances, pure medical equipment, pure industrial control equipment: all have their own exclusive UL safety standards, and this transition does not apply. For example, a refrigerator with an Ethernet port is essentially a home appliance, uses the UL standard for home appliances, and does not need to care about 62368-1.
- Products with batteries, outdoor waterproof, or wireless functions: UL 62368-1 is only a basic safety standard. These additional functions need to meet corresponding special standards. For example, batteries must pass UL 2054/UL 62133, waterproof must pass UL 50E, and wireless must pass FCC. You cannot think that passing 62368-1 means full compliance.
Additional Compliance Items Not Covered by UL 62368-1
Finally, let’s clarify that UL 62368-1 is only the basic safety standard for ICT products. It does not cover these compliance requirements, which need to be done separately:
- Electromagnetic compatibility: US FCC certification, Canadian ISED certification;
- Energy efficiency requirements: US DOE/CEC energy efficiency, Canadian NRCan energy efficiency;
- Battery safety: UN 38.3 transport safety, UL 2054/UL 62133 battery standards;
- Environmental protection: special requirements such as outdoor waterproof and dustproof;
- Special interfaces: special requirements such as PoE power supply and communication interfaces;
- Exclusive category standards: exclusive safety standards in fields such as medical, industrial, and home appliances.
5. Practical Guide: How to Verify Certification and How to Transition
After finishing the basic rules, let’s talk about what different roles should do specifically. First, we will explain the UL certification verification method that everyone can use, then talk about action steps by role.
Unified Verification Method: How to Check the Validity of UL Certification
Whether you are a consumer, purchaser, or manufacturer, the most authoritative channel for verifying UL certification is the UL Product iQ database — this is UL’s official free query platform, where you can query public certification file information in the UL system. The final result is subject to the official UL file status. Overseas users can directly find the entry on UL’s official website, and search by entering the certificate number, product model, or company name.
When checking, don’t just stop at “it can be found”. You need to verify 8 core pieces of information to confirm that the certification is valid:
| Verification Key Points | Specific Explanation |
|---|---|
| File Number/CCN | Confirm that the unique number of the certification file matches the product category code to avoid certificate fraud. |
| Applicant/Manufacturer | Confirm that the certificate holder is consistent with the actual production and sales entity. |
| Model Coverage | Confirm that the product model you want to verify is in the coverage list of the certificate. You cannot use the certificate of model A for model B. |
| Standard Number and Version | Confirm that the standard number (e.g., UL 62368-1) and version number meet your requirements. |
| Certificate Status | Confirm that the certificate is in valid status, and has not been suspended, revoked, or cancelled. |
| Factory Follow-up Service | Confirm that UL’s factory follow-up service is normal, and the consistency of mass-produced products is guaranteed. |
| Certification Type | Confirm whether it is finished product certification (UL Listed) or component certification; if it is UL Classified certification, confirm that its certification scope covers the safety risks you are concerned about, and it cannot be equated with complete whole-product certification. |
| Label Authorization | Confirm that the UL mark used on the product is within the authorization scope of the certificate, and the mark cannot be printed arbitrarily. |
There are several situations that can basically be judged as invalid certification:
- UL 60950-1 whole-product certification newly applied after December 20, 2020 (except for special categories and maintenance/file renewal of existing models; final result is subject to UL file status);
- File information cannot be found in Product iQ, or the model, standard number, and entity information do not match;
- Using component certification (UL Recognized) as proof of finished product compliance.
Ordinary Consumers: Judge Whether Certification Is Valid in 1 Minute
If you are just an ordinary buyer, you don’t need to check so complicatedly. You can make a preliminary judgment by quickly looking at two pieces of information:
First, the UL standard number on the product nameplate or packaging; second, the production time of the product.
If the platform, purchaser, or product page explicitly requires compliance with the new UL 62368-1 standard, for products produced after 2024 that still only mark UL 60950-1, it is recommended to be more cautious. You can ask the merchant to provide the certificate, or check it yourself on Product iQ.
If it is a regular inventory product under the old standard, as long as the certification is valid and it was produced before the new standard requirement of the platform/merchant takes effect, it can be used normally without excessive worry.
Purchasers/Wholesalers: 4 Steps for Compliance Check Before Procurement
If you are engaged in procurement or wholesale, following these four steps before procurement will basically avoid pitfalls:
- First, ask the supplier to provide the UL certification certificate, and verify the validity and model coverage of the certificate yourself on UL Product iQ. Don’t just look at the paper certificate provided by the supplier;
- For models newly launched after December 2020, prioritize requiring UL 62368-1 certification;
- If your customers or platforms have explicit new standard requirements, newly produced products must be required to provide the corresponding version of new standard certification;
- If it is an inventory product under the old standard, ask the supplier to provide proof of production time, and confirm that it meets the requirements before purchasing and selling.
Manufacturers/Cross-border Sellers: Full Transition and Conversion Process
If you are a manufacturer or cross-border seller with products that already have UL 60950-1 certification, just follow the steps below.
Step 1: First Judge the Current Status of the Product
- Brand-new products that have not been certified: directly apply for UL 62368-1, no need to consider the old standard;
- Products that already have old standard certification and have no design changes: verify the validity of the old certificate according to the 3 criteria below. If all are met, you can continue production under the old standard;
- Products that already have old standard certification but have design changes: assess whether the change triggers the conversion requirement.
3-Step Checklist for Validity of Old Certificates
You can check one by one according to the following 3 items. If all are met, the old certificate can continue to be used:
- Log in to UL Product iQ to confirm that the certificate status is valid and the factory follow-up service is normal;
- The structure and key components of the actual mass-produced product are consistent with the certified sample, with no core design changes;
- Customers, e-commerce platforms, and tenderers have not explicitly required UL 62368-1 certification.
Common Situations That Trigger Conversion
If the following situations occur, it is basically necessary to convert to the new standard:
- Core design changes: such as replacing the power module, modifying the PCB layout, changing the housing material, or replacing key components;
- New/derived models: the new model exceeds the coverage of the original old standard certificate;
- Changes in external requirements: customers, platforms, or regulators explicitly require UL 62368-1 certification.
9 Dimensions for Conversion Difference Assessment
After confirming the conversion, first assess the difference between the product and the old standard certification from these 9 dimensions, and you can roughly know how many supplementary tests are needed:
| Assessment Dimension | Specific Explanation |
|---|---|
| Product Structure | Whether the housing, internal layout, and insulation structure have been adjusted. |
| Key Components | Whether the certification standards of core components such as power supplies, batteries, and connectors match the new standard. |
| Plastic Materials | Whether the flame retardant grade and heat resistance of the housing and internal insulating parts meet the new standard requirements. |
| Insulation System | Whether creepage distance and electrical clearance (that is, the safety distance between live parts, and between live parts and the housing) meet the requirements of the new standard’s energy source classification. |
| Temperature Rise Test | Whether the temperature of each component under normal working conditions is within the limit of the new standard. |
| Abnormal Test | Whether safety protection is effective in abnormal scenarios such as failure, overload, and misoperation. |
| Labeling and Manual | Whether the content and format of safety warnings and instructions for use meet the new standard requirements. |
| Software/Firmware | If the product’s safety functions are controlled by software, whether they meet the relevant requirements of the new standard. |
| Factory Consistency | Whether existing production processes and factory inspection standards meet the requirements of the new standard’s follow-up service. |
Two Common Paths for Conversion
After assessing the differences, there are generally two conversion paths:
- Difference Test (Supplementary Test): If the product design difference is small, most of the test data of the old standard can be reused, and only the difference items need to be tested, with low cost and short cycle;
- New Application: If the product structure difference is large and old data cannot be reused, a full test according to the new standard is required.
Pre-Conversion Preparation and Follow-up Actions
To avoid delaying the progress, you can make these preparations in advance before conversion:
- Organize old certification materials: UL 60950-1 certificate, test report, key component list;
- Confirm the certification status of key components to see if there are component certifications that already meet UL 62368-1;
- Consult a UL-authorized laboratory in advance to assess the scope and cycle of supplementary testing. It is recommended to start 1-3 months in advance, don’t wait until delivery is due to start;
- After the conversion is passed, update the standard number on product labels and manuals in time, and synchronize the update to customers and platforms;
- Cooperate with UL’s factory follow-up service in the future to ensure that mass-produced products are consistent with the new standard certified samples.
6. Common Misconceptions to Avoid
Regarding this standard transition, there are 8 most common misconceptions to avoid:
Misconception 1: UL 60950-1 has a unified mandatory expiration date in the US
Clarification: There is no unified mandatory expiration date at the federal level. December 20, 2020 is only the date when new applications are suspended. The validity of old certificates can refer to the three core judgment conditions mentioned above, and they will not be automatically invalidated. At present, the requirement of new standards from mainstream e-commerce and purchasers since 2024 is a market requirement, not a general regulation, unless the product is recalled due to safety hazards.
Misconception 2: The transition rules for all IT products are exactly the same
Clarification: Some special IT equipment in industrial and telecommunications categories may have extensions or special policies. Don’t take it for granted to apply general rules. It is best to check the announcement of the corresponding category on UL’s official website, or consult a UL-authorized organization.
Misconception 3: UL 62368-1 is just a number change, with lower requirements and easier to pass
Clarification: The new standard is by no means a simple number change; its underlying logic is completely different from the old standard (see Chapter 3 Core Differences for details). The overall safety requirements are equivalent to the old standard, and some scenarios (such as accessible parts protection, child protection) are even stricter. Don’t simplify the design to reduce costs, to avoid certification failure.
Misconception 4: All certifications issued by NRTLs are called UL certification
Clarification: Only certifications issued by the UL Solutions system can use the UL mark and be called UL certification. Other OSHA-recognized NRTLs can also conduct safety certification according to standards such as UL 62368-1, but they can only use their own certification marks, which are not equivalent to UL certification. You need to confirm whether the recipient accepts them. In scenarios that require UL certification, be sure to verify the issuing entity and mark, and don’t look for institutions without UL authorization just for cheap.
Misconception 5: UL Recognized component certification can replace UL Listed whole-product certification
Clarification: Component certification only covers the internal components of the product itself, and is a supporting part of whole-product certification. It cannot be used alone as proof of finished product compliance — there may be other safety risks after the whole product is assembled, and a separate whole-product certification is required. When purchasing finished products, be sure to confirm that it is UL Listed finished product certification, don’t just stop at the fact that components have certification.
Misconception 6: The transition time is the same for all countries around the world
Clarification: The mandatory date and version requirements of 62368-1 in regions such as the US, Canada, and the EU may be different. If you export to multiple countries, you need to confirm the local regulatory requirements separately, and you cannot use one set of certifications for all.
Misconception 7: CB reports can be directly equated with UL certification
Clarification: CB reports are internationally recognized test reports, which can only offset part of the test items when converting to UL certification, and cannot be directly used as proof of UL compliance. If you need UL certification, you should apply for conversion with a CB report in advance and supplement the difference test.
Misconception 8: The same standard number means the certification requirements are consistent
Clarification: There may be differences in requirements between different versions and regional versions of the same standard number (see Chapter 3 Notes on Standard Versions for details). When verifying certification, you need to confirm that the standard number and version number match the target market requirements, and cannot judge compliance just by the standard number.
Summary
To understand the transition from UL 60950-1 to UL 62368-1, you don’t need to be a certification expert. You only need to master these core judgment abilities:
- Can judge whether you or your products need to pay attention to this transition;
- Can judge whether the existing UL certification is valid based on the timeline, product type, and recipient requirements;
- Can distinguish the core differences, version differences, and application boundaries of the two standards;
- Can clarify the next action direction according to your role (consumer / purchaser / manufacturer);
- Can correctly verify the authenticity and compliance of UL certification through UL Product iQ;
- Can avoid the 8 most common transition misconceptions.
Whether you are buying or selling products, remember one core principle: the validity of all certifications is ultimately subject to the official UL files and the requirements of the recipient. Don’t listen to one side of the story; checking it yourself is the safest way.