Why NSF?
Knowing what’s in your product should be the standard
When choosing products for yourself or your family, it can be difficult to know which claims to trust. The NSF certification mark helps you make confident decisions.
What is NSF?
Established in 1944 with headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan, NSF is an independent global organization dedicated to protecting and advancing wellness. We develop public health standards and provide testing, inspection and certification services for brands across areas including food, water, and wellness products.
What does the NSF certification mark mean?
When you see the NSF mark, it means the product has been independently checked against defined criteria by NSF, not the company that makes or sells it. Depending on the certification, this may include reviewing how the product is made, laboratory testing and inspecting the manufacturing facility.
Independent
NSF acts as an independent third party. Certification is based on assessment against an specific standard, not on a manufacturer assessing its own claims.
Rigorous
We check whether products meet defined criteria, from what’s in them to whether specific claims on the label stand up to scrutiny. If they don’t measure up, they don’t get certified.
Ongoing
Depending on the program, certification can include regular facility inspections and product retesting. It’s more than a one-time check.
How does NSF certification work?
The manufacturer tells NSF what the product contains, how it is made and what claims it makes. NSF specialists review this information against the certification requirements.
NSF tests product samples to check whether they meet the required criteria.
NSF visits the manufacturing facility to review how the product is made, checks relevant supplier information and collects samples where required.
NSF reviews the results from the testing and facility audit. Only products that meet the required criteria can earn certification.
Once approved, the product is officially listed on the NSF website and can display the applicable NSF certification mark.
Certification does not stop once the mark is awarded. Ongoing facility audits and product testing help confirm that the product continues to meet the certification requirements.
Confidence starts with knowing what to look for
The NSF mark helps you look beyond the claims on the label. It shows that a product has met defined requirements through an independent certification process, helping you choose with greater confidence.