Which products need ST CoA? The regulated electrical equipment list

Q: Do importers need ST CoA, or only manufacturers?

Both. Regulated electrical equipment generally requires ST CoA before it can be manufactured, imported, displayed, or sold in Malaysia — so importers and brand owners bringing product into the market are covered, not just local manufacturers.

Q: My product is electrical but not a household appliance — does it still need ST CoA?

It depends on whether the product falls within the Energy Commission's controlled list of regulated electrical equipment, which includes accessories such as plugs, socket outlets, switches, cables and protective devices — not just finished appliances. If you are unsure, it is worth checking your specific product before assuming it is out of scope.

Q: My appliance has WiFi — do I need SIRIM as well as ST CoA?

Very likely yes. If a regulated electrical appliance also transmits or receives radio (WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular), it typically needs both ST CoA for electrical safety and SIRIM Type Approval for the radio. Smart, connected appliances commonly require both.

By MY Broadband Corporation · Updated July 2026 · ~6 min read

ST CoA — the Certificate of Approval from Suruhanjaya Tenaga (the Energy Commission) — is mandatory for a defined list of regulated electrical equipment before it can be manufactured, imported, displayed, or sold in Malaysia. Here's how to tell whether your product is on that list.

The quick test

Does your product need ST CoA?

Is it electrical equipment (mains-powered or a mains accessory)?
Does it fall within one of the Energy Commission's regulated / controlled categories?
Is it manufactured, imported, displayed or sold in Malaysia?

Yes to all three → it needs ST CoA.

The regulated equipment list

The Energy Commission maintains a controlled list of regulated electrical equipment — commonly cited as around 34 categories. It goes beyond finished appliances to include lighting and electrical accessories. Representative examples, grouped:

Group	Representative examples
Household appliances	Air-conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, electric fans, rice cookers, kettles, electric irons, hair dryers, vacuum cleaners, blenders, microwave & electric ovens, toasters, water heaters
Audio, video & IT	Televisions and audio equipment
Lighting	Incandescent (GLS) lamps, fluorescent lamps, LED lamps and luminaires, ballasts, lamp holders
Electrical accessories	Plugs, socket outlets, switches, adaptors and chargers, flexible cords & cables, ceiling roses
Protective devices	Fuses, miniature circuit breakers (MCBs) and similar protective components

This is a representative grouping to help you place your product — not the definitive legal list. The controlled categories are set by the Energy Commission and change over time. Before you assume your product is in or out of scope, check it with us or confirm against the current Energy Commission list.

Who it applies to

ST CoA isn't only a manufacturer's concern. Regulated electrical equipment generally needs approval before it can be manufactured, imported, displayed, or sold in Malaysia — so importers, distributors and brand owners bringing product into the market are covered too, not just local factories.

Products that usually don't need ST CoA

Non-electrical products (purely mechanical items)
Electrical products that fall outside the Energy Commission's controlled categories
Certain industrial or specialised equipment outside the regulated list — but confirm, as scope can be narrower or wider than it looks

If you're unsure, treat "probably not" as "worth checking" — electrical accessories in particular catch people out, because items as small as a plug or charger can be regulated.

The "you also need SIRIM" case

If your regulated appliance also has wireless connectivity — WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular — it typically needs both ST CoA (for electrical safety) and SIRIM Type Approval (for the radio). Smart, connected appliances are the classic double case. For a clear breakdown, see SIRIM vs ST CoA: which approval do you need?

Labelling

Approved electrical equipment carries the ST-SIRIM safety label. Certain high-usage appliances — such as air-conditioners, refrigerators, televisions, domestic fans and lighting — also carry an Energy-Efficiency label showing their star rating.

Not sure if your product is on the list?

Tell us what it is and we'll confirm whether it needs ST CoA — and handle the approval end to end if it does.

Request a quote

Frequently asked questions

How many products need ST CoA?

ST CoA applies to a defined list of regulated electrical equipment maintained by Suruhanjaya Tenaga, commonly cited as around 34 categories — everyday appliances, lighting, and electrical accessories. The list is set by the Energy Commission and can change, so confirm your specific product.

Do importers need ST CoA, or only manufacturers?

Both. Regulated electrical equipment generally needs ST CoA before it can be manufactured, imported, displayed or sold in Malaysia — so importers and brand owners are covered, not just local manufacturers.

My product is electrical but not a household appliance — does it still need ST CoA?

It depends on whether it falls within the Energy Commission's controlled list, which includes accessories like plugs, socket outlets, switches, cables and protective devices — not just finished appliances. If unsure, check the specific product.

My appliance has WiFi — do I need SIRIM as well?

Very likely. A regulated electrical appliance that also transmits or receives radio typically needs both ST CoA (electrical safety) and SIRIM Type Approval (the radio). Smart appliances commonly require both.

This guide is general information, not regulatory advice. The regulated equipment list and requirements are set by Suruhanjaya Tenaga and change over time — request a quote for confirmation on your specific product.