How to Verify If a Power Strip Is Truly CE/ETL Certified

I’ve met many importers and store buyers who believed they were buying certified power strips—only to later find out the certification was either fake or irrelevant. It’s frustrating, risky, and completely avoidable if you know what to look for.

To verify if a power strip is truly CE or ETL certified, you need more than just a logo on the box—you need supporting documents, accurate markings, and trusted test reports¹.

Let’s walk through the steps that help you separate the real from the risky.

What CE and ETL Certifications Mean for Power Strips

CE and ETL aren’t just stickers—they’re proof that a power strip has been tested and meets safety standards² required by law or by retailers.

CE certification³ is mandatory for products sold in the European Economic Area, while ETL indicates a product has been independently tested to North American UL safety standards⁴s](http://www.osha.gov/electrical/standards)[^2].

CE vs. ETL Summary:

• CE: Required in Europe. It’s a self-declaration backed by third-party testing. Must comply with LVD, EMC, and RoHS.
• ETL: Recognized in the U.S. and Canada. Certified by Intertek⁵ to meet UL/CSA standards. Requires ongoing audits and lab testing.

Both marks mean the product is safer for the end user—but only if they’re real.

How to Identify a Genuine CE or ETL Mark on Power Strip Products

When you’re holding a power strip in your hand, how can you tell if the CE or ETL mark is authentic?

A genuine CE or ETL marking should be permanently affixed, proportional, and traceable to a model and test report. Poor printing, missing information, or unusual spacing are all red flags.

What to Look For:

• CE Mark

  • Letters must be spaced and shaped correctly (not a “China Export” imitation)
  • Accompanied by technical file⁶ or Declaration of Conformity⁷
  • Usually includes voltage, manufacturer name, and batch info

• ETL Mark

  • Should include Intertek⁵ name
  • Listed control or file number (e.g. “Conforms to UL STD 1363”)
  • Must be on the product itself, not just packaging

If in doubt, take a photo and ask for documentation. Don’t assume it’s valid just because it’s printed.

Common Signs of Fake or Misused Certification Labels

Sadly, fakes are common—especially when buyers are looking for the cheapest deal or fastest shipping.

Fake certifications are usually spotted through bad printing, incorrect file numbers, or inconsistent product and test specs. But the most dangerous sign is silence—when a supplier won’t share real test reports¹.

Red Flags to Watch For:

• CE mark looks like “China Export” (letters too close together)
• ETL file number is missing or unverifiable
• Test reports that show different product names or models
• No mention of the factory name on the documentation
• Vague or evasive responses when asked about compliance

A real supplier should gladly provide you with the documents. If they hesitate—it’s time to walk away.

How to Request and Verify Authentic Test Reports or Certificates

Let’s say you’ve found a supplier and they promise the product is certified. Now what?

Always ask for the full test reports¹ or certificate numbers. Then, double-check those with the issuing body—like TÜV, SGS, Intertek⁵, or UL. Don’t settle for PDFs alone.

Steps to Verify Legitimacy:

1. Ask for the full CE Declaration of Conformity⁷ or ETL certificate
2. Look for model name, voltage, and manufacturer
3. Check the lab’s name: Intertek⁵, TÜV, SGS, etc.
4. Use online certificate lookup tools⁸ (Intertek⁵ and UL provide public databases)
5. Email the lab directly with the file number for confirmation

This small step protects your business, your brand, and your customer’s safety.

Conclusion

CE and ETL certification⁹s aren’t just paperwork—they’re proof that a power strip is safe to use and legal to sell. But real certifications always come with details. Don’t let logos fool you—ask questions, verify documents, and make sure your supplier is as trustworthy as your product needs to be.