Smart locks face tougher quality checks before hitting shelves

Smart locks face tougher quality checks before hitting shelves

Christine Miller
Christine Miller
3 Min.
A man in a suit holds a smartphone while surrounded by images of home security systems, indicating he is accessing them to monitor or control home security.

International Standards and Certifications

Smart locks face tougher quality checks before hitting shelves

Smart locks must meet stringent security requirements, with international certifications playing a key role in verifying compliance with various standards. Among the most important are:

  • Apple MFi certification confirms that a device is compatible with Apple products and safe for use with other smart devices.
  • In North America, devices are certified under BHMA, FCC, and RoHS standards, ensuring their safety and reliability.
  • In Europe, products undergo testing for CE, RED, RoHS, and EN compliance, which set strict benchmarks for safety and performance.
  • In China, devices are licensed under rigorous national standards, including GB 21556.2-2025, GA 374, and others.

Locks undergo rigorous testing and certification to guarantee high quality and adherence to global standards. Softmaster's CEO noted that over the company's operational history, defect rates in serviced products have remained below 0.01%.

Durability and Resistance to External Factors

The reliability of electronic locks depends not only on their advanced technology but also on their physical resilience. These devices undergo extensive testing to ensure long-term performance under diverse climatic and mechanical conditions.

  • Weather resistance. Locks with IP65 protection are designed to function in all weather conditions, safeguarding against water and dust ingress.
  • Mechanical endurance. Devices are tested for 100,000 locking and unlocking cycles, including both standard operation and keypad entry.
  • Impact resistance. Locks are evaluated for durability against forces up to 400 N, a critical feature if the device is subjected to external stress, such as a door slamming shut.

These tests and certifications confirm that the locks available on the market can withstand extreme operating conditions.

Biometric Accuracy and Wireless Connectivity

A core feature of electronic locks is their access control system, where biometric precision is paramount. Many locks employ facial recognition technology, allowing users to unlock doors in seconds. These systems are rigorously tested for false positives—such as unauthorized access by identical twins or spoofed photographs. Additionally, modern locks support smartphone-based entry via NFC or Bluetooth, eliminating the need for physical keys while enhancing convenience and security.

Wireless connectivity stability is equally critical. Technologies like NFC and UWB (including testing under the Aliro protocol) undergo thorough evaluations to ensure consistent performance, even in environments with strong electromagnetic interference. These advancements guarantee seamless and reliable lock operation.

Privacy

Smart locks, like other smart home devices, require robust data protection. Manufacturers use specialized encryption to ensure secure data transmission between the lock and its mobile app, safeguarding information from unauthorized access. Multi-factor authentication and local data processing are also critical to minimizing the risk of leaks. Users must be confident that their personal data will remain private and will not be disclosed or misused without their consent.