Who is NSF?

NSF is a non-governmental, non-for-profit service corporation founded to promote good sanitation in our everyday lives. Its main function is to bring together groups of public health and sanitation experts from governments, universities, industries and consumer groups for the purpose of developing and administering performance standards for products which have some impact on sanitation and public health.

NSF maintains a state of the art laboratory complex where products can be tested in accordance with the standards. Manufacturers voluntarily submit products for evaluation; if they pass the test, they are "listed" by NSF and are allowed to display the NSF Seal on labels and literature.

What does the NSF Seal mean to you?

1 The product has been thoughtfully designed and well constructed. It has passed stringent tests for mechanical and hydraulic strength.

2 It is made from materials which are chemically safe and suitable for use in contact with potable water.

3 The label and other product literature are truthful and adequately informative.

4 In addition to the above general "good business" requirements, the product has also passed specific performance tests for specific functions which are listed next to the NSF Seal.

5 The manufacturer has paid a lot of money for the service and has agreed to submit to unannounced inspection by NSF to assure continuing compliance.

Public health officials world-wide take confidence from the knowledge that people like themselves have written and approved these standards, and NSF’s reputation for thoroughness, independence and credibility has made it one of the most relied-upon public agencies in the world.