The gas appliance industry is on the cusp of a major transformation. For the first time, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is finalizing a truly global safety standard for domestic gas cooking appliances. The ISO 21364 series, currently at Final Draft International Standard (FDIS) stage, represents a groundbreaking move towards global harmonization - one that mirrors the success of the IECEE CB Scheme for electrical appliances.
Here’s what gas appliance manufacturers need to know, and prepare for as these standards move toward publication.
Why the ISO 21364 series matters
Up until now, safety standards for gas appliances have varied significantly across regions. Europe has relied on the EN 30 series, while many Asian and Middle Eastern countries apply their own national standards. The result? Complexity, duplication, and barriers to global market access.
That’s all about to change.
The ISO 21364 series establishes a unified framework for the safety, construction, and performance of domestic gas cooking appliances, including:
- Part 1: General safety requirements
- Part 21: Particular requirements for gas hobs, grills, and griddles
- Part 22: Particular requirements for ovens and compartment grills
This series is designed to support global use while recognizing local differences. National deviations are documented (especially for Asian markets), making the standard adaptable without fragmenting its core integrity.
Key changes manufacturers need to watch
1. Towards a global compliance model
The ISO 21364 series could become the gas appliance equivalent of the CB Scheme. This means:
- Streamlined testing and certification across multiple markets
- Potential to significantly reduce time and cost for international approvals
- Easier path to market for global brands
2. Replacement of EN 30 standards in Europe
Once adopted by CEN, the ISO 21364 series is expected to replace the EN 30 series in Europe. This has major implications for manufacturers currently aligned with EN norms:
- Review your designs and technical files now
- Anticipate changes to conformity assessment procedures
- Work with Notified Bodies and certification experts early
3. Inclusion of national circumstances
These standards are not one-size-fits-all. They include:
- Annexes with national deviations (e.g. gas composition differences in China, Korea, Japan)
- Guidance on test gas families and pressures
- Recognition of installation infrastructure differences worldwide
This means manufacturers serving Asian markets will see their requirements built into the global standard - minimizing the need for costly modifications.
4. Hydrogen readiness and future fuels
The standards include testing protocols for natural gas blended with hydrogen - a clear sign of alignment with decarbonization efforts. Manufacturers should:
- Begin R&D into burner performance with hydrogen blends
- Engage early with labs and test houses to understand hydrogen-related test protocols
What you should do now
- Start your gap analysis – Compare your current product designs with the ISO/FDIS 21364 draft.
- Engage with BSI – Understand what adoption might look like in key markets.
- Plan for modular compliance – The standards are designed to work with Parts 1, 21, and 22 in combination. Use this structure to simplify your design strategy.
- Monitor CEN adoption timelines – Once published by ISO, expect moves to adopt them as EN standards. Transition periods may follow.
- Get ahead of hydrogen compatibility – Even if you're not affected now, hydrogen blending is gaining traction in many national energy policies.
A global opportunity
While these changes bring new compliance requirements, they also open the door to something much bigger: true global access for gas appliance manufacturers. With aligned safety expectations and test procedures, you can scale faster, simplify your compliance footprint, and futureproof your products for evolving energy systems.
