Although only launched in November last year, SIRIM QAS International Sdn Bhd’s SIRIM Trusted Mark Scheme (STMS) has already demonstrated its ability to help online retailers enhance the marketability of their products as well as empower consumers to make informed purchasing decisions.

STMS, based on the ISO/IEC 17065 Product Certification Scheme, is a premier product conformity certification for communications, electrical and hybrid products that highlights certificate holders’ priority with their consumers and their commitment to product safety.

With the ever-growing trend of online shopping, STMS offers the best avenue for certificate holders to assure and convince online consumers of their product’s safety and originality.

Panasonic Malaysia Sdn Bhd — the first electrical and electronics (E&E) company to receive the STMS certificate — says the certification has aided in heightening its consumers’ awareness and assurance on the legitimacy of its products.

"This certification provided increased awareness and assurance to consumers that Panasonic products on the online Lazada Flagship store are from a trusted brand," the company says.

Panasonic Malaysia envisions itself as a leader in product safety, enhancing its reputation with the aid of STMS, which associates its brand with quality and safe products.

"With the STMS certification, we foresee Panasonic Malaysia committed to being an E&E industry player and leader in product safety.

"At the same time, Panasonic Malaysia will enhance the awareness of consumers as well as highlight the importance of quality product assurance for product safety. This will lead to increased consumer trust and confidence towards our brand image," it adds.

Besides aiding in its aspirations of becoming a leader in product safety, the company notes that being equipped with the STMS enables consumers to easily identify it as a trustworthy seller, providing it with a competitive edge over its peers.

"Key benefits include differentiation from other brands that are not certified and an effective marketing tool to showcase our organisation’s strict compliance and quality control practices, which all lead to a competitive advantage and elevated brand perception among consumers," it says.

Towards assuring its certification’s quality, SIRIM QAS International adheres to strict enforcement of its certification requirements but is ready to provide assistance at every step of the way.

For instance, applying for the STMS during the Covid-19 pandemic has been anything but easy. However, Panasonic Malaysia lauded SIRIM QAS International’s STMS team for its resolute assistance through the challenging times.

"At first, we had challenges complying with SIRIM’s regulations. There were many processes to meet SIRIM QAS International’s requirements, which were further compounded by the challenges in applying during the Covid-19 lockdown.

“However, with frequent communication and guidance from SIRIM QAS International’s STMS team, we were able to overcome such challenges. As a result, we were able to become the first company in the E&E industry to receive the STMS," it says.

Panasonic Malaysia believes the STMS will boost consumers’ confidence in purchasing its products, which will in turn have a significant impact on the company’s sales growth and brand image.