What is BS 10121-1 - Asset marking products about?
Asset marking is the permanent identification of items to deter thieves. Property is uniquely marked and a corresponding number or code can be registered on a master database, enabling stolen items to be returned to their owners.
BS 10121-1:2022 is a new British Standard that sets out requirements and provides standardized methods of testing, so that those who purchase or specify such products can determine suitability and make the best use of marking products.
Who is BS 10121-1 - Asset marking products for?
- Manufacturers wishing to have marking products tested
- Testing houses
- Professional security firms
What does BS 10121-1 - Asset marking products cover?
BS 10121-1 specifies requirements related to products designed to deter theft of a marked asset and to support repatriation of the marked asset when used in accordance with application instructions for the marking of assets.
- It specifies minimum requirements that enable specifiers and purchasers of asset marking products to determine their suitability for use.
- It provides test methodologies to demonstrate performance.
- It gives requirements for the provision of information to ensure purchasers can make correct use of the asset marking product.
- It also gives requirements for products used to indicate the source of an item.
BS 10121-1 is intended to be used for marking private, leisure, commercial and industrial vehicles, plant machinery and associated equipment (the asset) but can also be used for marking other items as appropriate. This standard may be used as part of a certification scheme.
NOTE: BS 10121-1 does not specify requirements regarding the method of application of asset marking products nor does it give requirements for design and installation of equipment for the application of marks (e.g. etching equipment). It does not specify requirements for the manufacturing process of the product, but it could be used as part of a certification process to ensure that a manufactured product continues to meet the requirements of this standard. It does not specify requirements for tracking devices (e.g. for animals), marking of cash or products used to identify offenders who have been tagged with forensic marking solutions. The application of VIN numbers to vehicles in accordance with BS AU 175-3b:1983, ISO 4030:1983 is excluded.
Why should you use BS 10121-1 - Asset marking products?
- It supports what is possibly the most cost-effective way to safeguard assets
- It supports a way to discourage theft since criminals don’t want to handle marked property
- It can help satisfy insurance requirements and could reduce premiums
- It supports the return of stolen or lost items
- It supports the police’s ability to prove ownership and secure convictions
- It can facilitate the trade of asset marking products
- It can increase confidence in products and strengthen the risk management of decision makers
