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.
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.
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.