Equipment Approval Scheme
The Equipment Approval Scheme is an opportunity for manufacturers of badminton products to apply to be included on the official list of BWF Approved Equipment according to the minimum standards established by the BWF. Manufacturers of BWF Approved Equipment have certain rights when advertising their products.
The Approval Scheme was introduced in 1988 to maintain a satisfactory standard of feather shuttles and court equipment used in international badminton events. BWF approves five product categories.
- Shuttlecocks
- Flooring
- Nets
- Net posts
- Service Height Measuring Device (SHMD)
Application Process
The application process may take two months or more to complete so manufacturers should take this into account. No temporary certificate requests or immediate approval requests will be considered.
Shuttlecocks, nets, net posts, service height measuring device and flooring undergo tests by laboratories and/or testing providers. The results of all the tests are examined by the BWF and if the product meets the required standard, the product / manufacturer will be entitled to include the wording “Approved by the BWF for International Play” on the packaging and advertising for that approved brand and grade. All tests performed are at the expense of the applicants.
There are a range of terms and conditions for approval/certification.
All application forms must be sent to Equipment Approval Scheme – [email protected]
All renewal application forms must be sent to Equipment Approval Scheme – [email protected]
Applications – Shuttlecock
Shuttlecock testing is conducted two times each year in May and November.
All sample shuttles must reach BWF Secretariat address by 31st March and 30th September.
The certification period runs for one year beginning from the certification date. BWF reserves the right to withdraw BWF certification at any time.
Download and read the overview below and then download and complete the application form.
Applications – Flooring
Applications for approved flooring can take place throughout the year. The approval period is for two years beginning from approval date.
Download and read the following, complete the form and send this to the BWF.
Applications – Nets
Applications for approved nets can take place throughout the year. The approval period is for two years beginning from approval date.
Download and read the following, complete the form and send this to the BWF.
Applications -Service Height Measuring Device (SHMD)
Applications for approved Service Height Measuring Device (SHMD) can take place throughout the year. The approval period is for two years beginning from approval date.
Download and read the following, complete the form and send this to the BWF.
Applications – Net Posts
Applications for approved net posts can take place throughout the year. The approval period is for two years beginning from approval date.
Download and read the following, complete the form and send this to the BWF.
BWF Preferred Equipment Suppliers
BWF is certifying “BWF Preferred Equipment Suppliers” in different product categories to ensure that the highest level of equipment is used in the highest level BWF tournaments, including multi-sports events.
BWF may appoint up to four “BWF Preferred Equipment Suppliers” in each of the following product categories:
BWF has undertaken homologations of various Instant Review System technologies, and have certified the following:
- GroundTouch – uses a chemical coating on the shuttle which leaves a mark on the court which can be seen under ultraviolet light; and
- Xtra Eyes – a more traditional, video-review based system using cameras across 14 lines with a system operator / technical official to make final decisions
We believe both technologies offer BWF sanctioned tournament organisers, including those at the Grade 3 and Junior International levels, the opportunity to implement an IRS functionality into their tournaments at costs less than that of HawkEye.