GB12899-2018
General specification for hand-held metal detector
手持式金属探测器通用技术规范
GB 12899-2018 is a current mandatory Chinese national standard for General specification for hand-held metal detector. It appears in the Environment compliance cluster with a product safety focus and has an implementation date of Dec 1, 2019.
Applicability depends on product scope, certification route, competent authority notices and transition rules. Requst for the translation or verify source before using this record in a compliance decision.
Compliance overview
Scope and applicability
GB 12899-2018 applies to hand-held metal detectors used for inspecting metal weapons and metal contraband. It serves as the fundamental basis for the design, manufacturing, inspection, and use of such security screening devices. This standard is mandatory for all manufacturers of hand-held metal detectors intended for the Chinese market. Devices used for other purposes may refer to this standard but are not strictly required to comply. The standard covers both indoor and outdoor working types, classified by their operating temperature and humidity ranges.
Technical requirements
The standard specifies comprehensive requirements across multiple categories. For mechanical structure, it mandates sufficient housing strength, an enclosure protection rating of IP31 per GB/T 4208-2017, and a total device weight not exceeding 800g including batteries. The power supply requirements stipulate a common battery type with voltage ≤15V, continuous operation for at least 24 hours, and a low-voltage indication function. Manufacturers must ensure the device circuitry is effectively isolated from the battery compartment. For detection performance, the standard defines three detection classes—Class A, Class B, and Class C—based on detection distance, with Class A offering the longest range. Detection sensitivity is evaluated using standardized test objects (T1, T2, T3) representing small, medium, and large metal items respectively. The device must support at least one detection class and must not produce any alarm failures during testing. Motion speed requirements specify a detection range of 0.4 m/s to 2.0 m/s. The standard also sets alarm indicator requirements, including a minimum alarm sound intensity of 75dB(A) at 0.8m, red visual alarm display visible in both bright (10,000lx) and dim (25lx) environments, and automatic alarm state recovery. Radiation magnetic induction strength at the device surface must not exceed 20μT. Devices must demonstrate resistance to mutual interference when operated 0.6m apart and resistance to surrounding metal objects. Environmental adaptability requirements differentiate between indoor (0°C to 40°C) and outdoor (-20°C to 55°C) working types, both at up to 93% relative humidity. Electromagnetic compatibility testing requires compliance with GB/T 17626.2 (ESD, Level 4) and GB/T 17626.3 (RF immunity, Level 2).
Testing methods
Testing is conducted under standardized environmental conditions (15–35°C, 15–75% RH) with all extraneous metal objects kept at least 0.6m away. Key test methods include: Detection sensitivity testing using an auto-test system that moves standardized test objects (T1–T3) in both sweep and approach modes at specified distances; Alarm indicator testing measuring sound intensity and visual display visibility under varying illumination; Radiation magnetic induction testing using a measurement coil connected to an oscilloscope; Environmental testing per the GB/T 2423 series covering temperature, humidity, vibration, shock, and free fall; and EMC testing for electrostatic discharge and RF field immunity. All tests must be performed with the device set to manufacturer-recommended sensitivity levels.
FAQs
What products are regulated under GB 12899-2018?
GB 12899-2018 applies to hand-held metal detectors designed for detecting concealed metal weapons and metal contraband. It serves as the fundamental basis for the design, manufacturing, inspection, and use of such security screening devices. Devices intended for other purposes may refer to this standard but are not strictly mandated.
Are there any updates from the previous version of GB 12899?
The 2018 version introduces several key changes from GB 12899-2003, including new definitions for probe and detection axis, revised terminology (e.g., "detection mode" replacing "inspection mode"), the addition of test objects T2 and T3 with corresponding detection distance requirements, and new appendices covering the auto-test system and radiation magnetic induction strength reference levels. The technical requirements have been significantly refined with greater emphasis on simulation-based basic function testing.
How does GB 12899-2018 relate to international standards?
GB 12899-2018 references several international and national standards, including environmental testing methods from the GB/T 2423 series, EMC testing per GB/T 17626, and safety requirements per GB 4793.1. It also draws conceptual guidance from documents such as NIJ STANDARD-0602.02 and ICNIRP Guidelines for radiation exposure limits. Manufacturers familiar with these referenced standards will find the compliance framework more accessible.
The summary above provides a high-level overview of GB 12899-2018. To ensure complete compliance for your products entering the Chinese market, a precise and professional translation of the full technical specifications is essential. Purchase our high-quality English translation of GB 12899-2018 today to access all detailed parameters, tables, and testing procedures.
Applicability hints
- Type
- Product
- CCS
- A91
- ICS
- 13.310
- Competent department
- Ministry of Public Security
- Technical committee
- National Technical Committee on Security Alarm Systems of Standardization Administration of China
Relationships
Replaces:GB 12899-2003