Obtain your US compliance successfully
and bring your products safely onto the US market
Certification Experts is your full-service compliance partner and guides you through the complete US compliance process according to UL standards, OSHA requirements, FCC, and CPSIA. With over 25 years of experience, our team will help you to obtain access to the US market.
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UL Marking: US compliance regulations
To be able to enter the US market, you need to ensure product safety. This can be done through measures which are used to assess and certify the products in accordance with the Federal Regulations and National Codes, such as:
- Electrical & Industrial: are regulated by the Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the National Electrical Code (NEC)
- EMC & Radio equipment: are regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
- Medical Devices: class I are regulated by the Medical Device Establishment License (MDEL) and class II, III and IV are regulated by Medical Device License (MDL)
- Medical Devices: are regulated by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
- Construction products: are regulated by the American State Building Codes
- Toy safety: is regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA)
UL Certification
Manufacturers are often under the impression that they should make use of Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL), which is a National Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). UL is a two-pronged organisation: The organisation develops standards and acts as a NRTL.
An Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ’s) can confirm whether a product complies to the requirements for the Canadian and/or US market and this decision is always based on reports from a NRTL. The UL standards are considered as the legislative safety requirements; other NRTL’s can also use these standards to evaluate products. The AHJ’s make no distinction between the different NRTLs, given that all NRTL are accredited organisations. Certification Experts has several partner NRTL’s who are accredited to carry out the conformity procedures for the US market.
Full-service product compliance
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How to achieve US compliance?
Obtaining a certificate of compliance UL or other US compliance services can be a complicated process. Our team of experts at Certification Experts offer guidance and advice to ease this process and offer the following services:
We can also help you get approved product for the following markets:
- International: CB certification
- Canada: CSA
- Europe: CE Marking
- UK: UKCA mark
- China: CCC marking
Check out our services
Click on the service blocks below to see what our experts can do to help you obtain US compliance.
USA Compliance (UL standards)
US Compliance encompasses stringent criteria for safety, quality, and sustainability, which encompass product certification, testing, audits, sustainability verification, and regulatory counsel. These measures are implemented to foster consumer confidence and uphold the highest industry standards. Certification Experts provides comprehensive support and expert assistance to ensure your equipment complies with US regulations and UL standards, facilitating its entry into the US market.
- Determine applicable product standard
- Documentation review
- Technical Advisory Service (TAS)
- Guidance towards testing
- Field evaluation and certification
- Guidance with NRTL-procedure
- Guidance with limited product certification
Technical Compliance Review (TCR)
Certification Experts offers a pre-project: a Technical Compliance Review (TCR), prior to the compliance procedure. The TCR is based on technical documentation and an initial inspection of the equipment. The findings of the TCR will be provided in a findings letter by the NRTL (National Recognized Testing Laboratory). In collaboration with all applicable parties involved, the required modifications will be stipulated to ensure a successful compliance procedure.
- Documentation review
- Review of critical components based on the Bill of Materials (BOM)
- Equipment inspection
- Findings letter
- Guidance prior to the compliance procedure
Field Evaluation or Certification
Field Certification (FC) – also called Unit Verification, is an internationally recognized form of certification under the ISO conformity assessment system and is accepted by the accreditation of professionals. An FC will be conducted for each individual product or batch on location, including a one-time test. Certification Experts can guide this process.
- Collaboration with the NRTL
- Perform a final electrical safety test
- Final inspection of the equipment
- Labelling will be provided; including official documents wherein approval of the label is stated
Limited Product Certification (LPC)
Limited Product Certification (LPC) is essentially a “batch certification,” designed to accommodate situations where a limited quantity of the product is manufactured, or a batch of the product is intended for distribution. After verifying that all units in the batch are identical to the test sample and in compliance, they are labeled on location by a NRTL representative, using a serialized certification. Certification Experts can guide this process.
- The product is tested and evaluated to the appropriate standards at the NRTL laboratory
- Labelling batch on location
OSHA
OSHA aid businesses in maintaining workplace safety and compliance with regulations. This includes assessments, training, guidance, hazard mitigation, recordkeeping, inspections, and fostering a safety culture to protect employees and ensure legal adherence. These safety requirements apply to machines, devices and equipment for the professional market. Certification Experts can ensure your products meet these requirements and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) monitors compliance with this.
- Verify the OSHA requirements
- Determine safety status according to OSHA requirements
- Provide advice and guidance regarding OSHA
- Perform risk assessment
FCC
FCC certification is required for a manufacturer in order to obtain market approval in the US for a device with wireless technologies. In order to obtain market approval, a manufacturer must conduct the FCC certification procedure. Certification Experts can provide aid with this.
- FCC Testing
- Certification (47 CFR Section 2.907)
- Declaration of Conformity from Supplier (47 CFR Section 2.906)
FDA
Certification Experts has an affiliated partner in the USS who can guide the FDA Compliance for Medical Devices.
Our partner is specialized in helping medical device manufacturers meet FDA requirements efficiently. From documentation to testing, he has got the expertise to guide companies through every step, ensuring market approval.
CPSIA and ASTM
All children’s products, including furniture, in the US, targeted to children below the age of twelve years old, are subjected to the regulations of CPSIA.
All manufacturers, importers, and distributers of children’s furniture and other child related products must ensure that their products are compliant with all related ASTM substance restrictions and standards. Certifications can provide aid with verifying the compliance of this.
All the answers you might need!
Obtaining a UL certification is not legally mandatory, but a voluntary certification. Nonetheless, manufacturers have a legal obligation to provide safe products in the US market. Many manufacturers choose to obtain and affix a UL marking as it is a third-party organisation that is highly recognizable from a consumer standpoint, and thereby they also assume the responsibility for if anything goes wrong. However, commercial building and electrical codes as well as retailers may require it. It serves as a visible assurance that the product meets US (and usually Canadian) safety standards when used according to manufacturer instructions.
The duration of UL certification varies depending on factors such as the type and complexity of the product, testing requirements, manufacturer’s responsiveness, and regulatory changes. Generally, it can range from a few weeks to several months. Effective communication, early engagement with UL, and prompt addressing of issues can contribute to a smoother and more efficient certification process.
The cost of obtaining UL certification varies depending on factors such as the type and complexity of the product, specific testing requirements, the manufacturer’s preparedness, the UL services selected, the type of UL mark sought, and the number of products being certified.
Pursuing alternative U.S. compliance, especially in situations where UL certification is not mandatory, can potentially be more favorable or cost-effective for manufacturers. This allows them to demonstrate adherence to relevant safety standards without necessarily undergoing the specific UL certification process, which may involve additional costs and time.
To check UL certification for a specific product:
- Look for the UL mark on the product label or packaging.
- Visit the UL Online Certifications Directory on the official UL website.
- Enter relevant information like the UL file number, manufacturer name, or product name.
- Review certification details, ensuring they match the product label information.
- Verify that the product has a valid and up-to-date UL certification.
- If needed, contact UL directly for assistance or clarification.
Always refer to the official UL website for the most accurate and current information.
CSA certification is generally not widely accepted in the United States. In the U.S., product certifications are often based on standards developed by organisations such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or other Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTLs). These organisations establish standards that are widely recognised and accepted in the U.S. market.
While CSA is a respected certification organisation, its certifications may not automatically fulfill the requirements for product entry into the U.S. market. If you intend to sell or distribute products in the U.S., it is advisable to check the specific requirements and standards recognised by U.S. regulatory bodies and seek certification from relevant organisations that hold recognition in the U.S. market.
UL marking is a certification issued by Underwriters Laboratories, mainly for products in the United States, indicating compliance with safety and performance standards. CE marking, on the other hand, is a self-declaration by the manufacturer for products sold in the European Union, demonstrating adherence to EU regulations. UL marking is specific to Underwriters Laboratories, while CE marking is a broader self-declaration for products in the EU. Both markings can coexist on a product if it meets the standards for both certifications.
UL is an abbreviation for Underwriters’ Laboratories. Underwriters Laboratories is a global safety science company that tests, inspects, and certifies products to ensure they meet specific safety and performance standards.
UL certification is commonly sought for various products, including electrical appliances, electronic devices, industrial equipment, and more. The certification process involves rigorous testing and evaluation of a product’s design, construction, performance, and other relevant attributes. Products that meet the required safety standards receive the UL mark, indicating that they have been independently verified for compliance with safety standards.
Having UL certification can enhance a product’s marketability and build trust among consumers, as it demonstrates a commitment to safety and quality. UL certification is particularly important in industries where safety is a critical consideration, such as electronics, appliances, and industrial equipment.
Most common are the “UL Listed” and “UL Recognised” marks.
There are over 1,500 UL standards. Below are some of the many products that are often UL certified:
- Electrical components
- Electronic equipment
- Wire and cable
- Appliances
- IT
- Fire protection and fire suppression equipment
- Signalling alarms
- Equipment for use in hazardous locations
However, it is important to note that being UL certified is not mandatory. The need for UL certification can depend on factors such as the specific product, its intended use, and the applicable regulations. Manufacturers often seek UL certification voluntarily to demonstrate that their products meet safety standards and to enhance consumer confidence. Before bringing a product to market, manufacturers should carefully consider the relevant safety standards and certification requirements for their specific industry and region.
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