United States & Canada
Certification requirements and regulatory standards
Overview
The regulatory approach in the United States and Canada differs from many other global markets. While product safety certification is often voluntary rather than legally mandated, it's frequently required by customers, insurance providers, and local jurisdictions. For workplace installations, electrical authorities may require non-certified or modified equipment to undergo evaluation by third-party agencies to verify compliance with electrical codes. For electronics, FCC compliance in the US and IC compliance in Canada are legally required for electromagnetic compatibility and wireless transmissions.
Required Certifications
FCC/IC
EMC & Wireless
Electronic devices marketed in the US and Canada must meet FCC (Federal Communications Commission) and IC (Industry Canada) requirements respectively. These regulations ensure that electronic products don't cause harmful electromagnetic interference and operate properly in the presence of such interference. The requirements are enforced independently from safety certifications and follow separate testing procedures. Products must be appropriately labeled according to their classification and the type of approval process used.
Mandatory
Yes
Follow-up Inspections
Not Required
Validity Period
N/A
Mark Required
No
Local Representative
Not Required
NRTL
Safety
NRTL (Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory) certification allows manufacturers to apply safety marks to products that meet applicable standards. Organizations like UL, CSA, TUV, and MET receive OSHA authorization to certify products according to consensus-based safety standards. This factory-based certification approach includes initial product evaluation, testing, and ongoing inspection to verify continued compliance. NRTL certification is especially important for mass-produced items, equipment connecting to building power, retail products, and when dealing with clients who specify such requirements.
Mandatory
No
Follow-up Inspections
Required
Validity Period
N/A
Mark Required
Yes
Local Representative
Not Required
FEB
Safety
Field Evaluation provides case-by-case safety certification for specific equipment units by recognized Field Evaluation Bodies (FEBs). This approach differs from NRTL certification by focusing on the actual installation environment rather than factory production. Field evaluations typically avoid destructive testing since they're conducted on the actual equipment to be used. This option is particularly valuable for equipment without existing NRTL approval, modified certified equipment, limited production items where NRTL certification would be impractical, or when customers request safety documentation for specific installations.
Mandatory
Yes
Follow-up Inspections
Not Required
Validity Period
N/A
Mark Required
Yes
Local Representative
Required
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