Certifications Needed for Exporting to North America
2025-06-12 15:58
U.S.
1. FCC (Federal Communications Commission Certification)
The FCC regulates radio, television, telecommunications, satellites, and cables to coordinate U.S. and international communications across all 50 states, Washington D.C., and U.S. territories. Many radio applications, communication products, and digital devices require FCC approval to enter the U.S. market. Per federal regulations, all electronic products entering the U.S. must undergo electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) certification.
2. FDA (Food and Drug Administration Certification)
The FDA ensures the safety and efficacy of food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, biologics, medical devices, and radiation-emitting products produced in or imported to the U.S. Foreign food shipments must notify the FDA 24 hours before arrival; otherwise, they risk detention or refusal at ports.
3. UL (Underwriters Laboratories Certification)
UL, a globally recognized safety testing body, conducts voluntary certifications to assess hazards posed by materials, devices, and structures to life and property. It develops standards and provides safety data to mitigate risks.
4. CPC (Children’s Product Certificate)
Mandatory for products targeting children under 12, CPC certification evaluates safety compliance under CPSC requirements. Platforms like Amazon mandate CPC documentation for items like toys to enable online sales.
5. DOE (Department of Energy Certification)
A mandatory energy efficiency program enforced by the U.S. Department of Energy to promote energy-saving and renewable energy use. Covers products like computers, displays, and lighting.
6. DLC (Design Lights Consortium)
A voluntary program by the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnership (NEEP) for LED lighting products (e.g., lamps, tubes). Requires compliance with efficiency, light output, color temperature, and color rendering metrics.
7. Energy Star
A voluntary eco-label jointly administered by the DOE and EPA, highlighting energy-efficient electronics, appliances, HVAC systems, and building products. Certified products typically use 20–30% less energy than federal standards.
8. BIFMA (Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association Certification)
Voluntary certification for office furniture (chairs, desks, partitions) testing stability, durability, and fatigue resistance.
9. DOT (Department of Transportation Certification)
Mandatory for vehicles and parts under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). Required for market entry in the U.S.
10. TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act)
The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)is a critical U.S. regulation for the effective management of chemical substances and a prerequisite for the normal trade of related products exported to the United States. It applies to manufacturers, importers, processors, distributors of chemical substances and mixtures within the U.S., as well as enterprises exporting products to the U.S.
The TSCA covers:
· Chemical substances that occur naturally or are produced through chemical reactions;
· Chemical substances contained in mixtures;
· Chemical substances intentionally released from articles.
It is important to note that the definition of "chemical substances" under TSCA also includes microorganisms.
Canada
11. CSA (Canadian Standards Association)
Canada’s largest safety certification body, recognized globally. Products like electronics, plumbing, and appliances require CSA certification for the North American market.
12. ETL (Intertek ETL Certification)
Mandatory for electrical, mechanical, and electromechanical products entering the U.S. and Canada. Equivalently recognized to UL/CSA marks, confirming compliance with safety standards.
Mexico
13. NOM (Normas Oficiales Mexicanas)
NOM (Normas Oficiales Mexicanas) is a mandatory certification in the Mexican market to ensure products comply with Mexican laws, regulations, and quality standards.
Mexico only recognizes the NOM safety mark; safety marks from the U.S. (e.g., ETL, UL) or Canada (e.g., CSA) are not accepted by Mexican authorities. Products subject to mandatory certification can only enter the Mexican market if they display the NOM safety mark.
Scope of NOM Certification
The NOM mark applies to most goods, with mandatory certification required for electrical and electronic products operating at voltages exceeding 24V AC/DC, such as:
· LAN equipment
· Medical devices
· Lighting fixtures
Voluntary certification typically covers components like:
· Conductors
· Fuses
· Lamp holders
· Ballasts
Key Requirements
· Products must be tested by SECOFI-accredited Mexican laboratories.
· Compliance with additional standards may be required (e.g., NOM-001 for electrical safety, NOM-003 for electromagnetic compatibility).
Only products with the NOM mark are legally permitted to be sold in Mexico.
Latin America
14. INMETRO (Brazilian National Institute of Metrology)
INMETRO (National Institute of Metrology) is Brazil’s national accreditation body responsible for developing Brazilian national standards. Most Brazilian product standards are primarily based on IEC and ISO standards.
Products compliant with Brazilian standards and other technical requirements must bear both the mandatory INMETRO mark and a mark from an accredited third-party certification body to enter the Brazilian market. Examples of such products include:
· Steel pipes
· Automotive parts
· Home appliances
· Medical devices
The INMETRO certification ensures compliance with safety, quality, and performance criteria, and it is legally required for certain product categories to be sold in Brazil.