Backgrounder providing brief information on requirements for testing when launching products - especially electrical products - into the US and Canadian markets
North America's significance for UK exporters remains strong.
According to UK Trade, the USA is the most important destination for UK exports.
Canada occupies a considerable 11th position for UK exported products.
However, launching products, especially electrical ones, at the US market requires the fulfilment of certain regulations specified by the US government. Thus, some manufacturers are legally forced to use Nationally Recognised Test Laboratories (NRTL) and others draw on NRTL because of the fear of being sued in court.
The rules for listing products in the US are mainly based on the Osha (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) Act and on the NEC (National Electrical Code).
Osha necessitates electrical conductors and equipment used in a workplace to be labelled or listed by an NRTL.
In addition to OSHA, there are building codes like NEC to ensure the safety of electrical installations.
This code states "that factory-installed internal wiring or the construction of equipment need not be inspected at the time of installation of the equipment - if the equipment has been listed by a qualified electrical testing laboratory".
The Electrical Code federally regulates electrical product standards in Canada demanding an approval by a certification organisation that is authorised by the Canadian Council to evaluate the conformity with product standards.
To visualise US or Canadian verification and to assure authorities and consumers, tested products bear a mark of the authorised laboratory that carried out the required tests.
