Certification for North America and Mexico – NRTL Services and More

Companies that want to position products on international markets often face many questions: Which regulations do they have to comply with? What requirements apply in different countries? And are there special regulations for certain product groups? TÜV Rheinland knows the answers to all these questions and is happy to support you with international market approvals. With our smart services, you can launch your product on the North American and Mexican markets faster.

Most North American regulations require certain imported goods to be certified by an independent accredited inspection body. No matter what your product is: As a NRTL (Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory), we carry out all necessary tests. Our testing spectrum ranges from electrical products, medical devices and machines to children’s toys and building components. For electrical and medical products intended for the US market, we offer certifications that are also valid in Canada. With our cTUVus mark, you ensure compliance with all regulations and save time and money. On the other hand, certain electrical products intended for the Mexican market must comply with the Normas Oficiales Mexicanas (NOM standards). TÜV Rheinland has the expertise and services to help you obtain the required NOM approval.

The North American market has enormous purchasing power, offering attractive opportunities for manufacturers worldwide. TÜV Rheinland supports you with expertise in product launches in the USA and Canada. From electrical products and toys to medical devices and machinery – we cover all approval procedures in line with all regulations. As a NRTL (Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory), we offer all necessary tests and certifications. This enables you to bring your products onto the North American market more quickly.

cTUVus certificate

With a cTUVus certification, you can gain a significant competitive advantage by reducing time to market and the cost of certification and follow-up. With a single cTUVus mark, you can demonstrate compliance for both the US and Canadian markets. cTUVus is relevant for various products intended for sale or workplace use in the US and Canada. This includes, among other things

• electrical equipment
• medical devices
• in vitro diagnostic devices
• laboratory equipment
• elevators and escalators
• gaming machines
• lamps and lights
• power tools
• musical instruments
• alarm systems
• audio and video equipment

The cTUVus mark is officially recognized as an equivalent and direct replacement for UL certification. The mark shows that a product complies with US and Canadian safety standards. NRTLs such as TÜV Rheinland of North America can test according to the same standards and specifications defined by UL as US standards.

Products bearing the cTUVus certification mark prove at first glance that they meet the minimum requirements of US and Canadian electrical safety standards. The cTUV mark fulfills this function for the Canadian market, the TUVus mark for the US market. Moreover, it is easy for consumers and standardization authorities to see that the products have been thoroughly tested and certified by the independent testing service provider TÜV Rheinland. Thus, you have convincing and reliable proof of quality.

Californian CEC energy efficiency approval

The California Energy Commission (CEC) regulates energy efficiency for 21 appliance categories. TÜV Rheinland offers services for testing and registering your products in accordance with the Commission’s regulations.

Energy Star label

If you participate in the voluntary Energy Star program, you will benefit from the enormous demand for products certified under this energy-saving program. There is a wide range of products that can be awarded the Energy Star label. They belong to the following categories:

• heating and cooling (e.g. air conditioners, boilers)
• household appliances (e.g. washing machines, dishwashers, freezers)
• water heaters (e.g. water heaters with heat pumps)
• lighting (e.g. light bulbs)
• building products (e.g. doors, windows)
• office equipment (e.g. computers, monitors)
• electronics (e.g. telephones, televisions)
• others (e.g. pool pumps, charging devices for electric vehicles)

Ask our experts – we are happy to assist you with the approval and certification process.

FCC label

The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) label is valid for telecommunications equipment. For further details on FCC approvals and the procedure, please check the product testing categories.

NRTL stands for “Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory”. These are testing organizations that have been accredited by the US authority OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) in a demanding procedure. This ensures that the testing laboratory has the necessary equipment, technical capabilities, facilities and quality management systems to perform proper testing and certification for each product category within its scope.

OSHA established the NRTL program, and thus NRTL certification, back in 1988. Today, 19 companies are registered on the NRTL list. TÜV Rheinland is one of them. As a NRTL, TÜV Rheinland can test your product for compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC), OSHA regulations and many other national, regional and municipal requirements for products installed or used in North America.

Are you interested in obtaining approval for the Canadian market? The experts at TÜV Rheinland can provide you with competent and uncomplicated assistance. We are familiar with the applicable regulations and will perform the necessary tests and certifications for you. Canada, for example, has binding safety regulations for electrical products that are similar to those in the USA. Consumer products can be certified for the Canadian market alone or for Canada and the USA. Whatever you decide to do: We are happy to support you! We also offer you many other services relating to approval for the Canadian market.

Special Acceptances

TÜV Rheinland is accredited to issue Special Acceptances. These apply to machines and systems.

SCC certification

The Standards Council of Canada (SCC) has accredited TÜV Rheinland of North America as a product certification body. SCC certification is a necessary approval requirement for electrical and electronic products. These include, for example, electrical medical devices, household appliances and lighting.

Certification according to OSHA standards

Our laboratories are approved by OSHA as having the NRTL status. Certification in accordance with OSHA regulations provides proof of the safety of various products, such as electrical or medical devices.

CEC testing

We can also test your electrical devices and products for compliance with the Canadian Electrical Code in accordance with national Canadian standards.

Consulting on the approval of medical devices

Medical devices in Canada must be approved by Health Canada. The Standards Council of Canada has authorized TÜV Rheinland of North America to certify quality management systems. We will also be happy to provide you with the necessary information on importing medical devices and technology and advise you in detail.

The approval requirements for the Mexican market differ from those that apply to Canada or the USA. We offer you comprehensive support to ensure that you meet all the important standards and gain market access quickly.

Safety DICTAMEN – highly specialized equipment (HSE)

Certain electrical products (audio/video) are subject to their own approval in Mexico. The products in this category must fulfill the DICTAMEN approval for access to the Mexican market. TÜV Rheinland has the necessary experience to help you with your product approvals.

NOM certification (NOM-001/NOM-003/NOM-019)

Electrical and electronic products in the IT and household sectors must comply with the Normas Oficiales Mexicanas (NOM standards) in Mexico. TÜV Rheinland Mexico is a certification body that can issue the necessary product approvals for imported household goods and similar items for the Mexican market.

Energy efficiency: Energy consumption label

The Mexican authorities require energy efficiency labels for a large number of products, e.g. IT and household appliances as well as power tools. After successful testing in our laboratories, you receive the required approval.

Telecommunications: TELECOM approval (NOM-121/NOM-151/NOM-152/IFETEL)

The Mexican Federal Telecommunications Agency (IFETEL) regulates radio and telecommunications products in Mexico. TÜV Rheinland offers you competent support in complying with the commission’s regulations for product testing and registration.

For international market approval, medical devices must meet country and product-specific requirements. For manufacturers, it is important to prove the safety of their products. TÜV Rheinland supports you with the necessary tests and certifications for medical devices. In addition to our cTUVus mark, we offer you approval services for markets such as China, Brazil and Taiwan.

With TÜV Rheinland’s support for the approval of your products

• you can prove compliance with all important regulations.
• you can have multiple tests performed simultaneously for different regions, including CB Scheme, GS Mark, etc.
• you benefit from a fast time-to-market and save costs with cTUVus, a single certification mark for the Canadian and US markets.
• you get a competitive advantage on global markets.
• you benefit from our global network, our local accreditations, our expertise and our many years of experience.
• you use Certipedia, a practical database for managing your documents and more.