F2 Labs offers accredited UL and CSA certification testing to help you demonstrate compliance with North American safety standards. We streamline the approval process so your products can enter the U.S. and Canadian markets quickly and confidently.
CSA & UL Standards Certification
Product Certification Overview
If you are selling your product in the US and Canada, you need to comply with the applicable nationally accepted UL & CSA (and possibly other) standards. F2 Labs can evaluate and test your product, help you through the certification process and enable you to get your US and Canadian certifications to the UL and CSA standards.Certification Process
While the product itself will be evaluated and tested for conformance with the appropriate UL/CSA standards, the manufacturer must also be able to demonstrate a Quality Control system to assure that all future products will continue to conform. This process includes an Initial Customer Application/Quality System Review, Initial Factory Inspection, and ongoing Quarterly Inspections.Steps to Product Certification
- Product Testing and Evaluation:A sample of your product and supporting documentation will be evaluated and tested to the applicable safety UL and/or CSA standard(s) for Certification to the UL and CSA standards.
- Initial Factory Inspection: Just prior to the issuance of your first certification an Initial Factory Inspection will be performed. This is done only once.
- Annual Listing Fees: Annual Listing Fees can vary, please contact us for a quote of these fees.
- Quarterly Inspections: Quarterly inspections, or follow-up visits, will be performed at each manufacturing site. During these visits, the inspector will review, among other things: production line tests, quality procedures and documentation, product revisions, required markings, etc.
- Fees for the above services: Fees per facility vary depending on the number of product categories being listed, and inspection fees are dependent upon the location of the facility.
UL/CSA Standards Certification Testing
- UL Standards Testing -If you are selling your product in the United States, your product must comply with the applicable nationally accepted product-specific standards. These are likely UL standards, but could also be others (i.e. ANSI, NFPA, etc.)
- CSA Standards Testing – If you are selling your product in Canada, you must comply with the applicable nationally accepted product-specific safety standards. These are likely CSA standards, but could also be other standards.
What is CSA & UL Standards (NRTL) Certification?
CSA (Canadian Standards Association) and UL (Underwriters Laboratories) Standards Certification, also known as NRTL (Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory) Certification, ensures that products meet safety and quality standards required in the U.S. and Canada. It is a critical step for products entering these markets, ensuring compliance with nationally accepted safety benchmarks.
Why is Product Certification to UL and CSA Standards Important?
Product certification to UL and CSA standards is vital for:
- Meeting regulatory requirements in the U.S. and Canada
- Ensuring product safety and quality
- Building trust with consumers and regulatory bodies
Without proper certification, products cannot be legally sold in these markets.
What Does the Certification Process Involve?
The UL/CSA certification process includes the following steps:
- Product Testing & Evaluation: Ensures compliance with applicable UL/CSA standards.
- Initial Factory Inspection: Reviews the manufacturing site for quality control compliance.
- Annual Listing Fees: Covers product certification and ongoing listing in UL/CSA directories.
- Quarterly Inspections: Ensures consistent adherence to safety and quality standards.
This comprehensive process guarantees ongoing compliance with relevant standards.
What is Required for the Initial Factory Inspection?
The initial factory inspection is a one-time assessment conducted before the first certification is issued. It evaluates the manufacturing facility to confirm:
- Quality control processes
- Compliance with certification requirements
- Readiness for ongoing production inspections
This step is crucial for certification approval.
Are There Ongoing Inspections After Certification?
Yes! Quarterly inspections are conducted at each manufacturing site after certification. These inspections review:
- Production Line Tests: Verifying consistent product quality.
- Quality Control Procedures: Ensuring compliance with safety standards.
- Product Revisions: Confirming that updates meet certification criteria.
- Required Markings: Checking proper labeling for compliance.
These ongoing evaluations help maintain product certification and market access.
How Are Fees for Certification Determined?
Certification fees vary based on factors such as:
- The number of product categories being listed
- The location of the manufacturing facility
For an accurate quote tailored to your specific needs, contact F2 Labs directly.
What Standards are Tested for U.S. and Canadian Markets?
Products must meet the following standards:
- U.S: UL standards or other nationally accepted standards like ANSI or NFPA.
- Canada: CSA standards or other relevant safety requirements.
F2 Labs ensures your product meets the appropriate standards for your target market.
How Can I Get More Information About the Certification Process?
For detailed information on the U.S. and Canadian (NRTL) certification process, or to learn how to get your product certified to UL and/or CSA standards, contact F2 Labs. We’ll discuss:
- The step-by-step certification process
- Customizing our services to your specific requirements
- Ensuring your product is ready for market entry
FAQs
Does Canada require devices to Listed?
Canada requires all products coming in that are AC powered to be listed or have a field label at least.
This does not apply to battery powered devices. If a medical device, they may still have to apply or submit to Health Canada (if they are required to, this is for them to figure out).
Does the U.S. require devices to Listed?
OSHA requires devices used in the workplace to be Listed.
Can a U.S. Field Label be applied anywhere?
The standard for field labeling (NFPA 790/791) requires that the Field Label be applied at the final installation site. However, sometimes exceptions are made, and the label can be applied elsewhere (the factory or at F2 Labs) for devices that are mobile, not permanently installed and where the installation method is not critical to safety. In this case, it is important to know that there is a (small) chance that the AHJ at the final location may not accept the U.S. Field Label because the address on the report does not match the installation location.
Annual Factory Inspections of 3rd Party Components
If a listed product contains an unapproved component(s), that component(s) needs to undergo annual testing to ensure it still meets the requirement of the standard. Sales is to issue a proposal for the annual testing, after checking with engineering to find out how long the testing will take. The proposal should be opened as an entirely new product number and not a cost increase or revision, as it creates confusion in deadline, project folders, etc. The body of the proposal should mention the listing project number.
When a Listing Annual Inspection is being performed at a manufacturing facility, are the outsourced components required to be part of the inspection?
It really depends on the specifics. Most of the time there is only one inspection where the final assembly (the Factory), production line testing and labeling (placing the Listing Mark on the product) takes place. If the Factory is receiving components (like a PCB), then they need to be able to show that they have a process for incoming inspection to ensure it is what they expected to receive.
Sometimes – if there is no way to inspect/ensure, and especially if the component is very critical to the safety of the device – there could be the need for an additional inspection(s). This is not that common.
