United States of America
FCC
Federal Communications Commission (FCC). FCC regulates unnecessary EMI generation from major electrical and electronic products to manage the efficiency of the usage of the radio wave resources in the United States. If the related product did not receive the FC certification, it is impossible to export products into the United States, therefore obtaining the FCC certification is essential. Target items: Radio Frequency Devices and parts and components that generate radio waves when used 47 CFR PART 15 Radio Frequency Devices, 47 CFR PART 18 Industrial, Scientific and Medical Equipment, 47 CFR Part 68 Connection of Terminal Equipment to the Telephone Network
UL
Underwriter Laboratories (UL) The UL certification is not compulsory, voluntary certification which is one of the nationally designated testing laboratory (NRTL) certifications; it is attached to many products which are exported to the United States. Even though it’s a non-compulsory certification, due to high preference amongst consumers, producers, sellers and importers sometimes request it alongside with compulsory certification. Further on, some state governments in the United States enforce NRTL (UL) certification. Target items : electrical/electronic products, building structures, building materials, fire prevention products, swimming pool equipment, toys, etc.
Energy Star
Energy Star is America’s energy efficiency certification. It is a joint program of the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to attach the ENERGY STAR mark to products that meet energy efficiency guidelines. Target Products: Home appliances, building materials, computers, electronic devices, air conditioning and heating devices, pumps, etc.
FDA
FDA is America’s certification for medical devices. It is classified as Class 1, Class 2, Class 3 according to the degree of risk. Class 1 medical devices are the lowest risk group registered with the FDA, and more than 90% of class 2 medical devices need approval by the US FDA (510K). Class 3 medical devices must obtain FDA approval (PMA) before being marketed in the United States. Target items: In the United States, medical devices are defined in Section 201(h) of the FD&C Act, and not only medical devices in the United States are treated as medical devices but also in some cases, accessories and components.
NRTL
Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). NRTL stands for Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory recognized by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA, www.osha.gov) under the U.S. Department of Labor. Safety standards specified by OSHA are specified in CFR (code of federal regulations) 29, and NRTL certification provisions are specified in 29 CFR Part 1910. Target Products: Fire prevention and extinguishing equipment, Gas equipment, Products used in hazardous environments with a risk of explosion, Accessory that stores electrical and electronic products