White Paper On Ul Certification

WHITEPAPER ON UL CERTIFICATION

Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) is an independent, not-for-profit product safety testing and certification organization. We have tested products for public safety for more than a century. Each year, more than 17 billion UL Marks are applied to products worldwide. Since our founding in 1894, we have held the undisputed reputation as the leader in U.S. product safety and certification. Building on our household name in the United States, UL is becoming one of the most recognized, reputable conformity assessment providers in the world. Today, our services extend to helping companies achieve global acceptance for their products, whether it is an electrical device, a programmable system or a company's quality process.

What is ITE? Information Technology Equipment is a broad range of electrical and electronic equipment including but not limited to: • • • • • •

Information Technology Equipment Telecommunications (Telecom)Equipment Information Processing Equipment Data Processing Equipment Business Equipment Multimedia Equipment

ITE Related Standards To obtain ITE related standards and bulletins, use the following link: Standards/Bulletins • • •

UL 60950-1, Information Technology Equipment - Safety - Part 1: General Requirements (most current ANSI version of the standard) UL 60950, Safety of Information Technology Equipment, third Edition IEC 60950-1

What are the mandatory product safety requirements for Asian countries? Some Asian countries have their own regulatory product safety marks that are mandatory for selected product categories to enter their respective markets. For example, China launched a new regulation called the China Compulsory Certification Scheme (CCC Scheme) in August 2003. The Scheme requires manufacturers of products subject to compulsory certification to apply one mark, the new CCC Mark. Regulated products under the DENAN law in Japan are categorized as specified products (SPs) and non-specified products (NSPs). Products falling under the scope of South Korea’s Electrical Appliance Safety Law, also known as the Safety Certification Scheme, require manufacturers to obtain the mandatory South Korean Safety Mark (EK-mark) prior to products being placed on the South Korean market. The Taiwan Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection’s (BSMI) Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) promulgated the Measures Governing Registration of Product Certification (RPC) that cover both electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and safety requirements. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) also issues the ISI (Indian Standards Institution) Mark to qualified products covering practically every industry from agriculture and textiles to electrical and electronic products.

How can I find out if my product is within the scope of product safety and/or regulatory requirements in specific Asian countries? Where can I get specific requirements for the countries mentioned above? You can check with the designated regulatory body for a country you wish to access. Please simply contact the Customer Service Representative at the UL office nearest you. We can provide you with extensive information on getting international certifications, including those for Asian countries, and assist you in developing a streamlined Global Conformity Assessment strategy. UL’s local staff interact daily with product certification organizations worldwide and they

know firsthand about how these organizations work.

What are the new changes in China’s product safety regulations? The State Administration of the People's Republic of China for Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) is introducing a new Safety License System implementation requiring mandatory Safety License approval for 132 products in 19 categories. The new mandatory China Compulsory Certification Scheme (CCC Scheme) will be implemented beginning May 1, 2002. The Scheme requires manufacturers of specified products to apply one mark – the new CCC Mark. Some examples of specified products include audio products, wire and cable, telecommunications equipment, household appliances, safety glass, motor vehicle tires and fire fighting equipment. The CCC Mark replaces the CCEE and CCIB/Great Wall Marks. Manufacturers have until August 1, 2003, to transfer their existing certification approval to the new CCC Mark. See CCC Mark for more information.

What are the requirements for translating technical documents (e.g., manuals, certificates, etc.) into the local language? As with any international certification, product labeling and operating instructions and manuals must be submitted in the local language.

How long does it take to have my products certified for the various regional Asian markets? Turnaround time depends greatly on product types, product specifications and the number of models submitted, as well as an individual country’s regulatory system. However, if you plan to launch your product in multiple markets at one time, you are advised to have a good plan for obtaining the necessary certifications during the product’s early developmental stage. Some Asian countries are member countries of IECEE CB Scheme. In such cases, your product may only need to be tested once. Your product’s CB Test Certificate and Test Report can also be applied toward different national product certifications. UL can assist you in developing an effective customized plan that can reduce

costs and help you meet your product launch dates.

What is the IECEE CB Scheme? The CB Scheme, established by the International Electrotechnical Committee for Conformity Testing to Standards for Electrical Equipment (IECEE), provides a means for facilitating international trade by establishing a means for mutual acceptance of test reports among safety certification organizations in certain product categories. The CB Scheme is an international network of product certification organizations from 42 countries throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa. Each participating country has one or more organizations accepted by the IECEE as National Certification Bodies (NCBs). UL currently has three National Certification Bodies (NCB) in the CB Scheme. These include : Underwriters Laboratories Inc. for the United States, Underwriters’ Laboratories of Canada LC for Canada, and UL International Demko A/S for Denmark in the CB Scheme.

Can I use my CB test report to sell products in Asian countries? There are seven Asian countries that are member countries of the CB Scheme. These include China, Japan, South Korea, India, Malaysia and Singapore. You can use your CB Test Certificate and Test Report issued by one of the participating countries and any NCBs to obtain national product certifications from in other participating NCBs in member countries of the Scheme as a result of investigation audits. In addition to UL’s Asian affiliates, UL offices worldwide can provide professional advice and help in submitting applications under the Scheme.

What is the DENAN law in Japan? The DENAN law (Japan’s Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law) took effect April 1, 2001, and was established with the purpose of preventing hazards and radio interference that might be caused by electrical and electronic products and components. The new law regulates 454 product types and officially replaces the former DENTORI law. Underwriters Laboratories Inc. in the United States and UL International Demko A/S in Denmark are currently the only Conformity Assessment Bodies (CAB) outside of Japan that are accredited by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). As a CAB, UL is authorized by METI to help manufacturers get the mandatory Japanese Specified Product PSE Mark, which is required for market access.

How does the DENAN legislation compare to the European CE Marking legislation? Both legislations are the mandatory requirements for products entering into their respective regions. While the DENAN Specified Product PSE Mark applies only to products sold in Japan, products regulated under the law are categorized as Specified Products (SPs) and Non-Specified Products (NPSs). SPs cover products that require certificates by a METI CAB, while NSPs cover products that require mandatory compliance but not necessarily via certificates by a METI-accredited CAB. On the contrary, the CE Marking is a self-affixed marking that indicates a declaration of compliance with applicable EU Directives, a common set of mandatory criteria established and widely adopted by the 18 member countries of the European Economic Area.

My product has a "T" mark approval from the Japanese Government, based on JET (Japan Electrical Testing Laboratories) test data. Will UL accept this approval and authorize use of the UL Label? Underwriters Laboratories has a reciprocal agreement with JET to accept each other's test data for many product categories. However, the products will have to be submitted to UL for construction evaluation and UL has the option of conducting some tests for spot checking. Since some UL requirements are different it may be necessary to conduct additional tests that have not been covered by the Japanese requirements.