Certification procedures are quite different in different regions, but often share common main features.
Depending on the type of product, its characteristics, tariff classification, number of models, product range, user specifics, area of application, budget and deadlines, there may be many aspects of the certification process that should be considered, adjusted and optimized.
Testing for a family of products
Testing of one model may allow to generalize and have multiple models of the file. In other cases it maybe required to test each variation of the product to obtain multiple test reports, or separate approvals if consolidation is not permitted.
Use of existing proof
Sometimes you can use existing approvals or test reports to obtain the necessary certification in certain markets, without additional local testing. There may be regulations in place that impose conditions to adapt pre-existing proof.
Test locations and sampling
The testing can be performed in a government accredited testing lab, or — for larger products or singular units — at the installation site, or at the factory of the manufacturer, if a specialized testing equipment is not available elsewhere.
Sometimes it’s possible to pick the samples from the market, but it may be necessary to import the new batch, specifically dedicated for certification testing, and pass the necessary customs clearance procedures.
Factory audit
Besides the testing, a factory inspection may be required at the initial stage to obtain a long-termapproval. In case the product is manufactured at multiple sites which share a common quality control system or not, several factories may need to be inspected depending on the production volume. Some of these inspections may be postponed to the following years, and substitute annual inspections needed to keep the approval valid.
In addition to the direct price of obtaining the certificate, there are auxiliary expenses that may apply, such as travel expenses of the experts visiting the factory, or transporting the samples to the testing site.
Knowing, predicting and navigating these options takes expertise and attention. We’re here to help.
