New Market Opportunity: Navigate HazLoc Certification Strategies

Are you ready to tap into a worldwide market for your Hazardous Location (HazLoc) products?

Thanks to today’s borderless digital landscape, buyers can focus on what truly matters—safety, quality, fast delivery, standout features, and cost—no longer bound by geographic limitations. This surge in global demand creates a prime opportunity for manufacturers to expand beyond domestic boundaries. Better yet, if you already hold HazLoc certifications or approvals for one region, the door to new markets can swing open more easily, giving you a clear advantage in reaching customers hungry for high-quality, compliant solutions.

Finding the right market for your HazLoc products

Expanding globally allows manufacturers to rely less on domestic markets and focus on differentiating their products, whether through rugged designs or specialized features.

Here are some key questions to consider when marketing your HazLoc products globally:

• Who is your target customer base?
• Where is demand for your HazLoc product growing, and what factors are driving this increase?
• What emerging markets present new opportunities?
• Which economies are best positioned to embrace your products?
• Is establishing a physical presence necessary in the markets you're entering?

When entering global markets, understanding which regions accept international certification schemes and which require local compliance is essential. Let’s take a closer look at some key markets and how Nemko’s certifications facilitate entry.

Major global markets and their HazLoc certification schemes

• European Union (EU): The CE marking is required for products sold in the European Economic Area (EEA), covering health, safety, and environmental standards. Nemko is a recognized Notified Body under EU directives and can offer CE marking certification for a wide range of products. The CE marking allows products to circulate freely within the EEA without needing additional national approvals.
• North America (U.S. and Canada): In the U.S., the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires products like electronics and telecommunications equipment to meet specific safety and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards. Nemko can provide FCC certifications, ensuring these products meet the required regulations for U.S. market access.
  In Canada, the situation is similar. Nemko offers certifications that comply with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) for electrical safety, ensuring products can enter the Canadian market with ease.
• Asia-Pacific (APAC): Many countries in this region accept international standards, though some have their own specific local requirements. For example, Japan accepts products that comply with the Japan Electrical Safety & Environment Technology Laboratories (JET) standards. Nemko can provide testing and certification for these standards, helping businesses enter the Japanese market seamlessly.
  Other countries in the APAC region, such as Australia and New Zealand, largely accept international certifications like the IEC standards, but products may still require local certification bodies to authorize market entry.
• Middle East and Africa: Countries like Saudi Arabia have their own certification requirements. For instance, the Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization (SASO) regulates products entering Saudi Arabia. Nemko’s expertise in these local standards allows businesses to obtain the necessary certifications for compliance in the region. Similarly, in Africa, many nations accept international standards but still require testing through local bodies or an authorized entity like Nemko.

Local HazLoc regulations vs. global schemes

While many countries accept global schemes like the CE marking or IEC standards, others have their own local regulations.

In regions such as Latin America (e.g., Brazil and Mexico) and parts of Asia (e.g., China and India), products must adhere to local standards and certification requirements.

China has the China Compulsory Certification (CCC), a strict system with its own regulations that applies to many products. Similarly, India’s Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mandates certain certifications.

With China and India accounting for over one-third of the global population, securing region-specific HazLoc certifications for these markets is a valuable opportunity for manufacturers to expand their reach.

Nemko’s HazLoc testing and certification for global market access

The demand for HazLoc products is growing globally. Manufacturers who navigate the certification process efficiently can capitalize on this expanding market. By ensuring compliance, you can bring your products to market faster and get them into the hands of customers worldwide.

Our team of highly skilled professionals possesses extensive knowledge and experience in Hazloc testing and certification. We stay up-to-date with the latest industry requirements, ensuring that your products are compliant with current regulatory standards.

Nemko’s global network ensures offers testing and certification services that align with both international and local regulations. To learn more about Nemko’s HazLoc certification process and how we can help you gain access to the global marketplace, contact us today.