When you're taking your product global, one of the most critical steps is ensuring it meets the standards of every target market.
Obtaining a product certification is more than a regulatory checkbox; it's a sign to customers that your product is trustworthy and of high quality. It is a complex procedure, but with the right preparation, the process can be streamlined.
Here are the 5 steps to prepare for certification in the new markets.
1. Describe the product
Begin by clarifying the basics about your product. What does it do? Name the primary functions and features, key aspects of its design.
Who are its intended users? Whether it's industry professionals, everyday consumers, or specialized groups?
Evaluate any potential risks associated with the product’s assembly, usage, and maintenance.
Determine if the product contains hazardous materials, if it's meant for specific environments, or if it targets specialized user groups, like children.
Document any distinct details or markings to ensure all aspects are covered.
2. Identify target markets
Each market will have distinct certification requirements. Understand and list the regions or countries where you plan to sell. Each has its unique standards, and some might overlap. If you’re considering multiple markets, it's a smart move to strategize your certification process.
You might obtain certification in one primary market first, which can aid in achieving certifications in subsequent ones. By prioritizing, you might make subsequent certifications more efficient.
3. Choose the requested validity
Do you have a single shipment to make? Is it beneficial to obtain a long-term approval?
This choice will determine the significant details of the following procedure, such as the need to perform a factory inspection, have a local representative, and running periodical audits to confirm the stability of the manufacturing process when it comes to serial production.
A single shipment certification is usually simpler, but a long lasting serial approval may be cheaper and allow more flexibility in the long run.
4. Prepare the documentation
Gather the core documents and information related to the product:
The first set of documents typically includes the user manual, installation manual, drawings and pictures of the product, it’s labels and markings.
Documents may also include proof of compliance demonstrating that the company is in compliance with the certification standards, such as audit reports or certificates of compliance and calibration. Many times, existing test reports and certificates can simplify or support the process of obtaining the approvals in the new markets.
In certain situations, a BOM (Bill of Materials) listing the product's components might be necessary to verify its adherence to safety and quality norms.
5. Consult with a certification agency
Have an experienced professional by your side early in the process. The agency should be able to answer your questions, evaluate the available options and make a comprehensive approval plan.
A professional partner will help to estimate and optimize the necessary actions — whether or not the documentation needs to be translated into the language of the target market, where sample testing in a local testing lab will be necessary, how to prepare the markings and labels of the products, and if factory inspection, additional technical documentation, local representative or other approvals will be required.
In conclusion:
Treading the path to global product certification can seem daunting, but a well-structured approach makes all the difference. With thorough planning, clear market identification, comprehensive documentation, and a trusted certification agency, you're setting your product up for global success.
