United States of America

Regulatory agency

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Regulations

• Safety standards require testing and certification of products through an OSHA recognised Nationally Recognized Test Laboratory (NRTL).
• Factory inspections are required, where applicable.
• Compliance with CSA, UL and/or IEC standards.

Guidelines

• Although certification is not mandatory for most products, it is highly recommended for marketing purposes and offers state-level authorities a sound basis for product evaluation.
• Certified products has the NRTL mark and are listed in a “Listing Book” published by the NRTL.

Applicable product categories

A full list of product categories may be found here.

To determine if a particular product is subject to the above regulations, please contact us.

Regulatory agency

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

Regulations

• Manufacturers’ declaration is required for certain products stated in Title 47 of the CFR, Part 15 and Part 18.
• Household appliances are exempted.

Guidelines

DoC procedure:

• Test the product for compliance at an accredited test laboratory.
• Prepare a technical file.
• Mark the product and place the required FCC notices in the user manual.
•  Prepare and sign a DoC

Certification procedure:

• Get the product tested at a Telecoms CB.
• Submit the test report, together with other essential documents and a proposed FCC ID Number to the FCC.
• Mark the product with the FCC ID and compliance statement, and place the required FCC notices in the user manual.

Applicable product categories

Common unintentional radiators include personal computers, peripherals, receivers, radios, TV sets, and cable TV home terminals.

Intentional radiators include cable-locating equipment, cordless telephones, remote control and alarm transmitters, field-disturbance sensors for opening doors, and spread-spectrum systems for wideband data transmission.

To determine if a particular product is subject to the above regulations, please contact us.

Regulatory agency

Administrative Council for Terminal Attachments (ACTA)

Regulations

• CFR Part 68 requires compliance. 
• Declaration of Compliance (DoC) is required.  

Guidelines

DoC procedure:

• Test the product for compliance at an accredited test laboratory.
• Prepare a technical file.
• Mark the product and place the requirement FCC notices in the user manual.
• Prepare and sign a DoC.

Certification procedure:

• Get the product tested at a telecom CB.

• Submit the test report, together with other essential documents and a proposed FCC ID Number to the FCC.
• Mark the product with the FCC ID and compliance statement, and place the required FCC notices in the user manual.

Regulatory agency

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

Regulations

• CFR Part 15 requires compliance. Testing by an accredited test laboratory is required.
• DoC or Certification from a telecoms CB is required.
• As a general guide:
  • DoC or Certification is required for unintentional radiators.
  • Certification is required for intentional radiators.

Guidelines

DoC procedure:

• Test the product for compliance at an accredited test laboratory.
• Prepare a technical file.
• Mark the product and place the requirement FCC notices in the user manual.
• Prepare and sign a DoC.

Certification procedure:

• Get the product tested at a telecom CB.
• Submit the test report, together with other essential documents and a proposed FCC ID Number to the FCC.
• Mark the product with the FCC ID and compliance statement, and place the required FCC notices in the user manual.

Regulatory agency

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

Regulations

Energy efficiency: 

• Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) are required for many products.
• Mandatory Energy Guide labelling is required for certain products.

RoHS:

• Californian RoHS under the Electronic Waste Recycling Act 2003 applies.

Guidelines 

• Manufacturers must submit energy use data to the DOE and FTC stating that it complies with the regulations. They must also report to DOE and FTC when a new model is introduced or an existing one is discontinued.
• Information on EnergyGuide labels must be based on Department of Energy (DOE) test procedures.

Applicable product categories

Product categories that require mandatory labelling include:

• Ballasts
• Boilers
• Central air conditioners   
• Clothes washers
• Dishwashers
• Fluorescent lamps
• Freezers 
• Furnaces
• Heat pumps
• Heaters
• Refrigerators   
• Room air conditioners 
• Water heaters

A full list of product categories may be found here. To determine if a particular product is subject to the above regulations, please contact us.