Underwriters Laboratories

Please see the online overview, How to submit your product.

In most cases, UL tries to have its customers work with the testing facility closest to them. However, some products are only tested at specific locations due to engineer and test equipment availability. When you begin the submittal process, you fill out a customer assistance form, and a UL customer service professional will make sure your project is handled at the most appropriate location. To find a UL location near you, check our Locations page.

Yes there are labs in China. Please note that each testing lab has been assessed and is authorized to conduct testing on only specified product categories. For more details, please contact our offices in China.

By combining approvals into a single evaluation, you can reduce the time and cost of the engineering investigation. In addition, if the applicable standard is harmonized between Europe and the United States, there will be a further decrease in the cost and time since only one set of tests is required.

Cost varies depending on the product and complexity of test requirements. Once UL's engineering staff reviews your product information to determine the scope and time involved in the testing process, they will provide you with a cost estimate. UL will work with you in determining the time frame for testing, depending on when you need the project completed.

UL determines the category for a product based on the product's intended use. When more than one Standard applies to a given device, a decision is made as to which Standard is the most appropriate. Comparing the scope of the Standards usually leads to the answer. UL will work with manufacturers to determine what options are available to make an informed decision.

This is a company decision. The manufacturer or an associate company can apply, but we must be notified of the decision. Please check our Terminology section for the definitions and responsibilities of an Applicant, Manufacturer, and Listee.

Although there are many independent consultants who work with our customers for this purpose, they are not always qualified to answer questions or are not up-to-date on our requirements. We encourage new customers to deal directly with their UL engineer or customer service professional.

However, as part of the Data Acceptance Program (DAP), UL will offer Certified Agency status to agents who successfully complete a specifically developed assessment process. These agencies have earned an important credential: "UL Certified Agency status."

UL Hong Kong is an affiliate of UL. UL Hong Kong, as well as UL's other Asian affiliates, can directly handle applications for worldwide certifications through our global network. Check on our Location Page section for more information on our Asian affiliates.

To meet this need, UL offers field evaluations, on-site safety evaluations conducted by experienced UL technical staff members. They include examination and testing of equipment that has already been installed in the field. If the equipment complies with UL's requirements, the Field Evaluated Product Mark is applied. Find out more on our field evaluation services pages.

The more information you provide to the engineering staff describing your product and its intended use, the easier it will be for the responsible engineer to respond to your request. Send as much information describing the product and its intended use the first time. This will keep the responsible engineer from continually having to request additional material in order to determine the cost.

Samples for testing may be required. The number required is determined by the anticipated test program. Samples should not be sent until requested. Destructive tests are usually involved in our thorough test programs so, in many cases, the samples may not be usable as returned. All samples will be returned unless otherwise indicated by the applicant.

The number of samples required varies depending on the type of product. Your project handler will notify you with the number of samples needed.

Yes, if requested, but the manufacturer must provide the proper test equipment. Also, the cost of the engineer's travel and living expenses will be added to the cost of the investigation.

Test equipment referenced in UL standards can be purchased through UL. Find out more information about ordering this equipment by viewing the standards department test equipment Web page.

UL's Multiple Listing Service makes it possible for your company to market your product and enjoy the advantages of UL certification. There is a multiple listing representative in each UL location that can assist you further. Contact the customer service representative closest to you for more information.

UL can help you market your product globally. Our Global Market Access (GMA) team can help you make sure your product meets the proper requirements for the country or countries in which you want to sell your product. Having your product tested to meet the requirements for a Canadian UL Mark or participating in the CE Marking Assistance Program are two options GMA can coordinate for manufacturers. Please contact GMA for more information.

If the product does not meet UL's requirements, we will send you a detailed report describing the test results or construction features that did not comply. If you have any questions about the results of our investigation, our staff will be happy to discuss them with you. You may need to modify the product to bring it into compliance with UL's requirements. When the modifications have been made, you may contact UL to arrange for any re-testing or re-examination that will be needed. You will also need to provide UL with a description of the modifications made to the product along with samples of the modified product. After reviewing the changes that were made, UL can give you an estimate of any additional charges that will be necessary in order to re-test and re-examine the product and complete the investigation of your product.