July 6, 2015
Safety organizations combine strengths to benefit customers
MILAN, June 30, 2015 – UL (Underwriters Laboratories), a global safety science organization, and IMQ, an Italian certification body leader in Europe in conformity assessments, today announced they have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to help manufacturers of gas products and related equipment expanding global access and bring products to market faster, while helping to ensure high-quality services and standards. Under this agreement, each company’s labs and experts will be cross-validating, enabling products assessed by one company to be recognized in accordance to the local reference standards, by the other.
Navigating the regulatory landscape of global markets is a complex and challenging task. UL and IMQ have signed the MoU to help new clients avoiding the long and complicated processes often involved with utilizing external labs. The agreement will increase market reach for European Union and North American manufacturers of gas products and related equipment, such as household, commercial and outdoor gas cooking appliances, such as gas valves, boilers and water heaters.
Testing procedures will help meet the standards of both the EU and North American markets. Products manufactured in the EU can now be tested locally in IMQ labs, increasing the speed of distribution to the North American market. Likewise, customers in North America will benefit from local UL labs. Customers will continue to work with their primary points of contact within either UL or IMQ, and those representatives will liaise with the other party to ensure a coordinated process.
“This agreement with IMQ was initiated with our customer needs in mind,” said Marco Crosignani, European director of Appliances/HVAC and Lighting at UL. “By offering a local service with globalaccess, customers will be better able to improve speed to market, optimize budgets and advance their distribution networks. We’re delighted to work with such a respected safety organization to bring our shared customers enhanced service and value.”
“The MoU signed with UL”, stated Fulvio Giorgi, director of Product Business Unit at IMQ, “is a good answer to the increasingly glocal needs of the market. It is a virtuous collaboration between two bodies which are committed to safety and quality, and it will generate concrete advantages for manufacturers, forcustomers and for the market as well. We look forward to collaborating with UL to improve the reach and safety of gas products and similar equipment worldwide.”
Jeff Smidt, vice president of Appliances/HVAC and Lighting at UL, and Antonella Scaglia, CEO and President of IMQ, confirmed the MoU on June 24 in Milan.
About UL
UL is a premier global independent safety science company that has championed progress for more than 120 years. Its nearly 11,000 professionals are guided by the UL mission to promote safe working and living environments for all people. UL uses research and standards to continually advance and meet ever-evolving safety needs. We partner with businesses, manufacturers, trade associations and international regulatory authorities to bring solutions to a more complex global supply chain. For more information about our certification, testing, inspection, advisory and education services, visit http://www.UL.com
About IMQ
IMQ, IMQ Group’s parent company, is the leading Italian company in conformity assessments. Established in 1951 as an independent, non-profit association, it is now the partner of choice for companies who are committed to safety, quality and sustainability. Located throughout Italy and abroad, IMQ provides to manufacturing industry and services company wide-ranging and specific targeted services including certifications, inspections, compliance with the requirements of safety, quality, sustainability.http://www.imq.it/en/
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