The MET Certification Route
Accessing the United States (US) and Canadian market, quickly and legally, is a key driver for many TRaC Clients. Proving electrical safety will satisfy the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), the main federal agency charged with the enforcement of safety and health legislation in the US, and is an essential and mandatory part of accessing these markets.
Where is the MET mark accepted?
MET was the first Nationally Recognised Test Laboratory (NRTL) and the MET Mark is acceptable under Federal law for products used in workplaces throughout the United States.
In addition, the MET Mark has also been approved by states, cities, counties, and other jurisdictions nationwide that maintain their own standards for product certification.
MET is accredited by the Standards Council of Canada for approval throughout Canada.
Why does TRaC work with MET?
TRaC has been safety testing products for the US and Canadian markets for over twenty years and MET has been certifying, listing, and labelling products for electrical product safety for more than 40 years.
In that time, MET has certified thousands of products for compliance to electrical safety standards. This translates into literally millions of products sold in the U.S. and Canada labelled with the MET Mark.
MET is currently qualified to certify products in over 170 UL Standard categories. This includes consumer products, IT and telecommunications products.
TRaC understands that a professional, expedient and cost effective service is needed for a US safety mark to ensure their clients maximise their potential in the US and Canadian markets.
MET matches the TRaC expectation of delivering this service to its clients.
Factory audits in the UK and Europe
In order to maintain any US safety mark an ongoing programme of factory audits is included in the certification process.
MET adopted the latest OSHA policy change, which allows for some companies to qualify for two factory audits per year, instead of four.
TRaC has trained MET factory auditors on staff in the UK which, combined with this reduced inspection schedule, gives significant cost savings that will help our clients remain competitive in their respective markets.
Does my product need the MET mark?
Yes, if you are selling a product which falls within the US or Canadian electrical safety certification process your product will need a MET or similar safety mark. Without this mark you will not be able to sell your product in the US or Canada.
What does the MET mark do for my products?
The MET Mark for product safety is accepted throughout the United States and Canada.
The MET Mark indicates to consumers, inspectors from OSHA, and purchasing departments that the product complies with the applicable UL or CSA standard.
The MET Mark eliminates any questions about the product's acceptability under safety requirements for the US and Canada.
Technical Note: Electrical safety for North America »
