Optimize your certification process for new markets

Expanding into a new market is a critical point for any business. Especially for manufacturers of industrial applications such as pumps, compressors, hydraulic power units (HPUs), and HVAC systems, where product certification is often a major roadblock for successful product launches.

Navigating the complexities of directives, standards and legislation can be challenging. In addition to each region having their own requirements for product safety, energy efficiency, and environmental impact, there are also product-specific considerations and different documentation requirements. Mistakes or oversights at any points in the process from product design to delivery can result in delays, legal penalties or a need for last-minute redesigns or retesting.

– At Hoyer, we’ve seen firsthand how missteps in certification, testing and documentation can lead to costly delays, non-compliance risks, and, in some cases, lost market opportunities. This is why we make great efforts to help our customers avoid these pitfalls by taking a structured, proactive approach to certification, says Kamilla Klavsen, Global Certification Manager at Hoyer.

A step-by-step approach to certification

1. Define the certification requirements
Each product will have different requirements based on geographical location, where the application will be used (safe zone vs hazardous area) and any industry-specific approvals. It is important to note that some certifications are mandatory while others are voluntary. For example, CE certification is required for most industrial equipment marketed in Europe while motors and electrical equipment sold in South Korea must have KC (Korea Certification) marking.

2. Verify component compliance with suppliers
Once all certification requirements are clear, it is important to align closely with the suppliers of each electrical component. Many certification delays happen because manufacturers assume their suppliers already meet the necessary standards only to find out too late that the relevant approval or proof of certification is not available.

Ensure product design compliance
It is not enough to verify certification compliance on the component level. Even if individual components are certified, the final assembled product must meet all requirements. For industrial applications, the key areas to check are energy efficiency, material safety and environmental standards. For example, ensuring products sold in the EU have motors that meet IE3/IE4 requirements and comply with REACH and RoHS.

3. Align documentation and testing schedules
Throughout the product design and delivery process, multiple types of documentation are required at different times. This includes type test reports (efficiency, safety, EMC compliance), material certificates (e.g. 3.1 or 3.2 certificates), product certifications (e.g. CE, UL or ATEX) and Declarations of Conformity. Some of this documentation, such as final material and test reports or compliance statements, will first be available after the product is delivered and can be dependent on testing labs that may be fully booked for months in advance. This is why it is recommended to plan a detailed timeline at the beginning of the project stating when each documentation must be available.

Close dialogue provides the best result

Following the structured approach makes it easier to maintain an effective dialogue with your motor supplier throughout the entire process. This, in turn, will help you ensure a smooth path to your new market and reduce the risk of delays and last-minute surprises.

– While some projects may seem complex, an experienced motor supplier like Hoyer can usually help you navigate those complexities without too much difficulty – provided we have all the relevant information. And because we have our own in-house testing center and a close relationship with the major third-party certification organizations, we can often accommodate even very short deadlines, says Kamilla Klavsen.