"We are optimistic in our outlook of Latin America," said David Haataja, director of Latin American Operations for Underwriters Laboratories Inc. "We are seeing positive indicators across the region of stabilizing economies and emerging growth. We are seeing a return of demand for those goods, which are typically imported, such as home computers, telecommunications equipment and other high-tech products. Markets for these products in Latin America are far from saturated."

UL recently compiled a list of customers' most frequently asked questions about gaining market access to Latin America - specifically Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Mexico - to help you get started in obtaining your Latin American product certifications.
 

 
What is the Mexican NOM Mark?
Mandatory for many products, the NOM (Norma Oficial Mexicana) Mark signifies a finished end product's compliance with applicable NOM Standards. Products carrying the NOM Mark include telecommunications and information technology equipment, household electrical and gas appliances, lighting equipment and other products that may pose a potential health or safety hazard. Products produced in Mexico, as well as imported goods, must comply with the applicable NOM standards and product labeling.

What is the difference between NOM and NMX standards?
NMX standards or Normas Mexicanas are voluntary standards. Typically, NMX standards apply to components such as conductors, fuses, circuit breakers, lamp holders and ballasts. NMX standards are intended for use as references. Once NMX requirements are referenced in NOM standards, they become mandatory.

What is the Argentinean S Mark?
The 'S' Mark is the national safety certification mark required to appear on products by the Secretary of Industry, Commerce and Mining. Resolution 92/98 establishes mandatory safety requirements for electrical and electronic products, as well as third-party testing and certification. The scope of Resolution 92/98 covers most electrical and electronic equipment that fall within the range of 50-1,000 volts AC, or 50-1,500 volts DC, such as information technology equipment (e.g., printers, scanners, monitors, etc.), household appliances, luminaires (i.e., lighting fixtures) and audio/video equipment. These products must bear the S Mark, as well as the mark of the certification organization that are accredited by the Argentine Accreditation Organization.

What is the Brazilian INMETRO?
The National Institute of Metrology, Standardization and Industrial Quality (INMETRO) is the national accreditation body and standards development organization for Brazil. The product certification system in Brazil is largely voluntary, although the number of product types that require third-party certification by a government-accredited certifier is increasing. These include electro-medical equipment, electrical wiring devices, wire and cable, cords and plugs, hazardous locations equipment, fire extinguishers, propane tanks, hoses and regulators for home use, and helmets and toys.

Brazilian product standards are modeled mostly after IEC and ISO standards. Use of these standards is recommended when developing and importing products for the Brazilian market. Products meeting Brazilian standards and other technical requirements must carry the mandatory INMETRO Mark, as well as the mark of an accredited certification organization.

What are the product certification requirements for Chile?
Safety requirements for electrical products published as Chilean NCh standards are based largely on IEC standards. Chile's conformity assessment system is still evolving for electronic products, such as consumer electronics, telecommunications equipment and information technology equipment.

Presently, mandatory compliance requirements for electrical products specify that manufacturers submit product samples for "batch testing" - a system under which a product batch is sample tested. A decision is made on the product's conformity with appropriate technical specifications, usually by an approved testing laboratory in Chile. Importers must also develop a product declaration. Such product declarations must be initiated and coordinated by a local representative in Chile.
 

 
Is the UL Mark recognized in Latin America?
The UL Mark is known and respected when used as an identifier with Argentina and Brazil's in-country product certification programs. In some Latin American countries, products are required to comply with UL Standards for Safety if there is no national or international standard available. However, manufacturers still need to acquire the regional certification marks.

Can I test a prototype product for Latin American markets?
Yes, you may test prototype products, but finished or end products still require certification. End products will need some evaluation, which may or may not involve additional testing.
 

 
My product has been certified for compliance with UL/IEC harmonized requirements. Can I apply for regional marks without retesting?
If your product complies with a harmonized UL/IEC Standard, it will certainly help reduce the need for re-testing, or the number of tests required for Latin American certification. In most cases, however, testing to the respective Latin American country's national differences is still required.

Annual retesting and product inspections are required in Mexico. If using harmonized UL/IEC Standards, re-testing to Mexico's NOM standards is decided on a case-by-case basis, since most NOM standards are based on IEC standards.

Is legal representation required to import products to Latin American countries?
Both Brazil and Mexico require that an in-country legal representative, such as a retailer, distributor, attorney or affiliate company, obtain each country's respective certification marks for imported products. Legal representatives are responsible for a product if a problem occurs, such as a potential safety or health hazard.

Applicant companies seeking Mexico's NOM mark that are located in countries that have a Free Trade Agreement with Mexico are permitted to work with legal representatives located in the companies' countries of origin. Otherwise, a Mexico-based legal representative is required.

Legal representation in Argentina and Chile is not required.

What are the language requirements for Latin American product certifications?
Test reports, operation manuals, product labeling and other product documentation must be in the language of the destination country, in this case, Spanish for most of Latin America, and Portuguese for Brazil.