UL and ICC-ES Dual Evaluation & Certification Program for building products- FAQ

• Who is UL?

  Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is an independent product safety certification organization that has been testing products and writing Standards for Safety for over a century. For more information, please visit About UL.

• Who is ICC-ES?

  A nonprofit, public-benefit corporation, ICC-ES^® is the United States' leader in evaluating innovative building materials, components and systems for code compliance.  ICC-ES^® Evaluation Service Reports^® (ESRs) provide evidence that products and systems meet the requirements of applicable codes and standards. The International Code Council^® (ICC^®), the parent company of ICC-ES, develops the codes and standards used in construction of residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. The International Codes, or I-Codes, published by ICC, provide safeguards for people at home, at school and in the workplace. The I-Codes are a complete set of comprehensive, coordinated building safety and fire prevention codes. The I-Codes benefit public safety and support the industry's need for one set of codes without regional limitations.

  Fifty states and the District of Columbia have adopted the I-Codes at the state or jurisdictional level. Federal agencies including the Architect of the Capitol, the General Services Administration, the National Park Service, the Department of State, the U.S. Forest Service and the Veterans Administration also enforce the I-Codes. The Department of Defense references the International Building Code for constructing military facilities, including those that house U.S. troops, domestically and abroad. Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands also enforce one or more of the I-Codes.

   

• Why are ICC-ES and UL now offering a Dual Evaluation & Certification Program for building products?

  The strategic alliance between ICC-ES and UL combines the strength of two highly respected and internationally recognized organizations to offer the building products industry a streamlined service to demonstrate compliance with codes and standards.

• What are the benefits to manufacturers of building products?

  There are numerous benefits to manufacturers seeking to participate in the dual ICC-ES/UL program. Some of these benefits are:

  • An expedited turn-around time for both the ICC-ES evaluation report and the UL certification, especially when compared to obtaining these individually.
  • Placement in product directories on the websites of both ICC-ES and UL.
  • The new dual program provides manufacturers the ability to show their products are compliant with both codes and applicable standards requirements in one location. 
  • Ready acceptance of products by authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), due to the nearly universal recognition of the ICC-ES and UL marks. 
  • Acceptance of products nationally and internationally, wherever the I-Codes have been adopted and the UL Mark is recognized.
  • Ability to leverage the strength of the ICC-ES and UL brands.
  • An easier way of doing business, through one point of contact for both ICC-ES and UL.
  • UL inspections will meet both ICC-ES and UL requirements, which will save time and money for manufacturers.
  • Both organizations provide extensive training and support for AHJs, and are well respected by local jurisdictions.

• What are the benefits to regulators of building products and systems?

  Code officials will benefit from this new program through:

  • Added assurance that building products and systems meet the rigorous testing requirements of both ICC-ES and UL. ICC-ES, moreover, evaluates the products for code compliance.
  • Simultaneous posting of listed products, for easy access, on the websites of both ICC-ES and UL.
  • Access to UL's code correlation database, the only database of its kind in the industry. This database directly connects the listings with specific code sections, to assist AHJs in their code compliance decisions and acceptance of certified products. Additionally, the database allows designers and installers to easily find code-complying products.
  • Embedded dual listing information in electronic versions of the International Codes.

• What product categories are currently available for the dual program?

  Buildings products in which the manufacturer currently has or desires to have UL certification and an ICC-ES Evaluation Report. Manufacturers must be under UL's regular Follow-up Program and under UL's quality audit program based on ICC-ES requirements.

  Performance testing must be conducted either by UL or by a properly accredited laboratory that has an established relationship with UL.

• How will the dual program work?

  Manufacturers may contact either ICC-ES or UL, using the contact information provided below. The benefit of this partnership is that prior to any testing taking place, ICC-ES and UL together will discuss the project scope and testing requirements with the client.

  UL will serve as primary administrator for the project, including the general service agreement. UL will also be responsible for all testing and inspections required for UL certification. For any additional testing required by ICC-ES, UL will have the option to perform such testing. If UL does not conduct the testing, then testing must be performed by a properly accredited laboratory that has an established relationship with UL. 

  UL will also be responsible for preparing and submitting application packages to ICC-ES, on behalf of the client. Based on the submitted information, ICC-ES will make its decision on whether to issue an evaluation report. UL will conduct all product and quality inspections associated with the program. 

  UL and ICC-ES will each be responsible for issuing their respective certification or evaluation report.

• What are the inspection frequencies?

  The frequency and scope of product inspections will be the same as for a typical UL certification for that product.  Quality audits for ICC-ES may occur biannually or quarterly, depending on the product.  These inspections will benefit the manufacturer by validating that the product and quality control program continue to meet all requirements.   Inspections for both UL and ICC-ES will be done by the same Field Representative, thus minimizing the number and the cost of inspections.

• Which codes will be used to demonstrate compliance for the UL & ICC-ES Dual Evaluation & Certification Program?

  Dual evaluations will reference the family of International Codes.

• Is the UL & ICC-ES Dual Evaluation & Certification Program accepted nationwide? How about elsewhere in the world?

  The I-Codes have been adopted by nearly all U.S. jurisdictions, and by a number of countries in the Middle East and Latin America. The UL Mark is recognized globally and accepted as the compliance mark for several global markets. The dual evaluation program will provide powerful support in gaining product acceptance.

• When will the dual ICC-ES and UL evaluation & certification program be available?

  It's available right now. For application information, contact UL customer service or:

  Bohdan Horeczko
  Director of Professional Services
  ICC-Evaluation Service
  800.423.6587 ext. 3210
  BHoreczko@icc-es.org 

  For general administrative information, contact:

  Juan Zaragoza
  Client Services Manager
  ICC-Evaluation Services
  800.423.6587 ext. 3447
  jzaragoza@icc-es.org

• What if my product is already covered by an ICC-ES Evaluation Report or is UL-certified?

  Products already certified by either organization are potentially eligible for this program. Simply contact your ICC-ES or UL representative for further details.

• What if I only want an ICC-ES evaluation report or a UL Listing?

  Both the ICC-ES Evaluation Report and the UL Listing will continue to be available separately.

• Where can I find listing information on products that have met requirements of ICC-ES and UL?

  UL Listed products can be found in UL's Online Certifications Directory or through UL's Code Correlation Database.

  ICC-ES evaluated products can be found at: http://www.icc-es.org/Evaluation_Reports/index.shtml

  Products that receive both an ICC-ES Evaluation Report and UL certification will have a link between the two organizations' listings.

  Additionally, the dual listings will be embedded in electronic versions of the International Codes.