The United States has no single “national mark”. Depending on what you make, you may need FCC authorization for electronics and radios, a UL / ETL (NRTL) safety listing that US buyers, retailers and inspectors expect, and FDA registration for food, medical devices, drugs and cosmetics. Global Approbation maps the exact requirements for your product and runs the whole process from India, so your first shipment clears customs and your buyer signs off.
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- 🇮🇳 Built for Indian manufacturers & exporters
- 🧪 Testing via FCC-recognised labs & NRTLs
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Three Approvals Most Indian Exporters Meet in the US
FCC: Electronics & Radio Equipment
Anything that runs on a clock signal or emits radio waves (chargers, LED drivers, IoT devices, Bluetooth/Wi-Fi products, telecom gear) needs FCC equipment authorization before it can be marketed in the US.
Read about FCC certification →UL / ETL: Electrical Safety (NRTL)
Safety certification by an OSHA-recognised lab (UL, Intertek ETL, CSA, TÜV and others). Often demanded by retailers, Amazon, insurers and electrical inspectors even where no federal law makes it compulsory.
Read about UL / ETL certification →FDA: Food, Medical, Drugs & Cosmetics
Foreign facilities must register with the US FDA and name a US Agent. Medical devices may also need 510(k) clearance; cosmetics need MoCRA registration and listing.
Read about FDA registration →Which US Approval Applies to Your Product?
| Product type | Typical US requirements |
|---|---|
| Wireless & IoT (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LoRa, GSM modules) | FCC Certification (FCC ID) · UL/ETL safety if mains-powered |
| Adapters, chargers, LED drivers, IT equipment | FCC Part 15 (SDoC or Certification) · UL/ETL listing (e.g. UL 62368-1) · DOE efficiency for external power supplies |
| Household & kitchen appliances | UL/ETL listing (UL 60335 series / product-specific UL standards) · FCC if electronic controls |
| Lighting & luminaires | UL/ETL (e.g. UL 1598, UL 8750) · FCC Part 15 · DOE / Energy Star where applicable |
| Food, spices, packaged foods | FDA Food Facility Registration · US Agent · Prior Notice for each shipment |
| Medical devices & diagnostics | FDA Establishment Registration & Device Listing · 510(k)/De Novo where required |
| Cosmetics & personal care | FDA MoCRA facility registration & product listing · labelling review |
Why Indian Exporters Use Global Approbation for the US
- One team for FCC, UL/ETL and FDA, so you are not juggling three consultants
- We reuse your existing BIS, CB, IEC and test reports wherever US rules allow, cutting cost and time
- Coordination with FCC-recognised labs, TCBs and NRTLs, including witness-testing options in India where available
- US Agent and US responsible-party arrangements explained up front, with no surprises at customs
- Label, manual and marketplace (Amazon US) compliance-document review before you ship
From Enquiry to US Approval
- Applicability check. You share product details; we list every US requirement (FCC, NRTL, DOE, FDA, state rules such as California Prop 65). Planning Europe too? See our EU certification page.
- Gap analysis. We compare your current reports and design against the US standards and flag changes early.
- Testing & documentation. Samples go to the right lab; we prepare the technical file, labels and user-manual statements.
- Authorization. FCC grant or SDoC, NRTL listing and factory inspection, or FDA registration, as applicable.
- Post-approval support. Renewals, changes, follow-up inspections and marketplace document requests.
USA: Frequently Asked Questions
Is there one certificate that covers all products for the USA?
No. The US regulates by product and agency. Electronics fall under the FCC, electrical safety is handled through OSHA-recognised NRTLs such as UL or Intertek, energy efficiency under the DOE, and food, medical, drug and cosmetic products under the FDA. We identify every requirement that applies to your specific product.
Can my BIS or CB report be used for US certification?
Often partly. A CB report to IEC 62368-1 or IEC 60335 is a strong starting point for UL/ETL, but US national differences, US-rated components and a factory inspection are still needed. BIS certificates are not accepted in the US, but the test data behind them can reduce retesting.
Do I need a US company to export?
For FCC Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity the responsible party must be located in the US, and FCC grantees must designate a US agent for service of process. FDA-registered foreign facilities must name a US Agent. We explain the options, including using your importer or a US agent service.
How long does US certification take?
Typical ranges: FCC 2–6 weeks, UL/ETL 6–16 weeks depending on product and inspection, FDA facility registration a few days once documents are ready. 510(k) clearance for medical devices takes considerably longer.
Regulations, standards and deadlines change. Scope, testing route and timelines are confirmed product by product after our applicability review. Global Approbation is a consultancy and does not itself issue certificates; approvals are granted by the relevant authority, accredited laboratory, certification body or notified body.