Certification markings: the key to unlocking exports for your company

The last few years have been challenging for business of all shapes and sizes, with disruption and uncertainty caused by Brexit, the pandemic, and the ongoing war in Ukraine. However, there are opportunities out there for organisations looking to expand.

Businesses that export goods have been shown to be 21% more productive and pay higher wages than those that don’t. However, only 10% of UK businesses currently export overseas, lower than the figure in comparable economies such as Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands. However, many companies in the UK have stepped up to the challenges and opportunities, and trade volumes are predicted to grow 6% in 2022.

Even if you start small, exporting can be a crucial part of your organisation’s growth strategy. While there are undoubtedly obstacles to negotiate before your business can reap the rewards, product markings don't need to be an extra hurdle. Demonstrating that a product or service meets legal requirements, product markings inspire trust and confidence, making them an invaluable tool to help your organisation export successfully.

In this article, we explore how SMEs can benefit from exporting, the importance of product markings and how BSI can guide you through the product certification process.

What are the key certification markings for exporters?

It can be daunting to contemplate the rules and regulations that apply in a different market, or for purchasers to assess whether imported goods comply with their own legal obligations. However, certification markings provide a simple means of demonstrating that you comply with the requirements of a particular market. Getting them right is an essential first step in getting on the export ladder.

Different certification markings apply in different markets. Here are some of the markings you need to know before dipping your toe in the export market:

UKCA

The UKCA marking came into force post-Brexit, indicating conformity with the applicable requirements for the market within Great Britain - although within Northern Ireland, the UKNI and CE markings apply. UKCA marking will be mandatory for certain products within Great Britain from 1 January 2023, replacing the EU’s CE marking.

To use the UKCA marking, organizations need to apply to an Approved Body where this is required. BSI is an Approved Body for UKCA marking and can help with conformity assessment procedures in many areas – find out more here.

CE

The CE marking enables access to the EU and European Economic Area (EEA), indicating that a manufacturer meets the requirements of EU Directives or Regulations. It covers access to the 27 EU member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

Use this six-step process when obtaining CE markings:

1. Identify CE marking Regulations or Directives that apply to your product
2. Identify the essential requirements that apply to your product
3. Determine whether you need a Notified Body to affix the CE marking
4. Understand the conformity assessment procedures that apply to your product
5. Collate a technical file that contains information to demonstrate how you conform to the requirements
6. Produce a Declaration of Conformity and affix the CE marking to the product

Find out which products require a marking here.

Other European Markings

Other markings can help with access to the European market:

• Keymark is a voluntary quality mark that applies to certain construction products – find out more here.
• RADMAC is a voluntary Kitemark scheme for radiators and convectors – find out more here.

ESMA Certification

ESMA is the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology, which operates conformity assessment schemes for market access in the United Arab Emirates (UAE): the Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme (ECAS) and Emirates Quality Mark (EQM).

To use the markings, you need to use an ESMA-approved third party. The markings are required for certain categories of product, see here for details.

Gulf Conformity Mark

Also known as the G-Mark, this certification mark is designed to ensure the quality and safety of products placed on the market of member states of the Gulf Co-operation Council, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and Yemen.

For certification, products fall into one of two lists; one list requires a quality management system such as ISO 9001 in place and a written Declaration of Conformity - a self-declaration process.

The other list requires an organization to use a Notified Body appointed by the Gulf Standardization Organization, which carries out a technical review to verify that the product meets the relevant requirements. See more information here.

SASO

SASO is the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization. It helps to ensure that products exported to Saudi Arabia comply with applicable Saudi Technical Regulations and Standards.

Regulated products follow a two-stage process comprising a Product Certificate of Conformity (PCOC) and then a Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCOC). A PCOC is issues in the country of origin by a SASO-approved certification body, and must be attached to documentation for customs clearance to be achieved. There is also an online certification platform, known as SABER.

BSI Benchmark

The Benchmark Mark is a BSI scheme which is accredited by the Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand. It enables exporters to access these markets.

To use the marking, exporters need to:
Identify the standards that apply to their products

1. Test the product to demonstrate it meets the requirements
2. Carry out a site assessment to assess the quality management system in use
3. Where a product is found to meet the required standards, a BSI Benchmark certificate is issued enabling the product to display the marking
4. Annual surveillance audits allow continued use of the marking

Find out more about BSI Benchmark here.

Australian/New Zealand Gas Safety Certification (AGS)

This conformity assessment scheme certifies gas components and appliances against Australian and New Zealand standards to ensure they comply with local legislation and requirements.

To use the marking, exporters must understand the standards that are relevant to their products, test the products in an accredited laboratory, have the final product design inspected by a conformity assessment body. Then, if the required standards are met, a certification certificate will enable the exporter to use the Gas Compliance Mark and AGS logo. Find out more here.

IECEE CB Certification scheme

The IECEE certification is a scheme operated by the International Electrotechnical Commission. It is based on mutual recognition of Certification Body Test Certificates, helping to simplify the compliance process. Over 50 countries including the US, Australia, Germany, China, South Africa, India, Japan and the UK participate.

Find out more about the IECEE scheme here.

Kitemark Certification

This marking was created by BSI more than 100 years ago and is recognized by many governments around the world. Find out more here.

Getting help with certification markings
You don’t have to go it alone. BSI can guide you through certification processes and help your business take the next step in international expansion.

Find out more in the Little Book of Market Access or contact BSI on +44 345 0765 606, or email product.certification@bsigroup.com.