Industry Requirements

Understanding Other Industry Requirements - ‘A global perspective’

As an exporter, understanding key industry requirements in the global marketplace is a critical success factor. It becomes that much more important in the ever evolving Electrical and Electronics industry, where ‘change’ is the only constant.

In addition to specific buyer-requirements for the product or service the buyers want to source, it is only if the exporter could meet most, if not all the industry requirements, that he will succeed in gaining market share in export markets. Most such requirements can be broadly classified either as Legal requirements or Market-driven requirements.

Legal requirements

Amongst many others the most important requirement is the ‘CE marking’ undertaking given by the manufacturer. With the ‘CE marking’ a manufacturer declares that a product meets all the legal requirements and the product has been assessed to meet high safety, health and environmental protection requirements, and it is not a certification issued by an independent authority. It is strictly a declaration by the manufacturer that the product complies with the applicable EU legislation.

Detailed information on implementing EU product requirements, conformity assessments and procedures is set out at https://ec.europa.eu/growth/single-market/ce-marking/

• An important tip
  Carry out the product testing as set out in the appropriate CE directives. This demonstrates to your buyer that your product meets the requirements. Although the CE marking is not a legal requirement for components, it is a declaration that your buyer will require to give on his end product. Thus, the buyer would want the exporters to indicate that even such components meet the CE directives. This becomes critical when the product you export becomes a ‘critical component’ of your buyer’s final product.

Market-driven requirements

Requirements that are not mandatory, but by fulfilling, create a distinct difference and a competitive edge for your product, are impactful determinants in securing export business. Most of them fall within the domains of voluntary certifications on quality, social accountability and environmental issues. You are not required to meet them all, the more you possess, export credentials of your organizations and the products enhance. However, in most instances the buyers will require you to comply with the management system ISO 9001 and any other such certifications, if required the buyer will pre-notify.

• An important tip
  Compiling a list of market-driven requirements relevant to your product and the potential markets is an important first step. Ticking as many of such boxes as possible without will undoubtedly attract buyers’ attention and interest. As an exporter your knowledge and awareness of these market-driven requirements will hold in good stead for you to build buyer confidence at any potential export business discussion with a buyer.

Obtain ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 AND ISO/TS 16949 certifications

ISO certification is essential for exporters. Obtaining both ISO 9001:2015 and ISO/TS 16949 certification or any other ISO certificate combination will add a lot of value to your export business.