⚠ A Rejected Certification Doesn't Just Delay Your Launch, It Can Close the Market Entirely
Every destination market operates under its own regulatory framework, and the gap between "we think we're compliant" and "we have the documentation to prove it" is where launches stall. A product held at customs because of missing approvals can cost you your launch window. A test failure caused by using the wrong standard can result in retesting fees, delays, and missed retailer commitments.
In markets such as Japan, India, and Saudi Arabia, local in-country representation and regulatory approvals are often mandatory prerequisites that many product teams do not discover until weeks after their planned go-live date. Managing this process internally also means taking on the burden of tracking regulatory changes across multiple jurisdictions, where requirements can change annually or even during an active certification cycle.
Companies that consistently bring products to new markets on schedule do not navigate these complexities alone. They work with a partner that has already guided organizations through each market's approval process.
Why QIMA for Global Market Access (GMA)?
One contract, every market: A single engagement covers testing, certification, local representation, and regulatory authority liaison. No need to coordinate between a test lab in one country, a certification body in another, and a local representative in a third. You work with one point of contact from project scoping through certificate issuance.
CB Scheme access across 50+ countries: As an accredited IECEE CB Scheme testing laboratory, QIMA can use a single CB test report as the foundation for national certification across participating member countries. This reduces duplicate testing requirements and helps accelerate multi-market launches from a single test cycle.
Direct access to the engineers running your tests: QIMA's test engineers remain accessible throughout the certification process, not just when the final report is delivered. Scope discussions, specification reviews, and pre-test alignment help identify potential issues before testing begins.
Established relationships with key regulatory authorities: With more than 60 laboratories and offices across 100+ countries, QIMA works directly with national certification bodies and regulatory authorities in major destination markets, including BIS (India), SASO (Saudi Arabia), MIC (Japan), and CCC (China).
Built-in regulatory monitoring: Regulatory requirements evolve continuously. QIMA monitors changes across active markets and helps identify updates that could affect ongoing certification projects. If a relevant standard changes during testing, your project team is informed early, reducing the risk of delays and unnecessary retesting.
How Global Market Access Solutions Work
Step 1: Map your markets and compliance requirements
Tell QIMA which markets you plan to enter and provide your product specifications. Our engineers identify the applicable standards, certification requirements, and approval pathways for each destination. This includes determining whether CB Scheme testing can support your target markets or whether country-specific testing and certification are required. Before testing begins, you receive a recommended compliance plan, project scope, and estimated timeline.
Step 2: Test against applicable market standards
Your product is evaluated at QIMA's ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories against the relevant safety, EMC, performance, and regulatory standards required by your target markets. Where the CB Scheme applies, a single testing program can satisfy shared requirements across participating countries, reducing duplicate testing and accelerating market entry. You receive a draft test report for review before final issuance.
Step 3: Manage certification applications and regulatory approvals
Once testing is complete, QIMA submits the required documentation to the relevant certification bodies and regulatory authorities on your behalf. In markets that require local representation, including Japan, India, and Saudi Arabia, QIMA provides the necessary in-country support so you do not need to establish a local legal entity. We coordinate all communication with authorities throughout the approval process.
Step 4: Receive certificates and prepare for market entry
After approvals are granted, you receive nationally recognized certificates for each target market. Your product is ready for importation, distribution, and sale, supported by a complete compliance documentation package for customs clearance, retailer requirements, and regulatory audits.
Step 5: Maintain compliance as requirements evolve
Compliance does not end when a certificate is issued. QIMA monitors regulatory and standards updates across your active markets and alerts you to changes that could affect certified products. Certificate renewals, retesting requirements, and expansion into additional markets can all be managed through your existing QIMA engagement, eliminating the need to restart the certification process from the beginning.
60+ labs. 100+ countries. One point of contact from scoping to certificate.
Share your target markets and product type, we'll map the international product market entry certification path and send a no-obligation quote.
Markets We Cover and the Certifications We Get You
QIMA holds direct relationships with national certification bodies and regulatory authorities across every major destination market. Here's where we operate and what we secure for you.
| Market | Certification / Mark |
|---|---|
| China | CCC (China Compulsory Certification) |
| Japan | PSE mark + VCCI registration |
| Korea | KC mark |
| India | BIS certification |
| Saudi Arabia | SASO certification |
| UAE | ESMA certification |
| Gulf Cooperation Council | GCC mark |
| Israel | SII mark |
| Australia & New Zealand | RCM mark |
| Mexico | NOM certification |
Don't see your destination market? Contact us we cover additional markets beyond those listed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does global market access certification cost?
Costs vary by destination market, product category, and the number of certifications required. QIMA provides a bundled scoping quote covering testing, certification fees, and local representation where required after reviewing your product type and target markets, typically within one business day. No hidden costs are added during the certification process.
2. Can one test campaign cover multiple markets?
Yes. For markets participating in the IECEE CB Scheme, a single QIMA test report can serve as the basis for national certification across all participating countries. This removes the need for duplicate testing in multi-market launches and reduces both cost and time to market, enabling faster global compliance compared to running separate national test programs.
3. What do I need to provide to get started?
Your product specifications or approved sample, your target destination markets, and your planned launch timeline. QIMA's engineers handle the rest, identifying the applicable standards, scoping the test plan, and advising on local representation requirements before any testing begins.
4. What happens if my product fails testing?
You receive a detailed failure report identifying exactly which standard or requirement wasn't met — not just a pass/fail result. QIMA's engineers provide corrective action guidance, and once you've addressed the issue, we re-test under the same engagement. Most failures are resolved without restarting the certification process from the beginning.
5. Do I need a legal entity in markets that require local representation?
You receive a detailed failure report identifying exactly which standard or requirement was not met, not just a pass or fail result. QIMA's engineers provide corrective action guidance, and once you address the issue, the product can be re-tested under the same engagement. Most failures are resolved without restarting the certification process from the beginning.
6. What if my destination market isn't on your country list?
QIMA's Global Market Access solution covers markets beyond the ten listed. If you do not see your destination, contact us with your product type and target country. Our team will confirm availability and the applicable certification pathway, typically within one business day.
7. How do I know if my product requires market access certification?
Most electrical and electronic products require mandatory certification before they can be legally imported and sold in a new market. The specific requirements depend on your product category, destination market, and intended use. If you are unsure, share your product details with QIMA. Our engineers will confirm what is required and whether any exemptions apply.
Need more information?
More Resources
IECEE CB Scheme: Learn how certification under the CB Scheme (IECEE CB Scheme) for a variety of electrical appliances, office equipment, and household goods helps you enter new markets.
Electrical and Electronic Product Testing: Learn how QIMA’s lab testing for electrical and electronic products helps ensure compliance with a variety of standards and international regulations.
