ETL Listed Mark | Product Certification

Products carrying the ETL Mark from Intertek are equivalent to those with the UL Mark in terms of U.S. safety compliance. Both ETL and UL are OSHA-recognized Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTLs), meaning products tested and certified by either meet the same UL or ANSI safety standards and are accepted by building inspectors and other authorities. While the marks differ in appearance, the safety certification is the same, and either is recognized for regulatory approval, market access, and retailer acceptance. Choosing ETL offers the same assurance of safety and compliance as UL, with testing performed in Intertek’s accredited laboratories.

Products carrying the ETL Mark for Canada are equivalent to those bearing the CSA Mark in terms of Canadian safety compliance. Both Intertek and CSA Group are accredited certification bodies authorized to test and certify products to Canadian safety standards, such as CSA and other nationally adopted standards. Products certified by either organization are accepted by Canadian authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), including electrical inspectors and regulators. While the marks look different, the certification indicates the same level of compliance with applicable Canadian safety requirements and provides manufacturers with recognized market access across Canada.

The ETL Listed Mark can appear on a wide range of products, as long as they are evaluated and meet the applicable safety standards recognized by OSHA or other regulatory bodies. Eligibility includes products in electrical, gas, and mechanical categories. Common examples include:

• Lighting products – indoor and outdoor fixtures, lamps, LED systems
• Appliances – kitchen appliances, heating and cooling units, water heaters
• Electronics – power supplies, computers, audio/video equipment
• Medical devices – patient monitoring equipment, diagnostic devices, laboratory instruments, medical support equipment
• Industrial equipment – machinery, control panels, motors
• Fire and life safety products – smoke detectors, alarms, emergency lighting

Essentially, any product that requires safety certification under UL, ANSI, or other recognized standards can be tested and certified to carry the ETL Listed Mark.

Yes — OSHA accepts the ETL Listed Mark. ETL is issued by Intertek, an OSHA-recognized Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL), which means products bearing the ETL Mark meet the same U.S. safety standards as other NRTL certified products. For manufacturers and employers, this ensures that ETL-marked products are compliant with OSHA requirements for workplace safety. OSHA does not require UL specifically — it only requires certification by a recognized NRTL, and ETL meets that standard.

Yes — the ETL Listed Mark is widely accepted by retailers. Because ETL is issued by Intertek, an OSHA-recognized Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL), it certifies that products meet the same UL or ANSI safety standards required for electrical, gas, and mechanical products.

Retailers, distributors, and e-commerce platforms recognize ETL-marked products as compliant, safe, and market-ready, just like products bearing other NRTL marks. The ETL mark assures buyers that the product has been independently tested and meets nationally recognized safety requirements, helping manufacturers gain faster shelf and online acceptance.

Yes — local inspectors are generally familiar with the ETL Listed Mark. Because ETL is issued by Intertek, an OSHA-recognized NRTL, it certifies products to the same safety standards as UL. Inspectors, building officials, and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) recognize ETL-marked products as compliant and safe for use, so they are accepted during inspections for electrical, lighting, appliances, and other regulated equipment.

Yes — ETL certification is often faster than other NRTL options for many products. Intertek’s testing and certification process is designed for efficiency and speed while maintaining full compliance with UL/ANSI or other recognized standards.

• Factors contributing to faster ETL certification include:
• Multiple global lab locations for quicker sample testing
• Streamlined documentation and submission processes
• Flexible scheduling to reduce lead times

Manufacturers often choose ETL when they want the same recognized safety certification as other NRTLs but with shorter turnaround times, helping products reach the market faster.

The ETL Listed Mark has been around for over 130 years. It traces its roots to Thomas Edison’s Lamp Testing Bureau, founded in 1896 century to ensure the safety and reliability of electric lamps. Today, Intertek continues this legacy, applying the ETL Mark to a wide range of electrical, gas, and mechanical products, signaling compliance with recognized safety standards and providing the same level of assurance as other NRTL marks. When manufacturers apply Intertek’s ETL Listed Mark to their products, the letters “ETL” carry with them a long history of innovation, influence, and independence.

A Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) is an independent organization recognized by OSHA to test and certify products to ensure they meet U.S. safety standards. The NRTL Program is OSHA’s system for evaluating and approving these labs, ensuring they have the technical expertise, facilities, and procedures to reliably test products for electrical, mechanical, and fire safety. Products certified by an NRTL, such as Intertek’s ETL Listed Mark, are accepted by regulators, inspectors, and retailers, demonstrating that they comply with nationally recognized safety requirements.

When a certified product undergoes any significant change, the original ETL (or other NRTL) certification may no longer apply until the change is reviewed. Significant changes include:

• Design modifications – new components, altered circuitry, or structural changes
• Material substitutions – different plastics, metals, or insulation
• Electrical or mechanical changes – voltage, current, or load ratings
• Intended use changes – new applications or environments

What happens next:

• The manufacturer must submit the revised product to the NRTL (e.g., Intertek) for evaluation.
• The lab determines whether the change affects safety compliance.
• If required, the product undergoes additional testing to confirm it still meets applicable standards.
• Once approved, the product can continue to carry the ETL Listed Mark.

This ensures that all certified products remain safe and compliant throughout their lifecycle, even after modifications.