UL Is Latest to Launch New Certification Program for Fast-Growing Wearables Category
Certification services for the burgeoning wearables category appear to be springing up nearly as frequently as new smart watch introductions. Months after services like Intertek and TUV Rheinland introduced new certification services for smart watches and other types of wearables…
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(see 1407080027">1407080027), UL Consumer Technology announced the launch of a “comprehensive service” for wearables that it said will include “customized product validation, advisory, testing, risk mitigation, interoperability and global market access services.” UL’s program “will help to assist manufacturers in supplying consumers with safer and more reliable wearable products while reducing the time to market,” the company said in a statement Wednesday. With global sales of wearables projected to reach $100 billion by 2018, it’s “critical for manufacturers to understand the mandatory evaluation and testing considerations applicable to the components and materials used in wearable technology products,” UL said. “In addition to regulatory compliance issues, meeting product performance and reliability expectations are essential for widespread acceptance in the marketplace. User safety is paramount for wearable technology products as they are used for a prolonged period in direct contact with the human skin and rely on wireless technologies to transmit and receive personal information.” Lacking the “appropriate testing,” many brands could fall victim to recalls, returns and damaged reputations, it said.