Simplifying Multi-Market Entry for Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers

Consumer CompactElectrical and ElectronicsOct 09, 2025

The regulatory landscape for electrical and electronic (E&E) equipment is continuously evolving, making compliance a constant concern for manufacturers. Companies operating in multiple markets face greater complexity in determining which regulations apply across different regions. Effectively navigating these requirements is essential to minimizing compliance risks and maintaining seamless market access.

Market drivers

E&E devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Consider the phone in your pocket: it is what we use to shop on global marketplaces, play games, stream movies, pay bills and stay connected with family and friends. However, this reliance has intensified concerns over security, privacy, safety and sustainability, prompting regulators to introduce stricter requirements for market access.

Cybersecurity has become one of the most critical areas of regulatory focus, directly shaping purchasing decisions and compliance strategies. In the EU, effective August 1, 2025, delegated Regulation 2022/30/EU enforces cybersecurity compliance requirements under the Radio Equipment Directive (RED), Articles 3.3(d), (e) and (f).¹ India has rolled out new rules for digital CCTV cameras, mandating, among other things, encryption and penetration testing, while Vietnam has introduced technical regulations requiring that all IP surveillance cameras comply with specific cybersecurity standards.²

Regulators are also actively updating technical standards to keep pace with emerging technologies such as Wi-Fi 6E and 5G communications. In early 2025, for example, Ofcom in the UK launched a consultation on expanding commercial and Wi-Fi access to the 6 GHz spectrum.^3,4

Sustainability is now a major driver in all consumer product markets, with energy efficiency emerging as a central theme of regulation. Worldwide, energy efficiency standards and labeling programs are being introduced to drive innovation and help consumers make informed choices. These include mandatory comparative labels such as the EU’s Energy Label, the China Energy Label (CEL), Canada’s EnerGuide and India’s BEE Star Label, mandatory for many products and voluntary for others.

The push for energy efficiency is extending even to smaller markets such as Panama and Costa Rica. As members of the Central American Integration System (SICA), they are subject to Central American Technical Regulations (RTCA), including RTCA 23.01.78:20 and RTCA 23.01.80:21. These rules are gradually being enforced to establish energy efficiency labeling and performance standards for split-type air conditioners. In turn, this has encouraged the development of certification schemes that demonstrate a commitment to energy conservation, emission reduction and environmental responsibility.

Challenges for operating in multiple markets

Manufacturers face the ongoing challenge of adapting to evolving regulations that vary widely between regions, covering areas such as safety, security, chemical compliance and environmental standards. Additionally, differing national requirements for labeling, user manuals and conformity marks mean that a product approved in one market may require significant modifications before it can be sold elsewhere, leading to potential delays or denied entry.

Energy efficiency standards are not only becoming stricter but are also updated on different timelines across markets, forcing manufacturers to make frequent technological upgrades and manage multiple certification cycles. Certain countries also require in-country testing to verify compliance, which can substantially increase costs, logistical complexity and time-to-market.

The absence of global harmonization in documentation, testing protocols and conformity marks often results in duplicated work, with the same product undergoing multiple rounds of testing and certification across jurisdictions. This fragmented regulatory environment creates inefficiencies, increases production costs and slows market entry. A streamlined, multi-market compliance strategy is therefore essential for manufacturers seeking global expansion.

Global market access (GMA)

GMA offers a streamlined, one-stop approach to overcoming the complexity of operating across multiple regulatory environments. Instead of navigating separate testing, documentation and certification processes for each market, GMA integrates these steps into a single, coordinated framework. The program covers all key compliance areas – including electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), safety, wireless, specific absorption rate (SAR), cybersecurity and energy efficiency – ensuring products meet diverse national standards while avoiding redundant effort. Proactive preparation of labeling, user manual and packaging requirements for each target market further supports smoother product entry.

By providing early intelligence into upcoming regulatory changes, GMA enables manufacturers to adapt designs, update documentation and adjust production plans before new rules take effect. In a fragmented, high-risk compliance landscape, GMA delivers an integrated, efficient pathway for global expansion.

Key benefits:

Reduced compliance costs
Compliance with the latest technical documentation and labeling requirements
Faster adaptation to regulatory changes
Enhanced market competitiveness

SGS GMA solution

We offer GMA services for a wide range of E&E products and components, including:

Information Technology Equipment (ITE) and mobile products
Household appliances
Luminaires
Audio/video
Medical devices
Photovoltaics
Power supply
Batteries
Power tools
Machinery
Automotive

With a global network and deep local expertise, we support manufacturers in meeting diverse national standards, certification schemes and marking requirements. By integrating technical testing, regulatory interpretation and market access support, we help clients improve efficiency, reduce risk and seize new opportunities. In the end, it’s trusted because it’s tested.

Learn more about our GMA services.