International certification for export to foreign markets

When exporting, it is good to know what certification is needed to sell a product in a foreign market. Companies in Europe have many new regulations that they need to follow and may need to obtain several different types of certificates. Some of these are:

• RoHS - The RoHS Directive stands for "the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment", effective in the European Union.
• CE mark - a stylized "CE" (for Conformité Européenne) placed on products to signify conformance with European Union regulations.
• CITES - Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
  

Other quality control standards that are applied at the factory level may include:

• Quality (ISO 9001, Quality Warranty)
• Environmental (ISO 14001, Eco Warranty)
• Health & Safety (OHSAS 18001, AS/NZS 4801, Work Safe Warranty, ACC Discount Scheme audits)
• Healthcare (H&DSS), and Food Safety (ISO 22000, BRC, HACCP Warranty, Safe Food Warranty and Global HACCP).

All of these certification programs may need to be taken into account to export your product internationally.