The Conformity Assessment Program for Household and Similar Electrical Appliances aims to prevent accidents by protecting consumers from a lack of information and risks such as electric shock, fire, and other hazards.
The primary regulation governing this program is Inmetro Ordinance No. 371, of December 29, 2009 — Approving the Conformity Assessment Requirements for the Safety of Household and Similar Electrical ApplianceS. Additionally, there are other complementary regulations, which NCC is happy to explain to you if necessary.
The program covers a wide range of products. To identify specific ones, you can refer to Inmetro Ordinance No. 121, of March 6, 2015 — Clarifying the scope of application of Inmetro Ordinances Nos. 371/2009, 328/2011, 163/2012, and 402/2012, regarding Household and Similar Electrical Appliances.
Given the diversity of products, we suggest contacting NCC if your equipment is intended for residential and/or commercial use. Our team will gladly check whether your product falls within the scope of this ordinance.
There are two certification models to choose from, depending on the product, its origin, and specific characteristics:
See the models below:
• Model 5 — Certification with product testing and evaluation of the manufacturing Quality Management System (QMS). Samples are taken directly from the manufacturer’s premises. If the tests reveal failures, corrections can be made. The certificate is valid for three years, with annual follow-ups.
• Model 1b — Batch certification. Samples are collected from the batch, and no failures are allowed; if any issues arise, the entire batch is rejected. There is no factory audit, and the certificate has no expiration date, applying only to the tested batch.
However, range of documents is necessary for certification, including:
• Family composition and model similarities;
• Component lists and supplier information, including pre-certified components;
• Electrical diagrams;
• Assembly drawings or photographic records of the product and sub-assemblies;
• Instruction manual (in Portuguese);
• Identification labels;
• Individual packaging design, final artwork, or photo;
• Technical documentation for printed circuit boards (if applicable);
• Documentation of personnel responsible for handling complaints and their policies.
See the steps of the certification process
After requesting certification with our sales department, a Technical Requirement (RT) is carried out, which will define the necessary tests and the respective standards. Some laboratories in Brazil will be indicated — in some cases, it is possible to accept tests from laboratories abroad, as long as they are members of ILAC, EAA, or IAAC — so we will start the certification process.
While the audit is being carried out, the samples are also sealed. The samples are then sent to the laboratory, and in parallel, the necessary documentation can be forwarded to our administrative department to start organizing the process.
Upon receipt, the samples are analyzed, and if non-conformities or test failures are identified, corrections or changes to certain documents may be required.
NOTE: These steps apply to the Model 5 certificate.
In the final step, we will send you a preview of the certificate and, if approved, we will register your product with ProdCert.
Audit Process of the Quality Management System:
The items of the ISO 9001 in force are checked at the manufacturer in accordance with item 6.1.1.3.4 of Inmetro Ordinance No. 371. If any non-conformities are found, actions are requested to correct the auditor’s findings, but please be aware that there is a deadline for responding. It is important to note that this audit confirms that routine tests are being carried out on 100% of the products.
Sample collection process:
A number of samples are selected as indicated in the technical requirement that will represent the production line. These samples are sealed and identified and can only be opened at the laboratory where the test will be carried out.
Treatment of complaints process:
The national representative must have a system for treatment of complaints, in accordance with item 7 of Inmetro Ordinance No. 371.
Estimated process time:
This greatly depends on communication between the customer and NCC, so it is very important that the next steps and the documents required for the process to proceed are always clear. If anything is unclear, feel free to ask us!
How do I know if a product is certified?
It must contain one of the labels below:
Benefits of Buying a Certified Product and Certifying a Product
Greater confidence in products – Certification provides safety, quality, and assurance that the equipment complies with current standards.
Customer satisfaction – Certification ensures that what is promised on the product box or manual is actually delivered.
Social responsibility – By certifying your product, you reduce the risk of potential hazards like fire or electric shock, demonstrating a commitment to the well-being of your customers and society as a whole.
Adds value to your equipment – The certification label boosts consumer confidence, adding value to your brand and products in the marketplace.
Allows you to take part in public tenders – Many (though not all) public tenders require certified products.
Products that Are Not Certified:
regularly inspects businesses that sell products requiring certification under the ordinance, ensuring that they are properly certified. Any non-compliant products are withdrawn from sale, and businesses found in violation face fines