Who are UL and CSA?
The American organisation Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) are non-profit making independent organisations which are responsible for the writing, testing, and certification of product safety standards.

What do they do?
Both standards organisations are responsible for the setting and review of the world's most stringent test standards for electrical equipment and all critical components thereof. Product identification is just one of the many components which are subject to UL and CSA approval.

Certain types of labels and printing systems (e.g. warnings, regulatory labels etc.) are deemed to be "critical components" and as such must be specified by UL and CSA for use as component labels on electrical equipment.

Underwriter's Laboratories test labels to meet label standard UL969 Marking & Labelling Systems. This standard governs the performance of labels, printing systems, inks, ribbons, adhesives etc., and is designed to monitor labels (and printing components) used on electrical equipment in the USA.

The Canadian Standards Authority runs its label programme, which is applicable to equipment sold and used in Canada, along a similar line to the UL program. The CSA test standard is, however, more stringent than UL's, and as such you will find far fewer companies listed with "recognised component" in the CSA directory than UL.

What is a recognised component?
Labels/ systems listed in the Recognised Component directory can be incorporated into your product build without the need for specific testing on your part. In effect a recognised component listing eliminates the "hassle factor" and provides you with a "certificate of safety for use."

Both UL and CSA have three categories where labels can be listed as recognised components:

• Fixed Information Labels
• Variable Information and Printing Systems
• Label Materials

Which products need UL/CSA accredited labels?
Products carrying critical information, e.g. electrical products, intended for use in the US or Canada require all components, including product identification components, to be tested and approved by UL/CSA. If they do not conform then they cannot legally be sold for use within the USA and Canada. For safety reasons the labels must be tested to ensure that the labels will not detach from your product and that the print will not deteriorate

What resources does Worldmark have to guide me?
As the original pioneers of CSA approved thermal transfer printing systems and sitting member of UL and CSA Technical Committees, we have the expertise, resource and experience to guide you through the entire approvals process. We can do so via:

• Your account team. Each member of your account team will be able to provide all the advice you require, no matter whether you require a standard or customised product.
• Your product manual. Your product manual contains a comprehensive and detailed guide to the extensive range of UL/CSA standards and testing services which we can offer you.
• R&D laboratory. Should you require a customised product specific to your application, our sate of the art R&D laboratory offers customer specific and industry application testing. The laboratory can also test label products to UL/CSA and automotive standards on your behalf and project manage your application to both organisations.

Which tests can Worldmark carry out in the laboratory?
Our in-house laboratory is equipped to carry out tests above and beyond that required by UL/CSA to the most stringent of automotive standards. The following list includes most standard tests, however, it can be amended to include any additional customer test requirements:

How will I benefit from choosing Worldmark for my UL/CSA approved labels?

Extensive UL/CSA Accredited Range - Cost Effective, Fit For Purpose Products

We are the only label manufacturer in the world with approvals in all three label categories:

• preprinted labels
• base materials
• thermal transfer printable labels and ribbons.

With more than 300 approved products across all three categories, you can be sure that we will have a product readily available which is fit for purpose and which will cost-effectively meet your precise needs in the timeframe your require.

In our experience labels are one of the last things which companies take into consideration when launching a new product and time to market is critical. With such a large range you need never worry that we will not have the right UL/CSA approved product for you to meet a future new product or market introduction deadline.

Customised Label Application Testing - You Pay For The Performance You Need

Our extensively equipped on-site testing and instrument laboratories will develop new label products, which are fully UL/CSA accredited and custom engineered to meet your individual application.

Our team of Development Technologists are committed to developing new, advanced coating techniques, films and adhesives which are optimised to fulfill both cost and UL/CSA performance requirements. This results in innovative and effective custom engineered labeling products designed to ensure that you only ever pay for the performance you need.

CSA Committee Representation - Ensuring Your Interests Are Met Every Step Of The Way

We are not only Europe's leading manufacturer of innovative UL/CSA approved products. We are also the only European representative on the prestigious CSA Technical Committee, which is responsible for setting and reviewing the world's most stringent test standards for Product Identification. This enables us to stay ahead of UL/CSA requirements and ensure that the specific needs of our customers in the computer, electronics, appliance and automotive industries are met.

International Presence - Guaranteeing Worldwide Product Acceptance

Our range of UL/CSA approved products has been developed, drawing upon our experience of global markets and the needs of multinational customers. Regardless of your end users' location, our full range of UL/CSA approved products will guarantee immediate acceptance and approval worldwide.

Pioneers in Thermal Transfer Topcoat Technology - Keeping You At The Forefront Of Product Identification

A number of years ago we pioneered a full range of unique surface coatings which offered consistent superior thermal transfer image quality and durability, and which eliminated the need for protective laminates. This breakthrough in topcoat technology allowed us to offer non-laminated thermal transfer printable materials which are not only cost effective, but also meet the stringent durability standards of UL/CSA.