The next time you buy a refrigerator, smoke detector, surge protector or other complex consumer product, pause to look at the certification label applied to the item. For safety-critical products like these, the certification mark isn’t just a symbol — it’s a compliance guarantee.
However, did you know that the label itself must also meet strict standards? Whether you're sourcing labels for UL, cUL or CSA certified products, overlooking the finer details of label construction can trigger costly delays, rejected shipments and production line shutdowns.
This UL, cUL and CSA Certification Guide provides a comparison of these three standards. It also clarifies the standards that apply to the labels themselves and what manufacturers must do to stay compliant when using them. Specifically, we will explore the following 14 questions:
UL stands for Underwriters Laboratories, a U.S.-based global safety certification company founded in 1894. UL develops standards and conducts testing to ensure products meet safety, performance and environmental benchmarks. It’s one of the most recognized names in product safety across North America.
A product is UL certified when it has passed rigorous testing by UL to meet specific safety standards. There are two main types of UL certification:
A UL certified rating is commonly required for electrical appliances, industrial machinery, fire safety equipment and more.
A UL certified rating is not federally mandated, but it is often required by:
In practice, UL certification is essential for market access and risk mitigation. Products without UL marks may be rejected or require additional inspection, delaying deployment and increasing costs.
Getting a product UL certified involves a structured, multi-step process designed to verify safety, performance and regulatory compliance. Here’s a high-level overview of the process itself:
This process ensures that UL certified products meet rigorous safety standards and are eligible for market access in regulated industries. Proper label sourcing and documentation are essential throughout.
No. UL and CE are not the same. CE is a European mark indicating that a product complies with European Union (EU) safety, health and environmental requirements. Unlike UL, CE does not require third-party testing unless the product falls under specific directives.
Not directly. Canada has its own standards body — CSA Group. However, UL offers cUL certification, which means the product has been tested to Canadian safety standards. Products marked cUL or cULus (for both U.S. and Canada) are accepted in Canada. If you're selling into Canada, make sure your UL mark includes the “C” prefix to indicate compliance with Canadian standards.
CSA stands for the Canadian Standards Association, now known as CSA Group. It’s Canada’s leading certification body for electrical, mechanical, gas and safety-critical products. CSA develops standards and performs testing similar to UL, but with a focus on Canadian regulations.
A product labeled CSA approved has been tested and certified by CSA Group to meet applicable Canadian (and often U.S.) safety standards. CSA approval is recognized across North America and internationally, especially in sectors like:
CSA marks may include “C”, “US”, or “C/US” to indicate the regions where the certification applies.
A CSA stamp is the physical mark or label placed on a product to indicate CSA certification. It may appear as:
The CSA stamp assures inspectors, buyers and regulators that the product meets safety standards and is approved for use in Canada — and possibly the U.S.
No. While CSA is headquartered in Canada, its certifications are recognized across North America. CSA Group is accredited by both Canadian and U.S. authorities and its marks are accepted by:
CSA certification is often used by manufacturers seeking dual-market approval.
Yes. CSA and UL are both nationally recognized testing laboratories (NRTLs). Their certifications are considered equivalent in terms of safety assurance. The choice between UL and CSA often depends on:
For manufacturers, either mark may be valid. What matters most is that the product meet the correct standard and that the label is sourced and applied correctly.
Similar to the UL certification details outlined above, CSA certification follows a rigorous process to ensure products meet Canadian safety and performance standards. Here’s a streamlined overview:
When a product is UL, cUL or CSA certified, the label that displays the certification mark must also meet specific requirements. These include:
The certification bodies don’t just approve the product — they approve the entire labeling system including substrate, adhesive and printing method.
UL maintains a database of UL Recognized label constructions under UL 969, the standard for marking and labeling systems. To use the UL mark legally:
UL also requires that the label include a unique identifier — often a file number or control number — to trace the label back to the supplier and construction.
For products certified to Canadian safety standards by UL (i.e., cUL), the label must:
The same UL 969 standard applies, but the mark format and regional applicability must be correct. Using a plain UL mark on a product certified for Canada is a compliance error.
CSA Group also requires that labels meet strict durability and legibility standards. Key considerations include:
CSA doesn’t use UL 969, but it has its own standards for label performance. Manufacturers must ensure that the label construction is approved for the product’s environment — especially for high heat, moisture or chemical exposure.
In regulated industries, the label isn’t just decoration — it’s a compliance-critical component. Each label must be treated with the same rigor as the product itself. By sourcing and specifying labels for UL certified, cUL certified and CSA certified products correctly, manufacturers can avoid disruptions and ensure smooth certification, inspection and market access.
The following issues commonly result in rejected shipments, failed inspections or revoked certifications — all of which can halt production and damage customer trust.
As the saying goes, “failing to plan is planning to fail.” The following labeling best practices will help manufacturers in regulated industries avoid the pitfalls noted above and the brand damage and business hazards they create.
If your product is sold in the U.S., then UL 969 Test Standard applies. If it’s sold in Canada, then CSA C22.2 No. 0.15-15 Test Standard applies. Whether your product was tested by UL for their Canadian cUL or by CSA, the same CSA C22.2 No. 0.15-15 Test Standard applies.
Known throughout the industry for custom packaging and labeling solutions, Taylor is a recognized leader in the design and manufacturing of durable industrial labels — including labels for UL certified and cUL certified products.
Want to learn more about UL label requirements and the finer points of cUL certified labels? Contact a Taylor durable label expert to learn more about our special expertise with labels for UL certified and cUL certified products.