How strategic regulatory model naming can help manufacturers reduce global type approval costs.
When discussing global certification with manufacturers, I often hear:
"We have 50 different model numbers that need certification across multiple countries."
My first question is usually: "Are these 50 technically different products, or are they simply variations of the same product?"
The answer can make a significant difference in certification costs.
Many companies assign different model numbers for North America, Europe, Asia, and other markets to accommodate regional power requirements, accessories, packaging, or distribution channels.
While this makes sense commercially, it can create unnecessary complexity when applying for global type approvals.
In certain countries, approvals are issued per model, meaning multiple model numbers can result in additional fees, documentation, or separate certification applications.
But having 50 commercial model numbers doesn't necessarily mean you need 50 separate regulatory certificates.
Regulatory Model Number vs. Commercial SKU: What's the Difference?
A Regulatory Model Number (RMN) identifies a product or product family for regulatory compliance purposes.
A commercial model number or Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) identifies specific sales configurations, regional variations, or distribution channels.
For example, a manufacturer might sell the same wireless product under different commercial SKUs:
| Commercial SKU | Intended Market |
|---|---|
| ABC100-US | North America |
| ABC100-EU | Europe |
| ABC100-AU | Australia / New Zealand |
| ABC100-JP | Japan |
| ABC100-LA | Latin America |
If these configurations share the same relevant hardware, electrical design, and RF characteristics, it may be possible to use ABC100 as the common regulatory model number, while retaining regional SKUs for commercial purposes.
This approach can simplify documentation and potentially reduce certification costs in countries that recognize common regulatory models or model-family approvals.
The key is establishing a clear relationship between the regulatory model, its commercial variations, and the underlying technical design. Country-specific requirements must also be considered before determining whether multiple models can share an approval.
How Do Large Manufacturers Handle Multiple Product Configurations?
Think about manufacturers of laptops, printers, networking equipment, or industrial controllers.
A single product family can have dozens of commercial configurations involving different memory capacities, storage options, wireless connectivity, regional power adapters, or accessories.
Does every configuration require a separate regulatory certificate? Not necessarily.
Some variations, such as different packaging or keyboard languages, may be accommodated under the same regulatory model.
However, differences involving wireless modules, antennas, power supplies, or other components affecting EMC, RF, or electrical safety may require additional evaluation.
The key is understanding which variations affect compliance and which are primarily commercial.
This is why I encourage manufacturers to review their model naming strategy before beginning global certification, rather than discovering potential duplication after certificates have already been issued.
Why Does Model Naming Matter for Global Type Approval?
A well-planned regulatory model naming strategy can offer several advantages:
1. Reduce unnecessary certification costs
Some countries permit technically equivalent models to be grouped under one approval, while others require separate certificates or charge additional model-listing fees.
2. Simplify certification documentation
Consistent model identification helps maintain traceability across product labels, test reports, declarations, and approval documents.
3. Minimize customs and market entry delays
Discrepancies between the model number on a certificate and the information on product labels or shipping documentation can lead to questions or additional customs scrutiny.
4. Make future product expansions easier
A consistent model naming structure helps manufacturers evaluate whether additional regional SKUs or configurations may be covered under existing approvals.
How Nemko Can Help
At Nemko, our approach to Global Market Access goes beyond obtaining country approvals.
We work with manufacturers worldwide to understand their product designs, configurations, target markets, and certification requirements before developing a global approval strategy.
Through our Global Market Access (GMA) services, Nemko can help manufacturers:
- Review regulatory model naming strategies and product configurations.
- Identify opportunities for model-family certification.
- Evaluate country-specific type approval requirements and associated fees.
- Review product labels and certification documentation for consistency.
- Develop coordinated, cost-effective international certification strategies.
With global expertise in EMC, RF/wireless, electrical safety, and international regulatory compliance, Nemko supports manufacturers throughout the product certification process—from initial compliance planning and testing to global market access.
Our international network of specialists helps manufacturers navigate country-specific requirements, streamline certification processes, and bring products to global markets more efficiently.
Before You Certify 50 Models, Let's Talk
When a manufacturer tells me they have 50 models requiring global approval, I don't automatically assume they need 50 separate certificates.
I want to understand what makes those models different and whether there is a more efficient way to approach certification.
Sometimes the opportunity isn't in changing the product itself—it's in how the product family is structured and documented for regulatory purposes.
Are multiple model numbers increasing your global certification costs?
Before submitting your next certification project, let Nemko review your product family and identify opportunities to simplify approvals and potentially reduce unnecessary expenses.
Talk to Nemko's Global Market Access Experts
Nemko — Compliance Without Complexity.
