The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has released a new whitepaper, LS 20035-2025: The Importance of Proper Safety Certifications for Lighting Products, aimed at educating the lighting industry on why third-party certification is critical for equipment sold and installed in North America.

Developed with UL Solutions, CSA Group, Intertek, and the American Lighting Association, the paper is presented in an easy-to-read Q&A format for specifiers, contractors, distributors, and other industry stakeholders.

Why Certification Matters

The whitepaper explains that safety certification protects against fire, electric shock, and injury. Certifications such as UL, ETL, and CSA indicate that products meet rigorous safety standards. It also clarifies that CE markings alone do not ensure compliance with North American standards.

Who Certifies and How to Verify

The paper outlines the roles of certifying organizations and provides links to official directories so professionals can confirm product compliance. It also highlights the risks of uncertified imports that may bypass safety testing.

Click here to download or purchase your copy today. 

EdisonReport Editor’s Note:

This whitepaper addresses a persistent problem in the lighting market — uncertified imports and the misconception that CE marking satisfies North American safety requirements. The Q&A format makes it accessible for contractors and distributors who may not engage with technical standards documents. With UL Solutions, CSA Group, and Intertek all contributing, the guidance on how to verify certification status through official directories is practical and worth sharing across specification and procurement teams.