Going Global? 6 Questions to Consider As You Embark on Your Global Market Access (GMA) Journey
“It’s a small world,” as the saying goes. Yet, gaining entry to international markets is a long and winding road for manufacturers.
That’s because there is no single, universal process to certify a product for sale. Each country or region has its own distinct documentation and approval process for bringing a product to market. The success of your venture into foreign markets starts with careful attention to each country’s Global Market Access (GMA) process.
What is GMA?
Going global, also known as Global Market Access (GMA) or International Type Approvals (ITA), is the complex process by which manufacturers demonstrate that their product complies with all applicable regulatory standards in the country where it will be marketed and sold. When navigated successfully, the GMA process grants businesses the right to legally sell a product in a specific country or region.
GMA Challenges & Benefits
Whether your company produces consumer goods, chemicals, medical devices or automotive components, GMA opens the door to international growth, competitive advantage, and new sources of revenue.
The proper certifications and approvals attest to a product’s compliance with strict safety, quality and performance standards. Customers, consumers, and regulators alike view certified, compliant products in a more favorable light. Therefore, companies who strictly adhere to each country or region’s GMA process are more likely to build brand loyalty in that particular market.
However, the high stakes and complex nature of GMA present inherent challenges, as manufacturers navigate diverse languages, cultures, business practices and regulations. Without due care and strict compliance with local regulations, manufacturers could face product redesign, recall, costly delays — even fines or other legal consequences.
Key Questions
As they embark upon the GMA process, manufacturers will need to answer these key questions:
- What product-specific regulatory requirements and certifications apply in my target market?
You will need to research and navigate diverse regulatory frameworks, product standards, and certification processes for each country in which you wish to do business. - What documentation will I need to support my application?
Manufacturers need an organized system to compile, track, and maintain all required technical documentation, such as product specifications, test results, risk assessments, and Declarations of Conformity. - What labeling and packaging requirements apply to my product?
Product manuals, labels, compliance markings, and safety instructions and other required technical documentation must meet local language, formatting and content standards. - What testing is required for certification in this country?
Required testing and certification may include electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), safety, wireless/RF, energy efficiency, or environmental testing. In addition, some countries, such as Brazil and China require testing to be performed within their country. - What documentation and representation are needed for customs and trade compliance?
To avoid penalties, manufacturers must ensure their product is properly classified using the correct 6-digit Harmonized System (HS) code and that import tariff calculations and documentation are complete and accurate. In addition, some countries require local representation or importer of record. - How will I manage compliance throughout the product life cycle?
Looking ahead, manufacturers must stay current and compliant with changing standards and regulations and mindful of circumstances, such as product redesign, that may require re-certification.
Why You Should Consider a Third-Party Provider
Even if your staff includes a dedicated in-house GMA compliance officer or team, it is easy to lose sight of the many pieces to the GMA puzzle.
A third party that specializes in GMA services can make entry into foreign markets almost effortless for the manufacturer. An experienced GMA consultant can manage your project from start to finish and serve as your liaison and authorized representative at the local level.
Leading providers will prepare applications on your behalf, follow up with local governing bodies, educate your staff on local requirements, and keep you informed of regulatory changes as they occur. A full-service provider may also be able to perform product testing, or arrange in-country testing if necessary.
GMA at IIA
Regulatory agencies around the world recognize Industrial Inspection & Analysis (IIA) as a trusted third-party GMA service provider committed to compliance. For nearly 50 years, our ISO-accredited Florida testing lab has been a leading provider of Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Testing for markets around the world. Our longevity is a testament to the strong and positive working relationships we have with governing bodies at the global level.
Our GMA experts will guide you through unfamiliar regulatory landscapes and help you avoid missteps and delays in bringing your product to market.
Our GMA Services
Here are some of the ways IIA can assist:
- GLOBAL REGULATORY EXPERTISE: From Australia to Vietnam, we provide expert guidance on the compliance requirements for each country in which you wish to sell. Our GMA specialists stay abreast of ever-changing rules and regulations and can help you pivot as needed to maintain compliance. IIA’s global regulatory expertise minimizes errors and delays and streamlines the complex documentation and processes involved with accessing global markets.
- PROJECT MANAGEMENT: As your dedicated project manager, IIA will gather all of the essential documentation – including test reports, product labels, manuals and more. Our team will also provide support in completing applications, declarations and other required forms. For countries that require in-country testing, IIA will coordinate and manage the process to ensure compliance. Once the documentation package is complete, we will submit to the appropriate regulatory agency or certification body in each country for review and approval.
- TESTING & CERTIFICATION SERVICES: IIA is a leading provider of testing and certification for products destined for international markets. Our ISO-accredited labs can perform the typically mandated testing, including electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), radiofrequency/wireless (RF), SAR, RoHS, and product safety testing. We can also arrange to have testing performed in the country where it will be sold.
- GLOBAL NETWORK: Our team includes a global network of trusted local vendors and agents in more than 180 countries around the world. These “boots on the ground” team members will act as a liaison between your company and regulatory agencies or certification bodies throughout the approval process.
- CUSTOMER SUPPORT: From start to finish, our team will keep you informed of the status of your project. We will follow up with governing bodies as needed and work with our local partners in your chosen market(s) to resolve any questions or issues. We will also keep you apprised of any regulatory changes that could impact your application, as well as renewal requirements.
Manufacturers that take a strategic and proactive approach to Global Market Access will be one step ahead of the competition. IIA’s turnkey solutions help to streamline your GMA experience so you can tap into new global markets as quickly as possible.
When you need a trusted guide on your GMA journey, Industrial Inspection & Analysis is your passport to global trade.
