INMETRO Certification

InMETRO certification is a mandatory procedure for a wide range of products sold or imported in Brazil. Certification is a measure to guarantee the safety and quality of products, ensuring that they comply with the standards and regulations in force in Brazil. INMETRO, the Brazilian National Agency for Metrology, Quality and Technology, is responsible for overseeing and implementing the certification process. Certification involves a thorough review of product design, technical specifications and production to ensure that the product meets applicable requirements.

Which products are affected by INMETRO?

INMETRO is a Brazilian authority responsible for the certification of products marketed in Brazil. INMETRO has a wide range of products that must be certified to ensure that they meet the safety standards in force in Brazil. The range of products includes electrical and electronic products, toys, medical devices, gases, pressure vessels, fire extinguishers, tires, vehicles and their parts, fuels and many other products. Certification is not mandatory for all products, but varies by product category and risk. For example, electrical and electronic products such as cell phones, televisions, and computers must be certified, while food products are not covered by the INMETRO certification requirement.

INMETRO marking: cost, duration and validity

• What does INMETRO certification cost?
  The cost of INMETRO certification varies depending on the product and the testing body. In general, however, the costs are higher than for other certifications in Brazil. The exact costs can only be determined after all required documents have been submitted and reviewed by the testing body. It is therefore advisable to obtain a quote from various testing bodies before starting the certification process.
• How long does it take to get certified?
  The duration of INMETRO certification also depends on the product and the testing body. As a rule, however, it takes several weeks to months for certification to be completed. It is important that the manufacturer submits all the required documents and samples in good time and, if necessary, responds to queries from the testing body during the testing process.
• How long is the INMETRO marking valid?
  The validity period of INMETRO marking depends on the product and the type of certification. Some certifications have a limited validity period, while other certifications are permanent. The manufacturer is required to perform periodic reviews to ensure that the product continues to meet the requirements of the certification and to make any necessary updates.

INMETRO certification is an extensive process that requires careful planning and implementation. Here, all the necessary documents must be obtained and checked to ensure that the products comply with the legal requirements. The Regul.ai software offers enormous relief here by providing all the necessary documents in the INMETRO Collection and processing them with artificial intelligence to quickly and easily identify which requirements must be observed during product launch. Regul.ai makes the certification process faster and more efficient, so that products can be launched on the Brazilian market more quickly.

What is the certification process for INMETRO certifications and what steps are necessary to obtain a successful certification?

The certification process for an INMETRO certification can vary depending on the product and requirements. In general, however, it can be said that the process consists of several steps. First, the manufacturer must submit an application to an accredited certification body and submit all necessary documentation. This includes technical data sheets, drawings, test reports and other relevant documents. Then, an inspection of the manufacturing facility is conducted to ensure that the production processes meet the requirements. After that, samples of the product are usually tested by an accredited laboratory. If the product meets all requirements, a certificate of conformity is issued and the INMETRO mark can be applied to the product.

Are there marking and labeling requirements from INMETRO for product and packaging?

Yes, there are marking and labeling requirements for products subject to INMETRO certification. The INMETRO mark must be placed on the product and packaging to show compliance with safety standards. The logo consists of a blue triangle with a white "I" and the word "INMETRO" below it. There are also specific requirements for the size and color of the logo. In addition, for certain product categories such as electrical and electronic equipment, there are additional labeling requirements, such as indicating voltage and amperage.

Information obligations of the manufacturer

Manufacturers must fulfill a number of information requirements as part of an INMETRO certification. These include disclosing information about the quality and conformity of the product, publishing information about the manufacturer and the product, and providing information about potential risks associated with the use of the product. In addition, manufacturers must ensure that their products are properly labeled and comply with applicable regulations and requirements. In particular, they must ensure that the INMETRO mark is affixed to the product or packaging when required. Other specific information requirements may vary depending on the type of product and applicable regulations.

What documents are required for INMETRO certification?

Various documents must be submitted for INMETRO certification, which may vary depending on the product type and certification body. The documents include:

1. Technical documentation: This includes technical data and specifications of the product as well as its design drawings, circuit diagrams, manuals and operating instructions.
2. Test reports: These are reports from independent test laboratories that confirm the product's compliance with technical norms and standards.
3. Declaration of Conformity: A written declaration by the manufacturer that the product complies with all relevant standards and regulations.
4. Production Control Plan: This plan specifies how the quality of the product is ensured during the manufacturing process.
5. Manufacturer's certificate: A certificate from the manufacturer confirming that the product complies with the relevant norms and standards.
6. ISO certification: Depending on the product type and certification body, ISO certification may be required.

The exact requirements and documentation may vary depending on the product type and certification body. It is therefore advisable to obtain thorough information in advance and to seek professional support from an experienced consultant or service provider.

As a foreign manufacturer, do I have to have a local representative in Brazil to obtain INMETRO certification?

Yes, foreign manufacturers are usually required to have a local representative in Brazil in order to obtain INMETRO certification. This local representative is called a "Local Representative" and is responsible for submitting the certification documents and communicating with the Brazilian authorities. The Local Representative must be a resident of Brazil and have a power of attorney from the foreign manufacturer to act on its behalf.

What happens if a product does not meet the requirements of INMETRO certification?

If a product does not meet the requirements of INMETRO certification, it may not be marketed or sold in Brazil. The manufacturer must then either adapt the product to meet the requirements or cease production of the product in Brazil. In addition, there may be legal consequences, such as fines or even the withdrawal of the business license. It is therefore advisable to conduct a thorough review in advance to ensure that the product meets the requirements and successfully passes the INMETRO certification.

Are there any exceptions to the INMETRO certification requirement?

Yes, there are some exceptions to the INMETRO certification requirement. For example, products that are intended only for export and are not sold in Brazil may be exempt from the certification requirement. Products used by government agencies or military organizations may also be exempt from the INMETRO certification requirement. However, there are other exemptions that may vary depending on the product category and specific requirements. It is important to check the exact rules and regulations for the specific product to ensure if an exemption from the INMETRO certification requirement is possible.

How does INMETRO certification differ from other product certifications in Brazil?

INMETRO certification differs from other product certifications in Brazil in several aspects. One of the most important differences is that INMETRO certification is mandatory for a wider range of products than other certifications. In addition, the requirements for certification are usually more stringent than other certifications. Another important difference is that INMETRO certification is performed by the INMETRO authority itself, not by a private certification body. The INMETRO mark also has a higher profile and acceptance among consumers in Brazil than other certification marks.

Do INMETRO rules apply when products are placed on the market or imported?

INMETRO regulations apply to both products manufactured in Brazil and imported products to be sold or used in Brazil. Both when placing products on the market and importing them, manufacturers must ensure that their products meet the INMETRO certification requirements before they can be offered on the Brazilian market.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with INMETRO regulations?

If the INMETRO regulations are not observed, various consequences may be threatened, depending on the type and severity of the violation. Possible consequences include, for example, the suspension of sales of the affected product, fines, recalls, confiscation of products or even criminal prosecution. It is therefore important to ensure that all products sold on the Brazilian market comply with the applicable INMETRO requirements.

How often do certified products need to be tested by INMETRO to ensure that they still meet the requirements?

For INMETRO certified products, there is no specific obligation to test them regularly to ensure that they still comply with the requirements. However, it is the manufacturer's responsibility to ensure that their products continue to meet the applicable requirements to ensure continued compliance. INMETRO may, however, conduct random testing of products to ensure that they comply with the requirements, especially if there are complaints from consumers or if non-compliance is suspected.