Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.

Updated: 16 December 2024

What Does Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. Mean?

Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) is a non-profit organization specializing in safety science. UL tests a wide range of products from companies around the world to ensure they comply with safety standards, including their environmental impact. They issue certificates for products that meet these standards.

Insuranceopedia Explains Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.

Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) was founded in 1894 by electrical engineer William Henry Merrill. It is currently headquartered in Northwood, Illinois, and operates 46 offices worldwide.

The organization often emphasizes that receiving a UL certificate for a product does not equate to government approval. Only federal and state authorities have the power to approve a product for sale in the commercial market.

Nevertheless, UL’s prestigious reputation has not only made it easier for products to undergo testing and approval in many countries, but it has also facilitated the global market penetration of UL-certified products. This is due to the organization’s renowned standards of scientific research and the rigor of its product testing.

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