Certifications Every Industrial Networking Product Should Have (CE, UL, FCC, RoHS)

In the industrial automation landscape, reliable networking infrastructure is non-negotiable. From smart factories to oil refineries and data centres, every connected device, such as switches, routers, gateways, or PoE injectors, must perform consistently under extreme conditions.

For system integrators and engineers, ensuring that every deployed device meets international safety, performance and environmental standards is essential. This is where certifications such as CE, UL, FCC and RoHS become more than mere compliance marks; they form the foundation of trust, reliability and global market readiness.

This article explores the key certifications every industrial networking product must have, explaining their purpose, benefits, and impact on project approvals, risk reduction and long-term operational reliability.

1. Why Certifications Matter in Industrial Networking

Industrial networks form the backbone of modern automation systems. Any failure in connectivity can disrupt production, cause downtime or even lead to safety hazards.

For engineers and system integrators, certified products provide a strong layer of assurance. Let’s explore why certifications are critical in professional-grade deployments.

1.1. Ensuring Electrical and Operational Safety

Industrial networking devices often operate in environments with high voltages, temperature variations and electromagnetic interference. Certified products are tested to prevent electrical faults, overheating and other safety risks.

1.2. Meeting Legal and Contractual Requirements

Many government tenders, EPC contracts, and industrial projects specify CE, UL or FCC-certified equipment as a prerequisite for approval. Using uncertified devices can lead to project rejection or regulatory penalties.

1.3. Guaranteeing Performance and Reliability

Certification processes include rigorous testing for stability, EMI resilience and power integrity, critical factors for network reliability in automation and control systems.

1.4. Simplifying Global Deployments

When products carry CE, UL and FCC marks, integrators can confidently deploy the same hardware across multiple regions without facing regulatory hurdles.

1.5. Strengthening Client Confidence

A certified product assures end-users and auditors that the system meets international quality and safety standards, helping integrators secure long-term contracts and maintenance agreements.

2. CE Certification: The Passport to European Market Compliance

2.1. What is CE Certification?

The CE (Conformité Européenne) marking is mandatory for most electronic and industrial equipment sold in the European Economic Area (EEA). It indicates that the product conforms to EU directives related to safety, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and environmental protection.

2.2. Why CE Certification Matters for Industrial Networks

• Legal Market Access: Required for selling and installing networking equipment within the EU.

• Risk Mitigation: Ensures devices are safe under normal and fault conditions.

• Interoperability: Confirms EMC compliance, minimising interference between devices in complex industrial networks.

2.3. Directives for Networking Products

• EMC Directive (2014/30/EU): Ensures devices neither emit excessive electromagnetic noise nor are unduly affected by it.

• Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU): Covers electrical safety of equipment operating within specific voltage ranges.

• RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU): Restricts hazardous materials (explained later).

• RED Directive (2014/53/EU): Applies to wireless communication products like access points.

2.4. CE Certification Process

1. Identify applicable directives and harmonised standards.

2. Perform internal testing or use accredited labs for validation.

3. Compile a Technical File with test reports, schematics and risk assessments.

4. Issue a Declaration of Conformity (DoC) signed by the manufacturer.

2.5. CE Certification Benefits for Integrators

• Enables European deployment without additional testing.

• Simplifies tender qualification and project approvals.

• Reduces warranty risks due to compliance failures.

• Enhances brand trust and technical credibility.

3. UL Certification: The Benchmark for Safety and Reliability

3.1. What is UL Certification?

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is one of the most respected safety certification organisations globally, particularly in North America. UL certification confirms that a product has been independently tested for compliance with stringent safety standards.

3.2. Why UL Certification Matters for Industrial Networking

Industrial-grade devices like managed switches, PoE injectors and power converters often handle high current and voltage levels. UL certification ensures these components are safe from electrical faults, insulation breakdown and fire hazards.

3.3. Key UL Standards

• UL 62368-1: Audio/video, IT and communication technology equipment safety.

• UL 94: Tests the flammability of plastic materials used in enclosures.

• UL 508: Applies to industrial control panels and power distribution components.

3.4. Types of UL Certification

• UL Listed: The product has been fully tested and approved for standalone use.

• UL Recognised: A component certified for integration into larger systems.

• UL Classified: Evaluated for specific characteristics or applications.

3.5. UL Certification Benefits for B2B Buyers

• Regulatory Approval: Simplifies acceptance in U.S. and Canadian markets.

• Reduced Liability: Protects integrators from safety-related claims.

• Quality Indicator: Demonstrates premium build quality and compliance with industry best practices.

• Customer Assurance: Instils confidence in clients and facility owners about long-term safety.

4. FCC Certification: Ensuring Electromagnetic Integrity

4.1. What is FCC Certification?

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) governs devices that emit radio frequency (RF) energy in the United States. FCC certification ensures electronic products do not cause or suffer from harmful electromagnetic interference (EMI).

4.2. Importance for Industrial Network Devices

Many industrial networking products use wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi, LoRa, or cellular). Without FCC compliance, these devices can disrupt communication with nearby systems or violate RF emission limits.

4.3. FCC Classification

• Class A Devices: For commercial, industrial or business environments.

• Class B Devices: For residential applications (with stricter emission limits).

Most industrial networking products are Class A, designed for factory and control environments.

4.4. FCC Testing Process

• Conducted emissions tests (power line interference).

• Radiated emissions tests (RF output levels).

• Documentation submission and FCC ID registration.

4.5. FCC Certification Benefits for System Integrators

• Ensures stable wireless performance without EMI issues.

• Required for legal sale and operation in the U.S.

• Reduces troubleshooting costs linked to signal interference.

• Enhances end-to-end reliability in mission-critical networks.

5. RoHS Certification: Protecting the Environment and Workforce

5.1. What is RoHS Certification?

RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) is an EU directive aimed at reducing the environmental impact of electronic products by limiting hazardous materials in their manufacture.

5.2. Substances Restricted by RoHS

5.3. Why RoHS Compliance Matters in Industrial Deployments

• Ensures safe handling for technicians and workers during installation or disposal.

• Meets global sustainability goals and ESG commitments.

• Reduces the long-term environmental impact of industrial hardware waste.

5.4. Compliance and Documentation

Manufacturers must perform material composition analysis, maintain supplier declarations and provide a RoHS compliance statement with each product line.

5.5. RoHS Benefits for Integrators and OEMs

• Simplifies exports to the EU, UK and global markets.

• Supports sustainable project bids and green procurement requirements.

• Enhances brand reputation for environmental responsibility.

6. Combining Certifications for Full Compliance

When selecting networking equipment for industrial projects, look for products that combine CE, UL, FCC and RoHS certifications. Together, these ensure:

A fully certified product offers a complete compliance ecosystem, reducing integration risks and ensuring seamless operation across international markets.

7. Strategic Benefits for System Integrators and Engineers

7.1. Faster Project Approvals

Certified products pass regulatory and client audits faster, shortening procurement and commissioning timelines.

7.2. Lower Lifecycle Costs

Certified equipment reduces maintenance costs and failure rates, ensuring network stability in harsh industrial environments.

7.3. Enhanced Client Confidence

End-users and facility owners prefer integrators who use compliant, globally certified hardware, signalling professionalism and technical competence.

7.4. Competitive Advantage

Integrators who standardise on CE/UL/FCC/RoHS-certified devices stand out in competitive tenders, especially for multinational projects and government contracts.

7.5. Compliance Traceability

Each certification includes documentation and serial traceability, which simplifies audits, especially for large-scale industrial networks.

8. How to Verify Product Certifications

Before finalising any purchase or deployment, engineers should verify certification authenticity by:

• Checking CE or FCC ID numbers on official registries.

• Reviewing the Declaration of Conformity (DoC) provided by the manufacturer.

• Requesting UL test reports or safety data sheets for audit compliance.

• Inspecting RoHS compliance documents for environmental certification.

Choosing verified products prevents future disputes and ensures hassle-free commissioning.

In industrial networking, compliance is not just a formality; it’s a critical factor in operational safety, reliability and market eligibility.

Certifications like CE, UL, FCC and RoHS safeguard networks against electrical hazards, signal interference and environmental harm. For system integrators and engineers, selecting certified products simplifies deployment, strengthens project credibility and ensures compliance with international standards.

Whether you’re designing a smart warehouse, an oil refinery control room, or a power plant network, choosing certified hardware is the smartest way to secure performance, protect assets and future-proof your projects.

Certified today. Reliable tomorrow.

Read Also: Top Industrial PoE Switches for CCTV, Access Control and Smart Warehouses

Read Also: What Makes a Network Switch “Industrial Grade”?