Underwriters Lab in talks with retailers for product safety

US-based Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a certification organisation, is in talks with large retailers in India to set up a product safety process for them.

UL India, an affiliate of the UL Inc, with its headquarters in Bangalore, services over 1,200 customers in India. It has a portfolio for certifying electrical and electronic equipment to the Indian industry.

"Over 20 billion products carry the UL mark today. UL has global relationship with key retailers, including Wal-Mart, Best Buy and Target. We are in talks with large Indian retailers. We expect the safety standards for electronic products sold in the country to undergo changes, in line with the standards followed globally," said UL Inc president Keith Williams.

He pointed out that UL was keen on catering to the Indian market since the booming economy and an increase in disposable incomes are enabling consumers to purchase more electronic products and appliances.

"However, the sourcing quality is soon becoming the weak link in the category. UL comes in as a knowledge leader with a team of experts to address the issue," he added.

Williams stated that UL would make significant investments in India to hire engineering staff, establish laboratories and support operations.

"We want Indian manufacturers to raise the product safety bar on a par with international standards. This will give them an opportunity to take their products to the world market," he said.