Christian Latte, Head of Technical Compliance and Approval Officer at Hummel AG, explains in an interview why product approvals are no longer a downstream formal process, but are already decisive for market success during development. Hummel specializes in fastening technology and has extensive experience in international certification procedures.

Industrial Production: Product approvals are still considered a necessary evil in many companies. You argue that approvals can be a strategic competitive advantage. How should this be understood?

Christian Latte: In practice, approval requirements are often only considered very late in the development process. Often only when the design of a product has already been completed. In our view, this is a key mistake. Product approvals not only affect formal aspects, but also have a direct influence on design, material selection and the joining technology used. Those who incorporate regulatory requirements and technical standards at an early stage avoid costly reworking, reduce development risks and shorten the time to market launch. In this sense, approvals are not an obstacle, but a clear competitive advantage.

What role does international market access play in this?

International market access is much more complex today than it was a few years ago. In addition to regulatory requirements, different technical standards, legal frameworks and national certification programs have to be taken into account. Markets such as Europe, North America and Asia have very different requirements for products and their components. If these differences are underestimated, this can lead to considerable delays or even the exclusion of individual markets. A clearly defined approval strategy is therefore an essential prerequisite for sustainable international growth.

You say that global market access does not start in sales, but in development. What does that mean for designers and developers?

Designers and developers determine at an early stage which markets can be served with a product. The selection of components with a limited or no range of approvals can significantly restrict market access. Conversely, connection solutions with international approvals, for example for Europe, North America and selected Asian markets, allow for significantly greater flexibility. Target markets, relevant standards and regulatory requirements should therefore be defined at the start of development. Subsequent adaptation is usually much more complex.

Which international product approvals are particularly relevant from your point of view?

This depends heavily on the respective target market. In Europe, CE marking, UKCA for the UK market and certifications such as VDE or DNV play a role. For the Eurasian region, EAC certification is relevant, which comprises different programs depending on the product category. In North America, UL and CSA approvals are relevant, whereby a distinction is made between applications in ordinary locations and hazardous locations. In Asia, there are also specific national programs, such as CCC in China or KCs certifications in South Korea. It is crucial not to view these requirements in isolation, but to embed them in an overarching approval strategy.

That sounds like a lot of complexity. Where do you see the biggest challenges for manufacturers?

A key challenge is the dynamic nature of regulatory requirements. Standards and certification programs are constantly evolving, and testing procedures, labels and documentation requirements vary considerably depending on the market. There are also regional peculiarities, such as the need for local representatives or additional factory inspections. Without sound technical and regulatory expertise, this can quickly lead to poor decisions. This makes it all the more important to create transparency about relevant requirements at an early stage.

What role does Hummel play in this context?

As a manufacturer of cable glands and circular connectors for a wide range of applications, we have been working intensively on international product approvals for many years. Our solutions are used in industrial applications, shipping and potentially explosive atmospheres, among others. The requirements for conformity to standards and safety are correspondingly high. We also pass on this knowledge, for example in specialist presentations and webinars in which we highlight approval strategies, regional particularities and current developments.

Another aspect is standardization. Is this still sufficient today to serve international markets?

International standards, such as those based on IEC standards, are an important basis and make market access considerably easier. However, they are no substitute for taking national requirements into account. Although many countries build on international standards, they supplement them with their own certification programs or additional tests. Successful global market access therefore requires both: a solid foundation of international standards and a detailed understanding of the respective national regulations.

What advice do you have for companies that want to secure their long-term competitiveness?

Companies should see product approvals as an integral part of their product and development strategy. An early examination of target markets, regulatory requirements and technical standards increases planning security, reduces risks and accelerates market entry. In view of increasing regulatory complexity, proactive information procurement is more important today than ever before.

Thank you very much for the interview.