General Coverage Luminaries Scheme

Lighting manufacturers need certification pathways that keep pace with rapid product innovation. The General Coverage Luminaries Scheme enables faster, more efficient certification by allowing new series models to be added to an existing license through technical evaluation rather than full testing. This approach supports product families built on shared, pre-approved components and design structures, helping manufacturers scale with confidence.

TÜV Rheinland supports you throughout the entire certification cycle - from evaluating technical documentation and guiding you through program requirements to training your team, and ensuring production-line compliance. Our experts streamline evaluations, eliminate certification bottlenecks, and provide the clarity and assurance needed to expand your product portfolio while maintaining safety and regulatory integrity.

• General Coverage Program Management: Add additional series or variants to an existing certification license through technical evaluation instead of full testing.
• Deliverables when customer enters the GCM Scheme
  • NRTL Certification: Assess luminaires to UL and CSA safety standards and certify products under the General Coverage framework.
  • Certification Mark Approval: Authorize compliant products to carry TÜV Rheinland’s marks recognized across the U.S. and Canadian markets.
  • Manufacturer Training: Train designated Technical Representatives to correctly build and document products within the approved scope of the scheme.
  • Factory Inspections & Process Verification: Evaluate production processes to ensure continued compliance with design files, approved components, and GC program requirements.
  • Periodic Audits: Conduct scheduled assessments to confirm that production units align with certified designs and meet all applicable safety requirements.

As manufacturers scale, having a reliable certification partner becomes essential. We act as your compliance partner throughout the entire certification lifecycle - supporting evaluation, documentation, approvals, and factory assurance. Our goal is to help you grow your product portfolio quickly and confidently while maintaining complete regulatory compliance.

• Reduced Testing Costs: Eliminates the need for full testing for every new model or variant within the same family.
• Accelerated Market Entry: Add series models quickly through technical review rather than retesting.
• Scalable Certification: Efficiently expand product families without restarting the certification process.
• Consistent Quality Oversight: Factory audits ensure production maintains required safety and compliance standards.
• Design Flexibility: Ideal for product lines using shared components and design structures.
• Regulatory & Market Access: Seamless compliance for U.S. and Canadian markets.

• UL 1598 / CSA 22.2 No. 250.0 – Luminaires
  Covers safety requirements for Wall and Suspended Lighting products. TÜV Rheinland evaluates your luminaire designs, components, and construction to confirm compliance and support certification under the General Coverage Scheme.
• UL 153 / CSA 22.2 No. 250.4 – Portable Luminaires
  Defines safety criteria for portable lighting such as table lamps, and floor lamps. TÜV Rheinland reviews product design, materials, and electrical safety features to verify compliance for the U.S. and Canadian markets.

• Cost-Effective Certification: Reduce testing volume and overall certification costs.
• Fastest Turnaround Times: Accelerated evaluations help you launch and scale more quickly.
• Direct Access to U.S. & Canadian Markets: Streamlined pathways for regulatory acceptance and market entry.
• Free NRTL Certification Rollover: Transfer existing NRTL certifications to TÜV Rheinland at no additional cost.
• Trusted Global Expertise: Backed by internationally recognized audits, experience, and compliance infrastructure.
• Partner-Focused Support: We provide guidance, documentation assistance, and ongoing factory oversight to maintain valid, efficient certifications.

• General Coverage Program enabling new series additions without testing
• Cost-effective certification with rapid turnaround
• Accelerated expansion into U.S. and Canadian markets
• Free rollover of existing NRTL certifications

The General Coverage Luminaries Scheme provides a faster, scalable, and cost-efficient pathway to certification, helping you expand your lighting portfolio with confidence. With TÜV Rheinland as your trusted compliance partner, you gain expertise, support, and assurance to access the U.S. and Canadian markets efficiently.

Ready to streamline your certification process? Contact our team today to learn how we can help accelerate your market entry and strengthen your compliance strategy.