General Merchandise

Managing compliance, market access and sustainability in the general merchandise and hardline goods industry

Retailers, private labels and manufacturers of general merchandise and hardline goods can face challenges in assessing safety, quality and performance of a wide range of items, from household and kitchen utensils to candles, from eyewear to small appliances.

Requirements for each product category vary and, above all, chemical regulations for consumer products are on the rise. In this scenario, maintaining high-quality products that meet legislation requirements reduces the probability of product recalls, increases customer satisfaction and improves manufacturing efficiencies.

In addition, global companies have recognized an unprecedented sense of urgency to address the climate and pollution crisis. Sustainability is no longer a “nice to have” but a necessity. Critical risks are increasing — also related to supply chains’ adaptation to new needs and a new concept of quality.

UL Solutions can support your products throughout the life cycle from the design phase to store shelves. With extensive experience in chemical and performance testing, quality assurance, and upstream and sustainability services, we offer end-to-end support for your business.

Add to that our status as a global leader in the field of electrical and electronics testing and certification services as well as battery safety testing and certification, UL Solutions is your ideal strategic partner.

The general merchandise and hardline product categories we serve

Our global team of experts understands the increasing complexities of launching general merchandise and hardline goods on the global market. We are in daily contact with manufacturers, brands, retailers and industry associations.

Our professionals actively participate in working groups and technical committees for general merchandise and hard goods standards development and updates so we can anticipate new requirements and keep you one step ahead.

Learn more about how we can support your business in a multitude of product categories, including:

General merchandise and hardline goods testing and services

UL Solutions experts can support your business with comprehensive quality assurance services. We help you confirm compliance with global consumer products and chemical legislation and requirements defined by standards organizations such as UL, ANSI, ASTM, BIFMA, BS, DIN, EN, ISO and UNI.

We support the development of general merchandise and hardline goods testing protocols tailored to retailer-specific needs that extend beyond industry standards.

Moreover, UL Solutions offers innovative services and sustainability resources for products.

Communicate your sustainability efforts

Embarking on a journey toward sustainability can help you:

• Mitigate risks of unsubstantiated claims and defend against greenwashing.
• Enhance your brand and increase your competitive advantage.
• Increase productivity and reduce costs — more sustainable business practices bring more efficiency to operations.
• Minimize your carbon footprint and improve your energy efficiency to become a greener company.

Companies work hard to verify their compliance with market requirements globally; now, they also have to think about how to contribute to a greener and more sustainable future, structure their brand sustainability strategy based on key goals, and set up protocols for themselves and their entire supply chain.

UL Solutions can serve as your strategic partner while you work to reduce your environmental impact and demonstrate your commitment through the products and the processes supporting your business.