Power adapters and mobile chargers are mains-connected products, so electrical safety, EMC and (in several markets) energy-efficiency rules all apply. In the USA, the FCC, the Department of Energy, the CPSC and California's Prop 65 set the legal baseline, and retailers such as Amazon, Walmart and Best Buy usually add NRTL safety listing (UL or ETL) on top.
To import and sell power adapters and chargers in the USA you will typically need:
Each row links to our detailed guide for that scheme. “Conditional” means it depends on the model’s features, packaging or sales channel – we confirm this in the free applicability check.
| Certification | Why it applies to power adapters and chargers | Authority | Mark | Typical timeline | Local representative |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DOE Energy Conservation & ENERGY STAR Mandatory |
External power supplies are DOE-covered products that must meet Level VI efficiency and be certified in CCMS. | U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) / EPA | ENERGY STAR (voluntary) | Varies – ask us | Depends |
| FCC Equipment Authorization (Certification / SDoC) Mandatory |
Switch-mode adapters are unintentional radiators and need FCC Part 15 compliance, normally through SDoC. | Federal Communications Commission (FCC) / TCBs | FCC ID / FCC logo | 2–6 weeks | Yes – US agent / US responsible party |
| UL / ETL Listing (NRTL Safety Certification) Voluntary |
Not a federal law, but retailers, marketplaces and insurers routinely require NRTL listing for adapters. | OSHA-recognised NRTLs (UL Solutions, Intertek ETL, CSA, TÜV) | UL / ETL Listed | 6–12 weeks | No |
| California Proposition 65 Compliance Conditional |
PVC cords and plastics often need screening for listed chemicals before sale in California. | California OEHHA | Prop 65 warning label | 1–3 weeks | No |
Exact standards and editions depend on the model and the scheme; we confirm the test plan before any sample is shipped.
Yes. External power supplies are DOE-covered products that must meet Level VI efficiency and be certified in CCMS. DOE efficiency standards and certification in CCMS are mandatory for covered products such as external power supplies. ENERGY STAR is a voluntary label that retailers often ask for.
The core requirements are DOE / ENERGY STAR, FCC. Depending on the exact model, UL / ETL, Prop 65 may also apply. The table above explains why each one applies.
Often yes. FCC Certification needs a designated US agent for service of process, SDoC needs a US-based responsible party, and CPSC certificates are issued by the US importer. By scheme – DOE / ENERGY STAR: Depends; FCC: Yes – US agent / US responsible party; UL / ETL: No; Prop 65: No.
Typical timelines by scheme: DOE / ENERGY STAR: Varies – ask us; FCC: 2–6 weeks; UL / ETL: 6–12 weeks; Prop 65: 1–3 weeks. Schemes can run in parallel once samples and documents are ready. Send us your model details for a realistic plan.
Usually. FCC accepts reports from FCC-recognised accredited labs worldwide, and NRTLs such as UL and Intertek can often build on existing IEC 62368-1 or CB reports with US national differences. Test to FCC rules from the start rather than converting European radio reports.
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