Electrical equipment is strictly regulated in the European Union market. In this context, an extremely important role is played by SEMKO, NEMKO, FIMKO and DEMKO – Scandinavian certification institutions whose marks are recognized in Europe. In this article, we will explain what these marks are, what the process of certifying electrical products in Europe looks like, how much it costs, how long it takes, what the advantages of having these certificates are, and the differences between them.
What are SEMKO, NEMKO, FIMKO, and DEMKO?
SEMKO, NEMKO, FIMKO, and DEMKO are institutions that are members of the ENEC (European Norms Electrical Certification) agreement. This means that their certificates are accepted throughout the European Union.
- SEMKO (Svenska Elektriska Materielkontrollanstalten) is a Swedish certification body. Originally independent; now part of Intertek.
- NEMKO (Norges Elektriske Materiellkontroll) is a certification organization in Norway offering testing and inspection services for electrical and electronic equipment.
- FIMKO (Finlands Maskinprovningsanstalt) is Finland’s national certification body, now part of SGS. It is known for its rigorous testing and compliance assessments.
- DEMKO (Danske Elektriske Materialkontrol) is a compliance evaluation organization in Denmark, now part of UL (Underwriters Laboratories).
Why are these certifications important?
Certifications from the above-mentioned organizations confirm that products meet relevant safety standards, which:
- allow legal market access in the EU
- increase consumer trust
- reduce risks related to product liability or recalls.
How does the certification process work?
The European electrical product certification process is largely similar across all four institutions. The process includes the following steps:
- Submission of product and technical documentation.
- Review of product design and labeling.
- Laboratory testing according to EN/IEC standards.
- Factory inspection (for system certifications).
- Issuance of certificate and labeling rights (e.g., NEMKO, FIMKO mark).
- Ongoing periodic audits for long-term validity.
How much does SEMKO, NEMKO, FIMKO, and DEMKO certification cost?
The costs of SEMKO, NEMKO, FIMKO, and DEMKO certification depend mainly on the type of product and the number of tests on the product. Here is an example cost estimate:
- Base certification fee: €1,500 to €5,000
- Laboratory testing: €500 to €2,000
- Factory audits (if needed): €1,000 to €2,500
Therefore, the total cost of such certification is typically €2,000 to €8,000 per product.
How long does it take to get a certification?
The individual stages of the certification process in SEMKO, NEMKO, FIMKO, and DEMKO take about:
- Documentation preparation: 1–2 weeks
- Laboratory testing: 2–6 weeks
- Review and certification issuance: 2–4 weeks.
To sum up, the entire process usually takes 6–12 weeks, unless there are documentation issues or failed test results.
What are the differences between SEMKO, NEMKO, FIMKO, and DEMKO?
| Feature | SEMKO | NEMKO | FIMKO | DEMKO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Country | Sweden | Norway | Finland | Denmark |
| Current organization | Intertek | NEMKO Group | SGS Group | UL |
| Market coverage | Europe, Global | Europe, Asia | Europe | Europe, U.S. |
| Core focus | Electrical, Home | IT, Industrial, Medical | Energy, Home appliances | Electrical, IT |
| Certification recognition | CE, ENEC | CE, ENEC | CE, ENEC | CE, ENEC |
Is SEMKO, NEMKO, FIMKO, and DEMKO certification required?
SEMKO, NEMKO, FIMKO, and DEMKO safety certifications are voluntary. This means that these marks are not required by law.
Why should you get a SEMKO, NEMKO, FIMKO, or DEMKO certification?
SEMKO, NEMKO, FIMKO, and DEMKO are recognized Scandinavian certification bodies that help manufacturers and importers ensure the safety and legality of electrical products. With them, you can be sure that electrical products comply with safety standards and increase the competitiveness of the product.
