What Is the Certificate?
INMETRO is Brazil's metrology, standardisation and industrial quality body. It runs a mandatory certification regime for products within scope. The process is carried out by a certification body accredited in Brazil (OCP) and includes testing at laboratories in Brazil; a factory audit and periodic market-sample checks are also part of the regime.
Who Needs It?
- Those exporting electrical products, toys and automotive parts to Brazil
- Manufacturers of personal protective equipment
- Firms selling through an importer in Brazil
Is It Mandatory?
Mandatory for products on the scope list; an uncertified product cannot be imported or sold. The application is made through a legal entity based in Brazil (importer or local company). Testing at accredited laboratories in Brazil is usually required.
Scope of the Standard
- Determining whether the product is on INMETRO's mandatory-certification list
- Determining the applicable Brazilian standard (ABNT NBR)
- Testing at an accredited laboratory
- Factory audit and assessment of production control
- Certification and obtaining the INMETRO registration number
- Portuguese-language label and instructions-for-use requirements
- Periodic follow-up audits and market-sample testing
Certification Process
- 1Application and Product DescriptionThe product family, model list, technical specifications and target market are determined. The applicable standard and certification route become clear at this step.
- 2Technical File ReviewDesign documents, the bill of materials, critical-component certificates and the instructions for use are examined.
- 3Product TestingThe tests the relevant standard requires are carried out. The test report is the fundamental basis for the certification decision.
- 4Factory AuditIf the scheme requires it, the continuity of manufacturing and factory production control (FPC) are verified on site.
- 5Issuing the Certificate and MarkingOnce conformity is verified, the certificate is issued; the marking rules for the product and packaging are applied.
- 6Follow-up AuditsDepending on the scheme, periodic factory audits and/or follow-up testing on samples taken from the market are carried out.
Period of Validity
The validity period varies by scheme: some product certificates are indefinite and rely on periodic factory audits, while some schemes (e.g. country market marks) require annual or per-shipment renewal. Every design change to the product requires the certificate to be reviewed.
Required Documents
- The list of product models and variants
- Technical drawings, diagrams and the bill of materials
- Certificates for critical components
- The instructions for use and a sample label
- Existing test reports, if any
- Production-site details
Certification Cost
There is no fixed list price; the cost is calculated based on the following variables and provided in writing in the quote.
- The number of models and variants in the product family
- The test scope the applicable standard requires
- Whether a factory audit is required
- The number of target markets and whether each requires separate testing
- Whether existing test reports can be accepted
Accreditation
Product certification is carried out under ISO/IEC 17065; The tests that form the basis for certification are carried out in laboratories with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. The two scopes are separate. Recognition between accreditation bodies is provided through IAF and ILAC agreements.
The scope under which this scheme can be offered varies according to your product and activity; it is confirmed in writing at the quote stage.
Scope and authorisationsRelated Certifications
Frequently Asked Questions
Are my overseas test reports accepted?
Generally not accepted, or only partially. INMETRO schemes mostly require testing at an accredited laboratory in Brazil. Because the acceptance conditions vary by product group, this should be clarified at the start of the process.

