UK First: Element Achieves Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) Status to Deliver Direct Access to the U.S. Market
London, UK, March 12, 2026: Element, one of the world’s leading providers of laboratory-based testing, inspection and certification services, today announced a major milestone in its global certification capability. Its Skelmersdale, UK, laboratory has been officially recognised by the United States government as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) for Hazardous Locations. This recognition, a first for the UK, authorises Element Skelmersdale to conduct testing and issue NRTL certification for manufacturers seeking access to the U.S. market.
Representing a significant step forward for Element and its customers worldwide, this latest achievement strengthens the company’s ability to support manufacturers of equipment used in explosive and hazardous environments with faster, more streamlined access to critical U.S. certifications.
With this designation, Element Skelmersdale becomes the first and only UK‑based NRTL authorised to issue U.S. certification for hazardous locations directly from within the UK. It is also the first and only UK‑based NRTL able to carry out evaluation, testing, and certification for hazardous locations in a single location, removing the multi‑site process that is typically required across the industry. As a result, manufacturers benefit from a dramatically simplified certification pathway and accelerated routes to market for hazardous‑location products.
Element’s new NRTL status delivers clear and tangible benefits for customers. The laboratory now has full control of the certification process, enabling Element to issue NRTL certification independently without reliance on third‑party certification bodies in the United States. Certification can be issued directly from the UK, significantly reducing turnaround times by eliminating the need to transfer reports overseas for final approval. Greater efficiency and reduced dependency on external laboratories also support improved cost management for manufacturers.
Commenting on the achievement, Fabian Schober, SVP of Element’s Connected Technology & Mobility (CT&M) business unit, said: “Achievements like this underline our long‑term commitment to investing in capabilities that deliver real value for our customers. This recognition reflects the dedication, expertise, and collaboration of teams across our business and within our Skelmersdale laboratory. I want to sincerely thank everyone who contributed.”
Further details on the designation are available via the official announcement in the U.S. Federal Register.
ENDS
About Element Materials Technology
Element is one of the world’s leading providers of laboratory‑based testing services, supporting more than 50,000 customers operating in some of the world’s most technical and highly regulated industries, where failure in use of products, materials, and technologies is not an option. Headquartered in London, UK, Element’s 8,500+ scientists, engineers, and technologists work across a global network of more than 270 laboratories. The company supports customers from early R&D, through complex regulatory approvals, and into production, ensuring products are safe, sustainable, and achieve market access.
For more information about Element, please visit our website, connect with us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
About Element’s Connected Technologies & Mobility Business Unit
Element Connected Technologies & Mobility, a business unit of Element Materials Technology, provides testing, inspection, and certification services for connected devices and mobility solutions. With over 40 specialized laboratories around the world, and designation as an officially recognized Bluetooth Qualification Test Facility (BQTF) in the US, we help manufacturers launch products that meet global standards for connectivity, safety, and performance. Our 1,000+ experts support a wide range of technologies, including consumer electronics, IoT, autonomous vehicles, and medical devices. By combining deep domain knowledge with Element’s global capabilities, we accelerate time-to-market and ensure compliance across increasingly complex regulatory landscapes. For more information, visit: element.com/connected-technologies.
Media Contact:
Kate Aldridge, VP Communications
E: kate.aldridge@element.com
M: +44 7767 705364