From October through December 2025, our research team analyzed 47 IEC testing laboratories operating across North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. We evaluated these labs using a comprehensive dataset focused on accreditation scope, regulatory recognition, and automation capabilities. Our analysis examined testing speed while measuring global market access across all reviewed laboratories.
Our algorithm weighted five critical factors:
- Accreditation Scope (25%): Coverage of ISO/IEC 17025 and 17065 across RF, EMC, safety, and cybersecurity testing, ensuring consistent quality and reducing vendor fragmentation.
- Regulatory Body Recognition (20%): Direct authority as FCC TCB, ISED FCB, EU Notified Body, or equivalent for immediate certification without local regulator submission.
- Testing Automation & Speed (20%): Automated platforms reduce manual errors, speed reporting, and provide real-time monitoring and provisional results.
- Global Market Access (20%): Participation in MRAs allows multi-market certification without duplicate testing, accelerating international launches.
- Technical Specialization (15%): Expertise in emerging technologies like IoT, 5G/cellular, CBRS, DFS, and EU RED cybersecurity compliance.
We ranked companies using this algorithm to identify top performers in IEC compliance testing. The table below displays our highest-scoring laboratories.
Top IEC Testing Laboratories – 2026
| Rank | Laboratory | ISO/IEC 17025 | Direct Certification Markets | Automated Testing | Global MRA Access | Specialty Focus |
| 1 | MiCOM Labs | Yes (A2LA) | 5 markets | MiTest®, MiCMS®, MiPassport® | Extensive Global Market Capability | RF to 220 GHz, CBRS, DFS, RED Cybersecurity Certification |
| 2 | Nemko | Yes | Multiple | Standard | Extensive | Challenging local markets |
| 3 | CESI (KEMA Labs) | Yes | EU, global | Advanced | Europe, Americas | IEC 61850, substation automation |
| 4 | TÜV Rheinland | Yes | Multiple EU/US | Standard | Global | Broad industrial compliance |
| 5 | Intertek | Yes (33 NRTLs) | ETL, CB Scheme | Standard | 30+ countries | Electrical safety, hazardous locations |
| 6 | TÜV SÜD | Yes | Multiple EU/US | Standard | Global | IEC 61850, IED testing |
| 7 | SGS | Yes | Multiple | Standard | Global | EMC, RF, automotive |
| 8 | Bureau Veritas | Yes | Multiple | Standard | Global | Connected products, EMC/RF |
1. MiCOM Labs
MiCOM Labs holds direct certification authority as an FCC TCB, ISED FCB, EU RED Notified Body, UK Approved Body, and Japan MIC RCB, enabling certificates to be issued in days rather than weeks. MiTest® automates ISO 17025 RF and wireless testing with real-time data and provisional reports. MiCMS® manages ISO 17065 certification, allowing users to track projects, upload documents, and receive automated estimates. MiPassport® monitors portfolios and alerts users before expirations.
MiCOM Labs participates in APEC MRA Phase I and the US-Mexico MRA, covering nine additional economies. Additionally, test results are recognized by the Indonesian authority DJID (formally SDPPI). Testing spans up to 220 GHz, including CBRS/Winnforum, DFS, EU RED cybersecurity, and A2LA-accredited EMC/EMI testing. Facilities include anechoic, conducted/radiated, and environmental chambers.
- Location: Pleasanton, California (100,000 sq. ft.)
- Founded: 2001 by Gordon Hurst
- Accreditation: A2LA #2381.01 (ISO/IEC 17025), #2381.02 and #2381.03 (ISO/IEC 17065)
| Best For |
| IoT manufacturers, wireless companies, and organizations require fast multi-market certification with real-time monitoring. |
2. Nemko
Nemko operates laboratories across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The organization holds direct capabilities in challenging markets, including Brazil and India, where most foreign labs cannot operate.
Services span safety, EMC, and wireless compliance. Nemko participates in the IECEE CB Scheme, enabling mutual acceptance of test reports across member countries. Pre-compliance services include pre-evaluation, pre-testing, and recommendations for international approval. Laboratory equipment testing follows IEC 61010 for measuring instruments and control equipment. The global footprint enables local testing in most major markets.
- Location: Oslo, Norway
- Founded: 1933
- Accreditation: ISO/IEC 17025
| Best For |
| Manufacturers requiring direct access to Brazil, India, and other markets with mandatory local testing requirements. |
3. CESI (KEMA Labs)
CESI operates KEMA Labs worldwide, specializing in testing electrical power equipment. The UCA International Users Group recognizes it for IEC 61850 protocol conformance testing.
IEC 61850 services include protocol testing (MMS, GOOSE, Sampled Values), interoperability, performance analysis, and SCL file verification. Facilities feature high-voltage labs, transformer bays, seismic chambers, and synthetic test equipment. KEMA performs type, prequalification, and routine testing for circuit breakers, transformers, cables, and surge arresters. Engineers contribute to IEC committees, and KEMA issues CB Scheme certificates that are internationally accepted.
- Location: Milan, Italy
- Founded: 1956
- Accreditation: ISO/IEC 17025, UCAIug recognized
| Best For |
| Power equipment manufacturers, utilities, and companies are deploying IEC 61850-compliant substation automation systems. |
4. TÜV Rheinland
TÜV Rheinland operates over 500 laboratories across 65 countries. IEC compliance testing covers safety (IEC 60950, IEC 62368), EMC (IEC 61000 series), and performance standards.
TÜV Rheinland holds notified body status under multiple EU directives, enabling CE marking certification. The lab participates in the CB Scheme for international acceptance. Material testing services evaluate insulation, coatings, and component reliability. Environmental simulation chambers conduct testing for temperature, humidity, altitude, and vibration.
- Location: Cologne, Germany
- Founded: 1872
- Accreditation: ISO/IEC 17025, multiple notified body designations
| Best For |
| Manufacturers requiring European market access with a recognized German testing heritage. |
5. Intertek
Intertek operates as a National Certification Body for the IECEE CB Scheme, issuing CB certificates accepted in over 30 countries. The ETL Listed Mark provides NRTL certification for North American markets. Electrical safety testing covers IEC 60950-1 (replaced by IEC 62368-1), IEC 60335 (household appliances), and IEC 61010 (measuring equipment).
Hazardous location testing follows IECEx and ATEX standards for equipment used in explosive atmospheres. The Global Market Access program manages multi-country certification from a single point of contact.
- Location: London, United Kingdom
- Facilities: 33 NRTLs across North America, Europe, Asia
- Accreditation: ISO/IEC 17025 at multiple locations
| Best For |
| Consumer electronics, appliances, and industrial equipment require broad multi-market certification under the ETL brand. |
6. TÜV SÜD
TÜV SÜD provides IEC testing for electrical equipment, machinery, and functional safety applications. IEC 61850 testing certifies IEDs and system configurations for substation automation, validating protocol implementation and the accuracy of configuration files. Functional safety testing covers IEC 61508 (general functional safety), IEC 61511 (process industry), and IEC 62061 (machinery).
TÜV SÜD participates in the CB Scheme and holds multiple notified body designations. The organization maintains strong relationships with German industry and European regulators.
- Location: Munich, Germany
- Founded: 1866
- Accreditation: ISO/IEC 17025
| Best For |
| Industrial equipment manufacturers and companies requiring functional safety or cybersecurity certification under IEC standards. |
7. SGS
SGS operates laboratories worldwide, including a recent EMC/RF expansion in San Diego. EMC testing covers radiated and conducted emissions following CISPR standards, harmonic current emissions (IEC 61000-3-2), voltage fluctuations (IEC 61000-3-3), and immunity testing.
Semi-anechoic chambers accommodate various product sizes. Automotive EMC testing follows CISPR 25 and ISO 11452 standards. SGS participates in international type approval programs, coordinating certification across multiple markets.
- Location: Geneva, Switzerland
- Founded: 1878
- Accreditation: ISO/IEC 17025, multiple notified body designations
| Best For |
| Consumer electronics and automotive component manufacturers require EMC testing and international type-approval coordination. |
8. Bureau Veritas
Bureau Veritas provides testing, inspection, and certification across industries. EMC and RF testing capabilities cover wireless transmission and electromagnetic compatibility. Recent expansion through Hi Physix Laboratory India Pvt. Ltd. establishes EMI/EMC facilities in India.
The lab participates in WinnForum CBRS certification programs, testing Citizens Broadband Radio Service devices. Cybersecurity assessments evaluate connected products for vulnerability management, data protection, and secure communications.
- Location: Paris, France
- Founded: 1828
- Accreditation: ISO/IEC 17025
| Best For |
| IoT manufacturers and connected product companies require combined EMC, RF, and cybersecurity testing. |
Best for Technical Capabilities & Automation
These labs lead the industry in technical expertise and automated testing capabilities.
| Rank | Laboratory |
| 1 | MiCOM Labs |
| 2 | CESI (KEMA Labs) |
| 3 | TÜV Rheinland |
| 4 | Intertek |
Best for Direct Certification Authority
These labs offer the strongest direct certification authority across major markets.
| Rank | Laboratory |
| 1 | TÜV Rheinland |
| 2 | MiCOM Labs |
| 3 | Intertek |
| 4 | CESI (KEMA Labs) |
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