If you’re a cable harness manufacturer in India aiming to sell your products globally, you already know how competitive and quality-sensitive international markets are. Whether you’re supplying cable harness assemblies for EVs, medical devices, or industrial automation, your product must meet strict international standards. And the key to that? Certifications.
Getting the right certifications not only proves your product’s quality but also builds trust with overseas buyers and avoids delays at customs. In this blog, let’s walk you through the five must-have certifications for making your cable harness assembly export-ready, especially for markets like the EU, US, and beyond.
1. ISO 9001 – Quality Management System
Let’s start with the most essential and widely recognised certification – ISO 9001. This is a global standard for quality management systems and is crucial for any manufacturing business, especially in electronics and cable harnessing.
Why it matters:
- It shows that your production process is consistent and well-documented.
- It reduces the chances of defects in cable harness assembly.
- International buyers often ask for ISO 9001 certification before even considering a quote.
According to the International Organization for Standardization, over 1 million companies globally are ISO 9001 certified. In India, this certification is often the first step for MSMEs looking to scale up exports.
For Cable Harness Assemblies:
A certified process means accurate wire cutting, secure crimping, proper insulation, and reliable testing – all of which are vital in a cable harness.
2. IPC/WHMA-A-620 – Acceptability of Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies
If you’re looking to supply high-reliability cable harness assemblies to sectors like aerospace, defence, medical, or automotive, IPC/WHMA-A-620 certification is a must-have.
This certification is jointly developed by IPC (Association Connecting Electronics Industries) and WHMA (Wire Harness Manufacturers Association) and is globally accepted for quality and reliability in wire and cable harness assemblies.
Key Benefits:
- Defines acceptance criteria for soldering, crimping, wire preparation, and more.
- Provides standards for Class 1 (general), Class 2 (industrial), and Class 3 (critical applications like aerospace).
- Ensure your harnesses are ready for rugged environments.
For a cable harness manufacturer in India, getting IPC certified technicians or IPC-certified trainers onboard can significantly boost business with global OEMs.
3. CE Marking – Mandatory for Export to Europe
The CE mark is not exactly a certification—it’s a declaration by the manufacturer that their product meets all EU safety, health, and environmental protection requirements.
If your cable harness assemblies are part of any electrical equipment being exported to Europe, CE compliance is mandatory.
Important Points:
- Applies to products under EU directives like Low Voltage Directive (LVD) or EMC Directive.
- Self-certification is allowed for non-critical components, but it must be backed by proper documentation.
- For complex systems, third-party conformity assessment may be needed.
For Indian manufacturers, getting help from a local certification consultant or partner testing lab can simplify CE compliance.
4. RoHS & REACH Compliance – Environmental and Chemical Safety
With increasing global focus on sustainability and health, two certifications have become must-haves for electronics and cable harnesses – RoHS and REACH.
What is RoHS?
RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) limits the use of 10 restricted substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium in electrical and electronic products.
What is REACH?
REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) regulates chemical substances to protect human health and the environment.
Why It Matters for Cable Harness Assemblies:
- Your insulation, jackets, tubing, and connectors must be free from restricted materials.
- Necessary for selling to markets in Europe, the UK, and even the US in some sectors.
Many global brands refuse to buy cable harness assemblies that don’t meet RoHS/REACH compliance. If you’re serious about exports, this is non-negotiable.
5. UL Certification – For US and Canadian Markets
UL (Underwriters Laboratories) is a safety certification organization based in the US. UL certification is mandatory for cable harness assemblies used in products sold in the United States and Canada.
Common UL standards for cable harnesses:
- UL 758 – For appliance wiring material
- UL 62 – For flexible cords and cables
Benefits:
- Confirms the flame resistance, dielectric strength, and durability of your wires and cables.
- Helps you list your harnesses in UL’s database, which US OEMs often check.
- Avoids delays during import inspections or customer audits.
Indian cable harness manufacturers who are UL certified often command premium pricing and better contract opportunities in North America.
Bonus Certifications That Add Competitive Edge
Depending on your target sector, these additional certifications can give your brand a serious boost:
ISO 13485 – For Medical Devices
Required if your cable harnesses are used in diagnostic machines, infusion pumps, or surgical tools.
IATF 16949 – For Automotive
Essential if you want to supply to auto OEMs like Tata, Maruti, or global Tier 1 suppliers.
CSA and CCC – For Canada and China respectively
Needed if you’re exporting to these specific markets.
How to Get Certified in India
Getting certified might sound complex, but there are many Indian certification consultants and bodies to guide you. Here’s a basic process:
- Gap Analysis – Audit your current systems.
- Training – Train your team as per certification standards.
- Documentation – Prepare manuals, SOPs, process flows.
- Third-Party Audit – Conducted by authorized agencies.
- Certification – Receive the certificate if compliant.
Some government schemes under MSME and Make in India even provide reimbursement for certification expenses.
Why Indian Cable Harness Manufacturers Must Prioritise Certification
India is already becoming a global supplier for electrical and electronic components. According to the Ministry of Electronics and IT, electronics exports from India crossed INR 1.85 lakh crore in FY 2023-24, with a major share from automotive and industrial components.
For a cable harness manufacturer, certifications open doors to:
- High-value export orders
- Long-term OEM contracts
- Entry into regulated sectors like medical and defence
- Brand credibility and customer trust
Conclusion
Certifications aren’t just about ticking boxes—they’re your entry pass to global markets. Whether you’re building a small-batch cable harness for a startup EV or a high-end cable harness assembly for an aerospace client, these 5 certifications—ISO 9001, IPC/WHMA-A-620, CE, RoHS/REACH, and UL—are essential.
If you’re a cable harness manufacturer in India dreaming of international success, investing in the right certifications today can transform your business tomorrow.
