How to Pick The Right

Certifications for Sealing Machines

If you’re shopping for a sealing machine—whether for bubble tea, food packaging, or anything in between—you’ve probably come across terms like CE, CUL, or UL EPH (NSF). These aren’t just buzzwords. They’re official certifications that can make or break your business depending on where you operate.

In short: The right certification = smooth approvals, legal compliance, and customer trust.
The wrong one? Potential fines, delays at customs, or your equipment getting rejected altogether.

Know Your Certification

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• CE– Required in Europe. Covers safety, health, and environmental protection.
• CUL– Required in Canada and accepted in many U.S. states. Covers electrical and fire safety.
• UL EPH (NSF)– The strictest U.S. standard, especially for anything that touches food. If you’re unsure what you need, go with this one.

Not sure which to choose?
Contact your local health department—or reach out to us. We’ll send you spec sheets to make it easy.

CE Certification: Your Ticket to Europe

What it means:
CE stands for Conformité Européenne, and it means your sealing machine meets EU safety and environmental standards.

Why it matters:
No CE = no sales in the European Economic Area. It’s that simple.

What it involves:

• Meeting EU regulations
• Passing relevant tests
• Creating a technical file
• Properly placing the CE label

Best for:Businesses selling to European markets or operating within the EU.

CUL Certification: For Canada (and Parts of the U.S.)

What it means:
CUL stands for Canadian Underwriters Laboratories. It confirms that your equipment meets Canadian safety standards—particularly around electrical systems.

How it compares to UL:

• UL = U.S. version
• CUL = Canadian version
  Both come from Underwriters Laboratories but are tailored to their respective countries.

Best for:
Businesses operating in Canada or North America more broadly.

UL EPH (NSF): Top-Tier Food Safety

What it means:
UL EPH used to be a standalone certification for food equipment. Now it’s aligned with NSF International, the gold standard in food safety certifications.

Why it matters:
This certification proves your machine is safe for direct food contact. It’s required by many local health departments and food service regulators.

Best for:
Any machine that seals or packages food and drinks—think bubble tea, meal trays, frozen food, etc.

Comparing Certifications

Why Certifications Matter (Beyond Just Compliance)

• Customs & Imports:Uncertified machines can get stuck—or rejected entirely.
• Health Inspections:Machines without proper food safety certs can be shut down.
• Insurance:Some providers won’t even cover non-certified equipment.
• Customer Trust:Certifications show professionalism and credibility.

Common Myths—Busted

Myth: “One certification covers every market.”
Truth: You need the right one for each region.

Myth: “Only big companies need certifications.”
Truth: If you sell to the public, certifications are essential—no matter your size.

Real-World Examples

Let’s say you’re importing sealing machines from Asia:

• Want to sell in Germany? → CEis non-negotiable.
• Targeting Canada? → You’ll need CUL.
• Planning to serve bubble tea in the U.S.? → Go for UL EPH (NSF)to meet food safety standards and pass inspections.

How to Check If a Machine Is Certified

• Look for certification logos (CE, UL, NSF) on the product or in the manual.
• Ask the supplier for proof (like test reports or certificates).
• Verify serial numbers through the certifying body’s website when possible.

Final Thoughts

Certifications like CE, CUL, and UL EPH (NSF) aren’t just legal checkboxes—they’re essential tools to protect your business and earn customer trust. If you’re unsure what you need, go with UL EPH (NSF)—it’s the highest U.S. certification and widely accepted around the world.

Still not sure?
Reach out to us. We’ll help you figure out what certification fits your needs and send you the documentation to make approval easy.

FAQs

1. Which certification is the most important?
   It depends on your location and industry. CE for Europe, CUL for Canada, and UL EPH/NSF for food-related machines in North America.
2. Can I use a non-certified machine for food?
   Technically? Maybe. Legally and safely? Definitely not. It’s risky and could lead to fines or shutdowns.
3. How long does certification take?
   Usually a few weeks to a few months. It depends on the machine and the certifying body.
4. Is CE enough for the U.S.?
   Nope. The U.S. doesn’t recognize CE. You’ll need UL or NSF certifications.
5. Are certified machines more expensive?
   Yes—but for good reason. You’re paying for safety, peace of mind, and easier market access.