The broader Latin America market is appealing for many manufacturers, but it is important to remember that market access requirements may different from country to country. This means it is often helpful to work with local representatives and an organization with a global understanding of market needs. Though many areas of innovation in the lighting industry may cross borders, local trends and requirements remain significant.

In Technavio’s report, “LED Lighting Market in Brazil 2017-2021,” analysts identified three trends driving the LED market in Brazil: Smart lighting, increasing urban population and smart cities. As smart cities encompass many opportunities in the lighting market, including smarter street lighting options, this trend is worth noting for manufacturers looking for success in the Brazilian market. Further, on February 15, 2017, INMETRO approved the administrative Rule No. 20, 2017, establishing the technical and conformity criteria for street lighting using discharge lamps and LED technology. These requirements apply to the following types of luminaires intended for street lighting:

1. Fixtures with discharge lamps up to 600 W;
2. Fixtures with LED technology.

INMETRO is Brazil’s standards body, and it requires manufacturers and suppliers to have their products tested and certified by a recognized Certification Body, who then apply their own mark as well as the INMETRO seal of approval. INMETRO covers many consumer and industrial products, including electric and medical devices, household appliances, toys, automotive components, tyres, and wheels.

INMETRO, the Brazilian accreditation body, is responsible for the accreditation of each product Certification Body (CB). In addition, INMETRO defines the products and the respective requirements within each respective certification scheme. Products manufactured in or exported to Brazil need a CB-issued certificate, stating that the product meets the Brazilian requirements.

INMETRO Certification compliance has been granted in phases as follows:

Phase 1 – New products marketed in Brazil must be INMETRO certified effective August 17, 2018.

Phase 2 – Products at the warehouse in Brazil without INMETRO certification prior to August 17, 2018 can continue to be marketed by manufacturers and importers until February 17, 2019. After that date, INMETRO certification for those products will be required.

Phase 3 – Products in the market without INMETRO certification prior to August 17, 2018, can continue to be marketed without INMETRO certification until February 17, 2020. After that date, INMETRO certification for those products will be required.