Que: Please briefly describe the mission and vision of UL Standards & Engagement. How does the organisation aim to systematically impact public safety through standards development?

Ans: UL Standards & Engagement is working for a safer, more sustainable world through safety science in action, all while striving to be the world’s leading safety science research and standards development organisation.

We ensure that new ideas are explored and implemented with safety at their center, and enable the development of standards and policies that play an essential role in saving lives and preventing injuries across the globe.

Que: What are the main categories or areas covered by UL standards? How many standards have been developed to date?

Ans: Since 1903, we have developed nearly 1,700 standards and guidance documents for products ranging from fire doors to autonomous vehicles.

We develop standards through a consensus process, which means bringing together the best and brightest minds on a particular topic or product to consider safety from all angles.

Que: Could you outline the organisation’s process for developing and updating standards? How do you ensure that industry best practices and the latest research are incorporated into your standards?

Ans: The development and maintenance of our library of safety standards relies on the input of diverse groups of experts representing a broad range of perspectives and interests, including consumers, manufacturers, AHJs/regulators, supply chain professionals, international delegates and more. These technical committee members review proposals for new or revised standards and work together to achieve consensus through balloting in a fair and transparent process accredited in the United States by ANSI, in Canada by the Standards Council of Canada and authorized in Mexico by the Dirección General de Normas.

More than 4,000 experts from manufacturers, government, nonprofits, academia, and more make up our technical committees. Members come from more than 30 countries — and 20 percent of our membership is international. The variety of expertise and perspective shapes a comprehensive standard that makes products and systems safer.

Que: Given the growing significance of the EV industry in India, can you share your organisation's plans or strategies to collaborate with Indian stakeholders, government agencies, and industry players to foster a safe, secure, and sustainable EV ecosystem in

Ans: We firmly believe that successful collaboration is the cornerstone of progress, and it is our intention to leverage our power to engage with stakeholders, including government agencies, industry leaders, and other leading organisations. ULSE is committed to ensuring EV safety in India through a long-term strategy and a clear plan for action.

During our first year, we will focus on batteries, EV components, charging infrastructure and cars. As part of our efforts, we released ULSE’s ‘Safety Guidelines for Safe Electric Vehicles in India’ for stakeholder review. These guidelines aim to ensure the safety of electric vehicles, their components, and charging infrastructure. The standards encompass aspects such as battery safety, electrical safety, and fire safety, to help foster consumer confidence in EVs.


With the support of our partners, we hope to turn these recommendations into actionable results and enable the creation of a safer, more sustainable industry for all.

Our second year, ULSE will focus on large trucks, buses, and heavy-duty vehicles and evolve global standards through convening and collaborating with stakeholders across the world, including our partners in India.

Our third year, we will shift our attention to hydrogen fuel cell safety and continue to work toward making the world a safer, more secure and sustainable place through energy safety.

We will look to our partners in India throughout this process to be intricately involved in shaping these standards by participating on our technical committees and ensuring ongoing collaboration to help pave the way for a safer and greener world.

Que: How does your organisation intend to leverage knowledge-sharing platforms like roundtable discussions and focused working group meetings to develop actionable outcomes that enhance safety and innovation within the EV sector?

Ans: One of our guiding principles is collaboration in standards development. By bringing together experts from diverse industry sectors, we create an environment that harnesses collective expertise. This collaborative approach ensures the development of comprehensive standards and also encourages broad industry adoption, benefiting consumers, manufacturers, and regulators alike.

Through initiatives such as roundtable discussions, focused working group meetings, and convenings, we assemble a wide range of stakeholders to facilitate information exchange, collaborative problem-solving, policy development and solution-driven outcomes that enhance safety and innovation in the EV sector.

These knowledge-sharing opportunities not only foster collaboration, innovation, and research, but are also instrumental in shaping a safer and more innovative future for the electric vehicle industry and beyond.

Que: Can you provide examples of instances where your standards have significantly impacted public safety? How do you measure and evaluate the effectiveness of the standards in achieving their intended safety goals?

Ans: In March 2023, New York City passed a bill mandating that e-bikes adhere to three UL standards: UL 2849 for e-bikes, UL 2272 for personal e-mobility devices, and UL 2271 for lithium-ion batteries in e-mobility devices. This crucial move toward stricter safety standards for e-bikes, particularly in a bustling metropolitan center like NYC, promises a substantial reduction in fire incidents within the city. It also provides heightened safety for both e-bike riders and residents alike, underscoring the essential role of ULSE in shaping safer and more reliable technologies. This marks an important first step toward the wider adoption of enhanced safety protocols, addressing pressing concerns like the safety of lithium-ion batteries.

Que: How does UL Standards & Engagement plan to contribute to the adoption of international benchmarks and best practices in the context of policy-level implementation?

Ans: At UL Standards & Engagement, we prioritise fostering global collaboration in standards development. Our strategy aims to boost international cooperation, improve established standards' adoption, and enhance safety standards worldwide.

We convene influential stakeholders from various sectors (industry, government, consumer groups, standards bodies) in roundtable sessions, similar to our recent efforts in India. These gatherings aim to create a clear roadmap for reliable safety standards.

We actively contribute to international standards development by sharing research, innovative ideas, and safety information, with the overarching goal of raising global safety standards.

We establish cooperative partnerships with national and regional standards organisations worldwide. These partnerships help us address emerging issues, understand partners' safety priorities, engage new participants, and develop inclusive safety requirements for stakeholders.

UL Standards & Engagement also forges partnerships to ensure our safety recommendations reach policymakers and decision-makers. This helps protect and educate communities and advocate for safety standards.

Que: Could you highlight any specific strategies or initiatives aimed at aligning Indian EV regulations and standards with global standards, and what role do you see your organisation playing in this process?

Ans: Part of our global standards strategy involves close collaboration with local regulators and industry stakeholders to address shared concerns and tailor standards to specific regional requirements. Promoting international involvement in regional standards development aligns with global norms and helps us identify emerging issues in our ever-changing world.

Through various partnerships and ongoing information sharing, we facilitate stakeholder participation in regional EV standards development and solicit their input on critical regional, national, and global matters.

By learning from our partners about emerging hazards and technologies, we continually enhance our standards to align with the evolving EV landscape. Furthermore, we connect our regional partners with UL Research Institutes and UL Solutions, promoting innovation and progress in the EV sector beyond standards development.

Que: Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives you would like to highlight in the pipeline? How do these align with your organisation's mission and vision?

Ans: Following our successful conference in India on August 22-23, we are planning to hold two additional regional roundtables in Chennai and Mumbai in November 2023 to collect input from stakeholders in these regions and present our findings and recommendations.

Que: How can external organisations, experts, academia, and industries get involved or collaborate with UL Standards & Engagement on future projects?

Ans: There are numerous ways for interested parties to engage and collaborate with UL Standards & Engagement. Depending on your area of expertise, you can consider joining our technical committees, which consist of over 4,000 experts from various backgrounds, including manufacturers, government, nonprofits, and academia. These committees play a crucial role in shaping product safety standards worldwide, with members hailing from all corners of the globe.

In addition to becoming a technical committee member, stakeholders also have the opportunity to propose changes to current standards, provide comments on proposed standards, and actively participate in the development of safety standards.

We also forge partnerships with like-minded organisations, including non-profits dedicated to safety and quality products. These collaborations help amplify our efforts through their channels and promote products that have undergone rigorous testing, ensuring their safety for consumers.