The rise in demand for testing, inspection, and certification services is attributed to stringent government regulations aimed at ensuring product safety and environmental protection, the demand for interoperability testing due to IoT adoption, and the surge in trade involving counterfeit and defective goods, particularly in the pharmaceutical segment. Additionally, the growing emphasis on digitalisation to enhance customer experience and the heightened importance placed on food safety and hygiene are expected to drive further expansion of the TIC market in the foreseeable future.

Testing, inspection, and certification services are crucial across various industries, not least the security and access control sector, to ensure compliance with standards and regulations. The adoption of digital technology is a prominent trend among industry leaders like SGS, Intertek, and Bureau Veritas, expected to drive market growth. TIC firms prioritise verifying the security, effectiveness, and safety of products before and after launch, either through lab tests, on-site inspections, or other methods. With expanding global trade and regulatory requirements, coupled with manufacturers' focus on digitalisation, outsourcing of testing, inspection, and certification services is on the rise.

Consumer goods & retail

The dominance of consumer goods & retail application in the TIC market is primarily attributed to several factors. These include stringent regulatory requirements ensuring product safety and quality, increasing consumer awareness and demand for certified products, and the need for compliance with industry standards and regulations. Additionally, the globalisation of supply chains has led to a greater emphasis on quality control and assurance throughout the manufacturing and distribution process, further driving the demand for testing, inspection, and certification services in the consumer goods and retail sector. Moreover, the rise of e-commerce platforms has intensified competition among retailers, leading to a greater focus on product quality and compliance to gain consumer trust and loyalty. Overall, these factors contribute to the significant share of consumer goods & retail application in the TIC market.

North America stands out

The testing, inspection, and certification (TIC) industry in North America is segmented into the US, Canada, and Mexico. The US stands out as a primary consumer goods and retail market, propelling the demand for TIC services in the region. Furthermore, it serves as the headquarters for many global corporations spanning various sectors. The presence of a thriving startup ecosystem also adds to the region's vibrancy. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), involving the US, Canada, and Mexico, significantly influences regional trade dynamics. By facilitating the exchange of goods and services, NAFTA has contributed to economic growth, particularly benefiting Mexico and Canada. Despite challenges, such as renegotiations and trade disputes, NAFTA has played a pivotal role in fostering trade relations among the three nations.

Key players

Some of the key companies that offer testing, inspection, and certification and included in the report include SGS SA (Switzerland), Bureau Veritas (France), Intertek Group plc (UK), Eurofins Scientific (Luxembourg), DEKRA (Germany), TÜV Sud (Germany), DNV GL (Norway), TÜV Rheinland (Germany), Applus+ (Spain), ALS (Australia), TÜV Nord Group (Germany), Lloyd’s Register Group Services Limited (UK), Mistras Group (USA), ASTM (US), Element Materials Technology (UK), and UL LLC (US).