In the globalised world, where everything has gone global, you’ll find your switchboards being exported internationally and opening doors to markets on the most core essentials to grow and boost business. This paper takes you through some of the most critical steps when exporting switchboards across borders, majorly focusing on standards compliance, such as AS/NZS 61439, market research, and best practices customized for the global market.
Awareness about Fundamentals of Export
Export refers to the selling of merchandise, for example switchboards, to other countries of customers. It is indeed a carefully planned approach using sufficient market research, full compliance with international requirements and proper marketing of every marketplace.
Why Switchboards?
Switchboards play a critical role in distributing electricity power in most industries worldwide, and they are highly exportable goods. The international demand gives the business opportunities to reach beyond their local markets.
Steps for Successful Export
Market Research and Product Selection
- Study the demands of countries and competition, regulations on switchboards.
- Determine how your switchboards meet the requirements and needs of the local market of all the countries that you intend to export into.
Export Plan
- Specify what you intend to attain through international switchboard export.
- Identify market areas, pricing, and all legal considerations regarding the sale of switchboards.
Implement Export-Ready Infrastructure
- Ensure that your operations are geared for the fulfillment of international demand for switchboards.
- Logistics and fulfillment of certifications to export.
Adherence and Documentation
- All papers of export licenses and other regulatory documents shall be accessible to back up each export transaction.
- All obligations of compliance under local and international laws that are applicable towards switchboard exports shall be complied with.
Pricing and Terms of Sale
- All costs associated with switchboard exports including shipping, and tariffs shall be covered.
- Payment options and the responsibility shall be clearly stipulated and assigned for all international transactions.
Marketing and Promotion
Tailor the switchboard marketing strategy to the cultures of markets targeted and regional advertising media.
Export Financing and Insurance
- Identify any export-specific loans or grants for switchboard exporters.
- Insure your shipments of switchboards against possible risks during their international transit.
AS/NZS 61439 Compliance
What are AS/NZS 61439 Standards?
These standards are meant for low voltage switchgear and control gear assemblies in Australia and New Zealand. They ensure safety, interoperability, and compatibility of products exported to those countries.
Main Elements of AS/NZS 61439
- Specifications guidelines at the time of tendering. Useful for overseas tenders.
- General rules for all assemblies. Very important for export market compliance.
- Specific requirements for different kinds of assemblies and systems. Global compatibility is ensured.
Compliance Requirements
- New assembly should be in compliance with AS/NZS 61439 or older AS/NZS 3439 standards especially for export.
- Modifications to existing assemblies should be within the parameters of the original design for it to be compliant in the international markets.
Manufacturing Process
Design and Construction
The switchboards should have quality and reliability for it to be compliant with the international standard.
Testing
Ensure that the switchboard operates under the conditions prevalent in the target export markets.
Major International Switchboard Manufacturers
- Electronic Power Design (EPD) – Long-established leaders in the energy systems that have been catering to international clients for more than 35 years.
- Schneider Electric – Low-voltage switchboards of high quality with even a stronger export presence.
- ABB Ltd. – Digital switchboards innovation that meets the global market.
- Eaton Corporation – Sustainable energy solutions appealing to the environmentally conscious international buyers.
- Siemens AG – Smart switchboards with IoT connectivity, which is apt for the needs of the tech-savvy global market.
Things to Look for When Selecting a Manufacturer
- Product Quality: Will the switchboard be reliable and safe to use internationally?
- Customer Support: How responsive is the manufacturer to international requests?
- Innovation: Does the manufacturer follow technological change and global market influence?
Export Switchboards Issues
- Rival Competition: Know how your competitors are doing in the international switchboard market.
- Compliance with Regulatory Policies: Keep moving according to the changes in policies within various countries.
- Sustainability Issues: Ensure safe, eco-friendly manufacturing practices to meet your international customers’ expectations.
We design and manufacture high-quality switchboards. Contact us today to discuss your requirements and get started!