NORTHBROOK, Ill. — A major safety science organization, UL, will now accept product submittals of electronic cigarettes for construction evaluation, testing and North American certification.

A testing process numbered UL 8139 will specifically evaluate the safety of the electrical, heating, battery and charging systems, the Northbrook, Ill.-based testing organization announced. The test does not evaluate the safety aspects of using e-cigarettes, including the use of e-liquids, vapor substances, wicks and other particulate matter, the organization said, noting that it doesn’t evaluate the long-term or physiological effects of consumables.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security reported an increased number of incidents involving fire resulting in injury requiring medical treatment, the testing organization said.

“UL has been evaluating, testing and certifying portable battery-powered devices, including battery cells, modules, packs, chargers and power supplies, for many years,” said Ghislain Devouge, vice president and general manager for UL’s consumer technology division. “With UL 8139, our expert science, research and engineering teams have now developed the appropriate requirements and methodology to confidently evaluate and test e-cigarettes for electrical and fire hazards. As recent news has shown us, there is a strong need for this type of service. Today, we are pleased to offer our testing and certification services to manufacturers and distributors.”

Retailers and manufacturers can click here to start the process for product testing and UL certification of e-cigarette electrical and battery systems.

UL is a global, independent safety science company that is over 120 years old. Its nearly 11,000 professionals promote safe working and living environments. UL uses research and standards to continually advance and meet ever-evolving safety needs. It partners with businesses, manufacturers, trade associations and international regulatory authorities to bring solutions to a more complex global supply chain.