Portable Lights American Trade Organization Announces First Manufacturer Approved to Submit Test Data Under UL/PLATO Certification Program

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Portable Lights American Trade Organization (PLATO) today announced that Coast Products has become the first manufacturer approved to submit laboratory test data for product performance certifications under the UL/PLATO Certification Program (UL S8001).

This milestone represents a significant step forward in improving accuracy, transparency, and trust in the portable lighting industry. Coast’s laboratory is now authorized to provide verified test data for review and certification by UL Solutions as part of the jointly developed program that validates product performance to the ANSI/PLATO FL 1–2019 Standard.

“This is a significant achievement for both Coast and the entire portable lighting industry,” said Andy Skoogman, PLATO’s Executive Director. “It demonstrates Coast’s commitment to transparency and validates the purpose of the UL/PLATO Certification Program — to create a trusted, independent system for verifying product performance.”

Developed in partnership by PLATO and UL Solutions, the UL S8001 Certification Program provides manufacturers with a standardized, third-party process to substantiate product performance claims.

“We’re proud to be the first manufacturer approved under the UL/PLATO Certification Program,” said Tyler Peterson, President of Coast Products. “At Coast, we’ve always believed that performance claims should be backed by verifiable data. This approval underscores that commitment and reinforces our promise to deliver products that perform as we say they do.”

By certifying to the ANSI/PLATO FL 1–2019 Standard, manufacturers help ensure consistent measurement and reporting of brightness, beam distance, and runtime — giving retailers and consumers greater confidence in product packaging and marketing claims.

“Coast’s leadership in meeting the lab requirements sets a new benchmark for accountability and integrity in the market,” added Skoogman. “PLATO applauds Coast for helping advance the credibility of performance claims across our industry.”

Introduced in 2022, the UL/PLATO Certification Program enables participating manufacturers to use the UL Certified Enhanced Mark on qualified products and literature. Certified performance data will appear in the UL Product iQ™ searchable directory, giving procurement officials, retailers, and end users direct access to verified information.

Through this program, PLATO and UL Solutions continue their shared commitment to promoting fair competition, supporting manufacturers that invest in testing and compliance, and providing consumers with clear, reliable information.

About PLATO

The Portable Lights American Trade Organization (PLATO) represents the leading manufacturers and distributors of portable lighting tools and technology in the United States​ and around the world. PLATO’s mission is to promote product performance standards, ethical business practices, and consumer confidence through education, advocacy, and industry collaboration.

Learn more about the UL/PLATO Certification program, the ANSI/PLATO FL 1 -2019 Standard and PLATO membership information at www.plato-usa.org.