An interview with the ETICS President Mr. Calogero Lana
As ETICS welcomes its new President, we take the opportunity to learn more about the person behind the role and his vision for the future of the organisation. In this interview, we explore his professional journey, the key challenges and opportunities facing the testing and certification sector, and how ETICS can continue to support product safety, compliance, and trust across Europe and beyond.
Can you share your professional journey and what led you to the testing and certification field?
Since I was a child, I’ve been fascinated by electrical products. I loved trying to understand how they worked, often dismantling devices and attempting to put them back together—though not always successfully! This curiosity naturally led me to pursue studies in electrical engineering. After completing my degree, I joined CEBEC, where I discovered the world of product safety. It was captivating to work with new technologies, assess product performance, and ensure safety through rigorous testing. Over 35 years later, I’m still deeply engaged in this sector.
In your opinion, why do clients typically request compliance testing from a laboratory?
Clients often seek compliance testing to ensure their products are safe and meet regulatory requirements. They rely on third-party laboratories because these organisations provide an independent, trusted assessment. It’s not just about meeting market demands for certifications—it’s about reassurance, both for manufacturers and consumers, that a product has been rigorously evaluated against established safety standards.
How do you think the field of certification has evolved in the way it supports business and international trade?
Certification has moved from being a purely technical requirement to becoming a strategic tool that supports business growth and market access. It provides a clear signal of quality, safety, and reliability, which is increasingly important in a global market where products cross borders rapidly. Certification helps companies demonstrate compliance, reduce risk for manufacturers and for the users, and gain consumer trust, making it an essential component of international trade.
Globalisation seems to be increasingly questioned today. In this rapidly changing global landscape, what role can certification bodies and third-party organisations play?
Certification bodies are more critical than ever in today’s evolving market. They provide assurance and consistency in a world where regulatory landscapes and supply chains are becoming more complex. By offering independent verification, these organisations help maintain trust, facilitate market entry, and support harmonisation of standards internationally. They act as a bridge between regulators, manufacturers, and consumers, helping to ensure products are both safe and compliant.
Do you see certifications as more of a barrier or a facilitator when it comes to trade and the movement of goods?
Certifications are fundamentally facilitators of trade. While they may require effort and investment, they create trust and transparency, which ultimately make cross-border trade smoother. By clearly demonstrating that products meet required standards, certifications reduce uncertainty, prevent disputes, and open doors to new markets. In that sense, they are a key enabler rather than a barrier.
To finish, congratulations once again on your appointment as ETICS President for the next three years. What is your overall vision for ETICS during this term, especially in supporting product safety and compliance across Europe?
My vision for ETICS is to strengthen our role as a trusted partner for industry and regulators across Europe. I also aim to promote collaboration between members, foster the development of certification services, and ensure that ETICS continues to provide leadership in product safety and compliance.
As you begin your term as President of ETICS, is there a message you’d like to share with the ETICS community or the broader industry?
I would like to encourage the ETICS community to continue collaborating closely. Together, we can develop new product categories and certification services that meet the evolving needs of the market. By working together, we achieve far more in the market than we ever could alone.
