Selecting the correct product category helps ProductIP identify which legislation and requirements apply to your product. Choosing the most accurate category keeps your requirements list relevant, reduces unnecessary work for your suppliers, and makes it easier to complete your technical file.
Feature access
All ProductIP users with permission to create or edit technical files can use this feature. It is available on all ProductIP plans.
Before you begin
- Product categories are available in English only.
- Use English search terms to find the most accurate results.
- Make sure you understand your product’s purpose, intended users, and main characteristics before selecting a category.
Video instructions
A short step-by-step guide will follow soon!
Steps
This article explains why product categories matter. To learn how to select one, follow the steps in: Select a product category
Tips and best practices
- Select the single product category that best matches your product whenever possible.
- If your search returns multiple results, narrow them down by selecting a subgroup, for example Chemicals > Aerosol.
- Hover over the blue question mark to view additional information about a category before selecting it.
- If you are unsure, compare the category with a similar product or an existing technical file.
Adding more than one product category increases the number of applicable requirements in your requirements list. As a result:
- your suppliers may need to provide more documents and product information;
- completing the requirements list may take longer; and
- managing your technical file becomes more complex.
Only use multiple product categories when they are genuinely required. In most cases, selecting a single, accurate category is the best approach.
If more than one category is needed, we recommend selecting no more than two. Choosing additional categories increases the risk of selecting unnecessary requirements and may slow down your compliance process.
Troubleshooting
- I cannot find the right product category
Try searching with different English keywords or use a broader search term before narrowing your results.
- I found several matching categories
Review the category descriptions by hovering over the blue question mark. Choose the category that best reflects your product’s intended use.
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My requirements list is much larger than expected
Check whether multiple product categories have been assigned to your product. Removing unnecessary categories can reduce the number of applicable requirements.
Still having issues? Contact ProductIP via helpdesk@productip.com.
FAQ
- Can I select more than one product category?
Yes, but only when it is necessary. In most cases, one carefully selected product category is enough. Using multiple categories adds more applicable requirements and increases the amount of information your suppliers need to provide.
- Why does adding more product categories create more requirements?
Each product category has its own set of applicable legislation and compliance requirements. When you select multiple categories, ProductIP combines these requirements into a single requirements list, which increases the amount of work needed to complete your technical file.
