The United States has one of the world's most advanced regulatory systems for seismic isolation and structural vibration control technologies. For manufacturers of seismic isolation bearings, friction pendulum systems (FPS), viscous dampers, buckling restrained braces (BRB), and seismic restraint systems, ICC-ES certification has become an important pathway for entering the U.S. construction and infrastructure market.

ICC Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) is the technical evaluation body of the International Code Council (ICC), the organization responsible for the International Building Code (IBC). ICC-ES provides independent technical evaluations to verify whether construction products comply with U.S. building codes, engineering standards, and seismic performance requirements.

In the seismic engineering industry, ICC-ES Evaluation Service Reports (ESR reports) are widely recognized by structural engineers, building officials, hospitals, infrastructure owners, contractors, and government agencies. An ESR report serves as third-party evidence that a seismic product satisfies applicable American code requirements.

One of the most important parts of the ICC-ES system is the Acceptance Criteria framework, commonly called AC standards. These standards establish testing methods, structural performance requirements, quality assurance procedures, installation requirements, and engineering evaluation rules for construction products.

Several ICC-ES AC standards are especially important for the seismic isolation and earthquake engineering industry.

AC156, "Acceptance Criteria for Seismic Certification by Shake-Table Testing of Nonstructural Components," is one of the best-known seismic qualification standards in the United States. AC156 defines shake-table testing procedures, Required Response Spectrum (RRS) requirements, instrumentation methods, mounting conditions, and pass/fail criteria for seismic certification. The standard is widely used in hospitals, airports, data centers, and critical infrastructure projects. It is also closely associated with ASCE 7 seismic certification and California HCAI (formerly OSHPD) hospital approvals.

AC238, "Acceptance Criteria for Buckling-Restrained Braced Frames," is another important seismic standard. It applies to BRB systems and metallic energy dissipation devices. AC238 requires cyclic loading tests, low-cycle fatigue evaluation, hysteretic performance verification, and cumulative inelastic deformation testing. BRB systems evaluated under AC238 are widely used in seismic retrofits, high-rise buildings, hospitals, and industrial structures.

AC193 and AC369 are highly relevant for seismic anchorage systems. AC193 covers mechanical anchors installed in concrete, while AC369 addresses post-installed adhesive anchors under seismic loading conditions. These standards are essential for the anchorage design of seismic isolation bearings, dampers, and restraint systems.

Other important seismic-related ICC-ES standards include AC232 for seismic restraint systems of suspended ceilings and AC233 for seismic connector systems and structural attachments.

Most ICC-ES seismic evaluations are closely connected to ASCE 7, the primary seismic design standard in the United States. ASCE 7 defines seismic forces, isolation system requirements, nonlinear analysis procedures, and Designated Seismic Systems (DSS) requirements. For seismic isolation structures, ASCE 7 Chapter 17 is especially important because it governs the design and qualification of seismic isolation systems.

Manufacturers seeking acceptance in the U.S. seismic market typically must demonstrate:
• ASCE 7 compliance
• Prototype testing capability
• Full-scale cyclic testing
• Long-term durability performance
• Factory quality assurance systems
• Material traceability
• Engineering support capability

ICC-ES evaluations generally involve five major stages:
1. Technical submission of drawings, calculations, and specifications
2. Laboratory testing and seismic qualification
3. Engineering review for code compliance
4. Factory audit and QA/QC verification
5. ESR report issuance

In addition to ICC-ES requirements, many seismic isolation products are tested according to ISO 22762, the international standard for seismic isolators and energy dissipation devices. U.S. bridge and building projects often accept ISO 22762 testing as part of the qualification process.

For overseas manufacturers, entering the American seismic market requires more than obtaining a certificate. The U.S. approval system emphasizes engineering credibility, long-term performance, prototype testing, and project-specific acceptance rather than simple product certification alone.