Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has been approved by the USCG to perform evaluations according to the IMP Fire Test Procedures code. Prior to July 1998, individual countries could designate their own standards. Ship manufacturers were required to ensure their materials and assemblies would comply with the standards of the country in which the ship was registered. The IMO regulation established one set of international standards for all countries to follow. SwRI is one of two laboratories in the U.S. approved by the USCG to perform the IM tests and provide product control services. IMO requires the material being installed on a ship be the same or comparable to the material tested.