The CB Scheme, managed by the IECEE, operates on the principle of "test once, use everywhere."While it doesn’t grant direct market access, it significantly reduces retesting costs and time for global market entry.
1.Preparation & Application:
·Identify Standards: Determine the applicable IEC safety standards (e.g., IEC 62368-1 for IT equipment, IEC 60335-1 for household appliances).
·Select NCB: Choose an IECEE-recognized National Certification Body (e.g., CQC, TÜV Rheinland, SGS). The applicant must be a legal entity.
·National Differences: Identify country-specific requirements (e.g., China’s GB standards) to save time during future conversions.
·Documentation: Prepare technical files, including English manuals, circuit schematics, PCB layouts, and critical component lists (with CB certificates where applicable).
2.Sample Testing (2–4 weeks):
Send samples to a CB Testing Laboratory (CBTL). Tests vary by product:
·IT Equipment: Electrical insulation, protection against electric shock, temperature rise, abnormal operation.
·Household Appliances: Leakage current, mechanical strength, IP rating, heating element protection.
·Battery-Powered Products: Provide IEC 62133 test reports for batteries; may include overcharge/discharge and short-circuit tests.
Failed tests require corrective actions and resubmission, adding 1–3 weeks.
3.Review & Certification:
·The NCB reviews the test report and issues the CB Certificate and Test Report. Total timeline: 4–8 weeks.
·The CB Certificate has no fixed validity but remains valid only if the product design, standards, and critical components remain unchanged.
Product Categories & Standards:
| Product Category | Key Standards | Testing Highlights |
| IT & AV Equipment | IEC 62368-1:2023 | Electrical insulation, electric shock protection, temperature rise, abnormal operation |
| Household Appliances | IEC 60335-1 | Leakage current, mechanical strength, IP rating, heating element protection |
| Lighting Products | IEC 60598-1 | Lamp caps/terminals, harmonic current, glare/heat resistance |
| Power Supplies | IEC 61558-1 | Output voltage stability, short-circuit protection, dielectric strength |
| Medical Devices | ISO 80601-2-56 | Safety and essential performance per product type |
| Batteries | IEC 62133 | Rated capacity, overcharge/discharge protection, short circuit, thermal abuse |
Critical Considerations:
1.Certificate Types: For components (CCP) or specific characteristics (ACP), CB certificates are not issued—instead, CCP/ACP certificates are granted. Confirm with your NCB.
2.Sample Consistency: Test samples must match mass-produced units. Changes to critical components (e.g., power chips, batteries) require NCB notification and potential retesting.
3.Standards Updates: When IEC standards are updated, a transition period (1–2 years) applies. Update your product’s compliance to maintain CB Report validity.
4.Strategic Use: Even in non-IECEE countries, CB Certificates and Test Reports are often accepted as proof of international compliance, simplifying local approvals.
For tailored CB certification strategy, BLUEASIA can be reached at 13534225140.
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