The CB Scheme, established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IECEE), operates on the principle of "test once, use everywhere." It significantly reduces redundant testing costs and timelines for entering global markets, serving as a crucial first step.

Core CB Certification Process & Timeline:

Phase 1: Preparation (Approx. 1-5 business days)

Key Tasks: Determine the applicable IEC safety standards for your product; select an IECEE-recognized National Certification Body (NCB); and prepare technical files (e.g., circuit diagrams, user manuals, critical component lists).

Critical Point: Ensure all referenced standards are the latest effective versions.

Phase 2: Sample Testing (Approx. 2-4 weeks - Core Phase)

Key Tasks: Ship samples as required by the NCB to a CB Testing Laboratory (CBTL) for safety testing based on IEC standards.

Critical Point: If testing fails, corrective actions and resubmission are needed, potentially extending the timeline by 1-3 weeks.

Phase 3: Review & Certification (Approx. 1-2 weeks)

Key Tasks: The NCB reviews the test report from the CBTL and, upon approval, issues the CB Test Certificate and Report.

Critical Point: The CB Certificate itself has no fixed expiry date but remains valid only if the product design, standards, and critical components remain unchanged.

  Next Steps & Long-Term Strategy:

1.Obtaining the CB Certificate and Report is not the final step but opens the door to more efficient international market access.

2.Converting to Local Market Certification: Use your CB Certificate and Report to apply for local certifications (e.g., CE, UL, CCC) in target markets. This process typically recognizes CB test results, requiring only supplementary assessment of national differences, drastically shortening the local certification cycle and saving significant time and cost.

3.Monitoring Standard Updates: While the CB Certificate has no mandatory expiry, its validity is tied to the version of the underlying IEC standard. When standards are updated, companies must complete an evaluation or testing against the new standard within the transition period (usually 1-2 years); otherwise, reports based on the old standard become obsolete for new local certifications.

  Recommendations for an Efficient CB Process:

1.Ensure Sample Consistency: Test samples must be identical to future mass-produced units. Notify your NCB if critical components (e.g., power chips, batteries) are changed during mass production, as re-assessment may be needed.

2.Plan for National Differences Early: If target markets are known, discuss their national difference requirements with your NCB during the initial CB testing phase. Incorporating these early, while potentially adding minor initial complexity, can save substantial time and cost during later certification.

For assistance in planning your product globalization strategy with CB certification, feel free to contact BLUEASIA at 13534225140.