The core value of the CB Scheme lies in "test once, use everywhere," significantly simplifying global market entry by minimizing duplicate testing. Its standards and requirements are regularly updated.
| Product Category | Core Applicable Standards | Key Test Summary |
| IT & Audio/Video Equipment | IEC 62368-1:2023 | Electrical insulation, electric shock protection, temperature rise, abnormal operation tests. |
| Household Appliances | EC 60335-1 | Leakage current, mechanical strength, IP rating (ingress protection), heating element protection tests. |
| Lighting Equipment | IEC 60598-1 | Lamp caps and terminals, harmonic current, glare and heat resistance tests. |
| Power Supply Equipment | IEC 61558-1 | Output voltage stability, short-circuit protection, dielectric strength tests. |
| Medical Devices | Relevant IEC standards, e.g., ISO 80601-2-56 | Dependent on the specific product; focus on safety and essential performance. |
| Batteries | IEC 62133 | Rated capacity, overcharge/over-discharge protection, short-circuit, thermal abuse tests. Other standards may apply for non-portable systems. |
`Special Focus: Battery Product CB Certification
Batteries are critical components requiring stringent safety assessment under standards like IEC 62133, including specialized tests beyond general requirements.
`Cells: Subject to tests like continuous low-rate charging, vibration, temperature cycling, external short circuit, crush, low pressure, and forced discharge.
`Battery Packs: Subject to tests like vibration, case stress at high temperature, temperature cycling, external short circuit, free fall, and mechanical shock (impact).
2025 CB Scheme Updates & Interpretation:
1.The IECEE's updated Operational Document for the CB Scheme (OD-2037), effective January 1, 2024, introduces key changes:
2.Functional Safety Information on Certificate: Requires clear listing of functional safety parameters (e.g., SIL, PL, PFH, MTTFd) on the CB Certificate for enhanced transparency, not introducing new tests.
3.Integrated Certification for Multi-Standard Products: Allows complex products falling under multiple standards (e.g., an energy storage system under both IEC 62368-1 and IEC 62040-1) to receive a single, consolidated CB Certificate upon successful testing, simplifying management.
4.Clarified Software & Model Naming: Provides clearer guidance on model naming for hardware/software configurations. Different software versions for a programmable IC in a battery pack may be considered the same configuration under specific conditions. Different hardware suppliers for an identical design can use the same model number but are advised to add a suffix for internal distinction.
5.Certification Path for Standalone Software: Allows standalone software packages (e.g., libraries) used in multiple end products to obtain their own CB Certificate, based on IEC 60730-1 requirements, benefiting software developers.
CB Certification Process & Practical Advice:
The core CB process involves selecting an NCB, submitting an application, sending samples for testing, and receiving the certificate upon approval, typically taking 4-8 weeks.
Recommendations:
1.Confirm Certificate Type: For Component Certification Programs (CCP) and some Aspect Certification Programs (ACP), CB certificates are not issued; instead, CCP or ACP certificates are granted. Confirm the applicable scheme with your chosen NCB.
2.Monitor Standards Updates & National Differences: Although the CB Certificate has no fixed validity, its usefulness depends on the product design, standards, and components remaining unchanged. Re-evaluation is needed if IEC standards update. For known target markets (e.g., China, USA), identify "National Differences" early to include them in testing, saving significant time and cost later.
3.Ensure Sample & Document Consistency: Test samples must match mass production units. All technical documents (English manuals, circuit diagrams, critical component lists including suppliers' CB certificates) must be accurate and complete.
For help planning your global product strategy with CB certification, contact BLUEASIA at 13534225140.
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