Simply put, the IECEE-CB Scheme is a "global electrical product safety mutual recognition framework" developed by the IEC. The core logic is straightforward: Test your product at a qualified domestic laboratory (e.g., CQC-affiliated labs) per IEC international standards, obtain a CB Test Certificate and Report, then apply for local certification in 54 member countries like the EU, US, and Saudi Arabia—no need to retest from scratch. This saves significant time and costs.
Two critical misconceptions to correct (costly mistakes businesses often make):
1.CB Certificate ≠ "All-Pass Permit": It is only a "mutual recognition certificate for test results" – you cannot legally sell products in any country with just a CB certificate. It must be converted to local certification (e.g., EU CE, US UL, Saudi SIRC). Just like the LED company mentioned earlier, taking only a CB certificate to Saudi Arabia will result in customs detention.
2.Not All Electrical Products Qualify: Core eligibility is "power-dependent + safety risks" (e.g., home appliances, IT equipment, lighting). Pure mechanical products (e.g., manual screwdrivers), medical devices, and auto parts are not covered—don’t waste time applying.
Another easily overlooked point: While CB focuses on safety testing, it also includes certain energy efficiency (Category E3) and EMC standards. Especially with the 2025 ACP model, "horizontal standards" like photobiological safety are now included—products with laser or photobiological functions must be certified under the new model.
Outdated information is the biggest certification risk. Here are key 2025-2026 changes businesses must know:
1. Major Standard Updates – Old Reports Phased Out
Multiple foundational standards have been updated—2026 new applications must use the latest versions:
·IEC 61347 Series (lighting control devices): 4th edition released in 2024, fully effective January 2026. For example, IEC 61347-1:2024 restructures document structure, changes creepage distance calculation from RMS to peak voltage, and adds PELV circuit requirements—2015 edition reports are now invalid.
·IEC 62368-1:2024 (IT/AV equipment): Effective January 2025 – 2018 edition reports will be rejected for 2026 transfers.
·IEC 60034-26:2026 (motors): Released in January 2026, first regulating high-temperature demagnetization and EMC test indicators for rail transit permanent magnet motors—companies must adjust product designs promptly.
2. Saudi Transfer New Rules: Mandatory PCoC + SC Certificates
Saudi Arabia is a key market with stricter 2026 enforcement (SASO 2025 regulations):
·Electrical products exported to Saudi Arabia require a CB certificate + Saudi difference verification (voltage, plug, energy efficiency) + PCoC + SC dual certificates—no post-arrival supplements allowed.
·Validity varies by product: 1 year for general categories, 3 years for some products (confirm in advance to avoid repeated certifications).
·Lighting products: CB-to-SIRC transfer + compliance with Saudi energy efficiency standards SASO 2902:2018 and SASO 2870:2018 (solar lamps are exempt).
3. Expanded ACP Model Coverage – Changed Certification for Photobiological/Laser Products
The ACP (Aspect Certification Program) launched in February 2025 now covers more products:
·Any product involving photobiological safety (IEC 62471) or lasers (IEC 60825-1) – e.g., LED spotlights, laser printers – cannot use traditional CB certificates. ACP Conformity Certificates are required for UL/CE transfers (rejections will occur otherwise).
4. 54 Member Countries – Stricter Transfer Differences
Contrary to outdated claims of "60+ member countries," the official 2026 count is 54. All countries now have stricter "national difference testing" requirements—even EU CE transfers require supplementary local language manuals and EMC test reports (no "direct transfers without testing").
II. Eligible Products for 2026 CB Certification
Many businesses waste time on incorrect categorization. Below are 2026 updated eligibility lists:
Eligible Core Categories
Home appliances (ACs, rice cookers, heaters), IT equipment (computers, routers, power adapters), lighting (LED lamps, ceiling lamps – ACP model for photobiological functions), power tools (drills, grinders), power equipment (lithium batteries, chargers, home energy storage batteries ≤10kWh), wires/cables, switches/sockets.
Ineligible Categories
Pure mechanical products, medical devices, auto parts, RF communication devices (e.g., Bluetooth headsets, mobile phones – require separate RF certification), low-power exempt products (≤50V/50W – USB fans, small electric toothbrushes).
Pro tip: For multi-functional products, categorize by "primary function." For example, a power bank with lighting functions is classified as power equipment (core function: power supply) – simpler and more efficient.
III. 2026 CB Certification + Transfer Full Process
CB Certification Application (4-12 Weeks, Product-Dependent)
Applications are now more convenient (CQC supports online submission) – key steps:
1.Document Preparation + Body Selection: Complete documents (spec sheet, circuit diagrams, BOM, English label draft) – core components need compliance certificates. Choose NCBs with target market mutual recognition (e.g., CQC, SGS) and confirm new standard testing capabilities.
2.Online Application (CQC Official Website): Register and submit info – key notes: One CB certificate per trademark (multiple trademarks require separate applications); multiple factories per application (submit consistency statement); max 3 certificate/product parameter changes (reapplication required for excess changes).
3.Sample Testing: Submit 2-5 pre-production samples – test per new IEC standards. Rectify non-compliant products per laboratory recommendations and retest.
4.Certification Issuance: NCB approves test reports and documents – issues CB Certificate or ACP Conformity Certificate. No fixed validity, but updates required for standard changes.
Key Market Transfer Tips (2026 Updates)
Transfer core: "Supplement differences" – 2026 requirements for top markets:
·EU CE: CB report waives basic safety testing – supplementary EMC testing, local language manuals, and CE DoC. ACP Certificates mandatory for photobiological products.
·US UL: CB report recognized – supplementary US difference testing (plug, safety warnings). ACP Certificates mandatory for photobiological/laser products (post-February 2025).
·Saudi SIRC: CB report + Saudi difference verification + PCoC + SC certificates. Lighting products need additional energy efficiency testing – use Saudi-compliant agents for smoother processes.
·Australia SAA: Supplementary Australian plug and energy efficiency testing – all documents in English. CB report must cover core SAA requirements.
IV. 2026 Application Tips: 3 Ways to Improve Efficiency
1.Plan Target Markets in Advance: Align testing with common standards for target markets to reduce subsequent difference testing.
2.Track Standard Updates: Monitor IEC/CQC announcements (e.g., new IEC 60034-26) – adjust product designs in advance to avoid delays.
3.Choose One-Stop Services: Partner with providers offering CB certification, ACP testing, and local transfers (e.g., BLUEASIA) – reduces information gaps, especially for markets with special rules like Saudi Arabia.
In 2026’s global trade environment, IECEE-CB certification is no longer a "value-added bonus" but a "basic threshold" for electrical product exports. Its value lies not just in saving testing costs, but in building a global compliance framework to avoid repeated pitfalls.
BLUEASIA: +86 13534225140 – We offer professional certification consulting services.
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