CB Product Safety Certification: Complete 2025 Guide

The CB Scheme, managed by the IECEE, operates on the principle of “Test Once, Use Everywhere.”
While it doesn’t directly grant market access, it significantly reduces retesting costs and time-to-market for global manufacturers seeking multiple country approvals.

1️⃣ CB Certification Process Overview

Step 1: Preparation & Application

· Identify Standards:
Determine the applicable IEC safety standards for your product type (e.g., IEC 62368-1 for IT/AV equipment, IEC 60335-1 for household appliances).

· Select a National Certification Body (NCB):
Choose an IECEE-recognized NCB (e.g., CQC, TÜV Rheinland, SGS). The applicant must be a registered legal entity.

· Check National Differences:
Identify country-specific deviations (such as China’s GB standards) early to minimize conversion time later.

· Prepare Documentation:
Include English manuals, circuit schematics, PCB layouts, and critical component lists (preferably with CB certificates for those components).

Step 2: Sample Testing (2–4 Weeks)

Send product samples to a CB Testing Laboratory (CBTL) for evaluation. Testing varies by product category:

· IT Equipment: Electrical insulation, shock protection, temperature rise, abnormal operation.
· Household Appliances: Leakage current, mechanical strength, IP rating, heating element protection.
· Battery-Powered Products: Provide IEC 62133 test reports; includes overcharge/discharge and short-circuit tests.

Failed tests require corrective actions and retesting, typically adding 1–3 weeks to the process.

Step 3: Review & Certification

· The NCB reviews all test results and issues both the CB Certificate and CB Test Report.
· Typical total timeline: 4–8 weeks.
· CB Certificates have no fixed validity, but remain valid only if the design, components, and standards stay unchanged.

2️⃣ Product Categories & Applicable Standards

3️⃣ Critical Considerations for 2025

1️⃣ Certificate Types:
For components (CCP) or specific characteristics (ACP), a CB Certificate may not apply — instead, a CCP or ACP certificate will be issued. Always confirm with your NCB.

2️⃣ Sample Consistency:
Test samples must match mass-production units. Any changes to critical components (e.g., batteries, IC chips) require NCB notification and possible retesting.

3️⃣ Standard Updates:
When an IEC standard is revised, a 1–2 year transition period is provided. To maintain CB validity, update your test reports accordingly.

4️⃣ Strategic Use of CB Reports:
Even in non-IECEE countries, CB Certificates and Test Reports are often accepted as proof of international compliance, helping shorten local approval cycles.

4️⃣ Key Takeaways

✅ The CB Scheme streamlines multi-market certification by harmonizing IEC standards.
✅ Preparation and understanding of national differences saves time and cost.
✅ Regularly update CB documentation to remain compliant with the latest IEC standards.
✅ Partner with experienced certification consultants like BLUEASIA for efficiency and accuracy.

5️⃣ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How long does CB certification take?
A: Typically 4–8 weeks, depending on test complexity and corrective actions required.

Q2: Is the CB certificate valid worldwide?
A: While not a market access license, it’s recognized across 50+ IECEE member countries, easing national approval processes.

Q3: When should companies update CB reports?
A: Whenever there’s a product design change or IEC standard revision affecting key safety requirements.

Q4: Can CB reports be reused for CCC or other national certifications?
A: Yes — many certification systems (like CCC, PSE, KC, and SIRIM) accept CB test data as part of their local approval process.

Q5: What’s the advantage of working with a certification consultant?
A: Consultants like BLUEASIA help you align CB, CCC, and other local standards, saving time, avoiding retests, and ensuring compliance documentation meets IECEE requirements.

6️⃣ Contact Information

For tailored guidance on CB certification strategy and international product compliance, contact:

BLUEASIA Certification Service
Email: king.guo@cblueasia.com
Phone/WhatsApp: +86 13534225140
Website: www.blueasialabs.com