Many export companies still only understand IECEE-CB Scheme at a surface level—"one test, global recognition"—ignoring key details like scope boundaries, the 2025 new ACP certification model, and mandatory national differences for certificate transfers. Most online articles either pile up standard numbers or use outdated data, failing to meet practical business needs. This article breaks down IECEE-CB’s core logic, application scope, latest updates, and transfer key points based on CQC official information and 2025-2026 regulations—helping you achieve precise compliance and avoid detours.
The IECEE-CB Scheme (IEC System of Conformity Assessment Schemes for Electrotechnical Equipment and Components) is a global electrical product safety compliance mutual recognition framework led by the IEC. Simply put, its core value is "unified test standards + mutual recognition of results": After a company completes testing at an IECEE-recognized CB Testing Laboratory (CBTL) in one member country per relevant IEC standards, and obtains a CB Test Certificate + Report, it can apply for local certification in other member countries by directly using the CB report data—waiving most duplicate tests.
Two critical misconceptions to correct (common pitfalls for businesses):
1.CB Certificate ≠ Market Access Permit: It is only a "mutual recognition certificate for test results," not valid for direct market sales in any country. It must be converted to local certification (e.g., EU CE, US UL, Mexico NOM) by supplementing mandatory national difference tests and document requirements. This is explicitly emphasized by CQC and a major source of compliance failures.
2.Scope Focuses on Safety, but Includes Energy Efficiency/EMC for Specific Products: The core scope covers electrical product safety testing (e.g., electric shock protection, insulation, temperature rise), but also includes certain energy efficiency (Category E3) and EMC standards (subject to specific conditions). The 2025 ACP model further expanded coverage to "horizontal standards" like optical safety.
As of January 2026, the IECEE-CB Scheme has 54 member countries (source: IECEE official website and CNCA announcements), covering key export markets for home appliances and electrical products—including the EU, US, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, and Australia.
II. 2025-2026 Core IECEE-CB Updates
2025 marks a significant adjustment year for the IECEE-CB Scheme. The new ACP model, multiple standard updates, and stricter transfer rules directly impact certification paths and timelines. Below are verified core updates (via CQC and IECEE official channels) that businesses must prioritize:
1. New ACP Certification Model: Changed Transfer Paths for Specific Products
Effective February 1, 2025, IECEE officially launched the "Aspect Certification Program (ACP)"—targeting products previously certified under the traditional CB model for "horizontal standards." Most impactful for businesses: Products involving photobiological safety (IEC 62471) and lasers (IEC 60825-1) no longer receive traditional CB Test Certificates; instead, ACP Conformity Certificates are issued by recognized bodies.
This means products like LED lighting, UV disinfection equipment, and laser-enabled electronics (e.g., laser printers) must provide ACP Conformity Certificates (not traditional CB certificates) when transferring to UL, CE, etc.—otherwise, applications will be rejected. A Dongguan LED company recently faced this issue: they tested under the traditional CB model without knowing the new rule, resulting in costly re-testing during UL transfer.
2. Multiple IEC Standard Updates: Phased Obsolescence of Old Reports
In addition to the widely noted IEC 62368-1:2024 (safety standard for IT and AV equipment, effective January 2025), two key updates require attention:
·IEC 60034-26:2026: Released in January 2026, this new permanent magnet motor test standard first regulates high-temperature demagnetization and EMC test indicators for rail transit permanent magnet motors—companies must adjust product designs in advance.
·IEC 60335-2-6:2024: Updated special safety standard for household cooking appliances (e.g., induction cooktops) – new overload protection and temperature control accuracy requirements. Companies exporting to Saudi Arabia, the EU, etc., must complete CB testing per the new standard for smooth transfers.
Note: Old standard reports (e.g., IEC 62368-1:2018) will not expire immediately but have a 1-2 year transition period—plan certification timelines to avoid report obsolescence due to standard updates.
3. Strengthened National Difference Requirements for Transfers: Mandatory Supplements
Post-2025, member countries have stricter "national difference testing" requirements for CB-to-local certification—"no-test direct transfers" no longer exist. Even for EU CE (relatively simple transfer), supplementary documents like local language manuals and CE Declaration of Conformity (DoC) are required; some products need additional EMC testing (e.g., induction cooktops per IEC 61000 series).
III. Eligible vs. Ineligible Products for CB Certification
CB Scheme scope is strictly limited to "electrical products"—core criterion: "power-dependent + safety risks." Based on CQC official classifications:
1. Eligible Products (Core Categories)
·Home appliances: ACs, refrigerators, washing machines, electric kettles, rice cookers, induction cooktops, fans, heaters.
·IT and office equipment: Computers, routers, printers, power adapters, monitors, copiers.
·Lighting equipment: LED lamps, fluorescent lamps, desk lamps, ceiling lamps, commercial spotlights (ACP model required for photobiological safety).
·Power tools and power equipment: Drills, hammers, grinders, lithium batteries, chargers, home energy storage batteries (≤10kWh).
·Other electrical products: Wires/cables, switches/sockets, safety transformers, installation protection equipment.
2. Ineligible/Exempt Products
·Non-electrical products: Pure mechanical products (no electrical components, e.g., manual juicers), medical devices, auto parts.
·Low-power exempt products: Portable small appliances with ≤50V working voltage and ≤50W power (e.g., small electric toothbrushes, USB fans).
·Special control products: RF communication devices (e.g., Bluetooth headsets, mobile phones) – require separate RF certification (not covered by CB).
·Personal/business use (≤5 units): Imported for internal use – no CB certification required (self-declaration needed per target country customs rules).
IV. Full CB Certification + Transfer Process (2025 Updated Version)
The core value of CB certification lies in "local transfer"—process design key: "plan target markets in advance + reserve time for difference testing." Below is the complete practical process (including 2025 updates):
CB Certification Core Process (4-12 Weeks, Product-Dependent)
1.Preparatory Phase (1-2 Weeks): Confirm relevant IEC standards (e.g., IEC 60335 series for home appliances, IEC 60598 for lighting) and check if ACP model applies (critical for photobiological/laser products). Prepare complete technical documents: product spec sheet, circuit diagrams, BOM, English label draft – core components must have compliance certificates (e.g., CB/UL certificates for capacitors/resistors).
2.Select Body & Submit Samples (1 Week): Prioritize NCBs (National Certification Bodies) and affiliated CBTLs with mutual recognition 资质 for target markets. Submit 2-5 pre-production samples (no modifications allowed).
3.Testing & Rectification (2-8 Weeks): Laboratories test per IEC standards and ACP requirements (if applicable) – core items include electric shock protection, insulation resistance, temperature rise, and short-circuit protection. Rectify non-compliant products (e.g., replace insulation materials, optimize circuit design) and retest until qualified.
4.Review & Certification (1-2 Weeks): NCB reviews test reports and technical documents – issues CB Test Certificate or ACP Conformity Certificate upon approval. CB certificates have no fixed validity, but updates are required for standard changes or product parameter modifications.
Key Market Transfer Practical Tips (2025 Updates)
Transfer core: "Supplement national difference testing + document review" – requirements vary by country. Below are 2026 updates for top export markets (verified via official channels):
·EU CE (1-2 Months): CB report waives basic safety testing, but supplementary EMC testing (mandatory for most products), local language manuals, and CE DoC are required. ACP Conformity Certificates are mandatory for lighting products with photobiological safety requirements.
·US UL (2-3 Months): UL recognizes CB reports but requires supplementary US difference testing (e.g., US plug compatibility, safety warning compliance). Effective February 2025, photobiological/laser products must provide ACP Conformity Certificates (traditional CB certificates are no longer accepted).
·Mexico NOM (2-3 Months): Supplement local difference testing (127V/60Hz voltage adaptation, US plug compatibility), Spanish labels (with RFC tax ID and customs traceability QR code), and local lawyer-notarized documents. CB reports must be within 3 years of issuance and compatible with NOM standards.
·Australia SAA (1-2 Months): Supplement Australian plug testing and energy efficiency testing (e.g., AS/NZS 4934 for lighting). Documents include English manuals and product conformity statements – CB report data must cover core SAA standard requirements.
2025-2026 IECEE-CB adjustments (ACP model, standard updates, stricter transfer differences) reflect a global trend toward standardized, refined electrical product compliance. For businesses, CB certification success depends not just on "obtaining a certificate," but on precise product categorization, understanding new rules, and planning transfers in advance.
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