CB-IECEE

The CB Scheme is the world’s first truly international system for the mutual acceptance of product safety test reports. Managed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), it streamlines the path to local certification.

• Global Reach: Recognized by major economies including the USA, EU, China, and Japan.
• Uniform Standards: Based on harmonized IEC International Standards.
• Operational Efficiency: Eliminates redundant testing across different jurisdictions.
• Risk Mitigation: Ensures high-level product safety and consumer protection.

In the modern supply chain, time-to-market is everything. Without a CB Certificate, a manufacturer must apply separately to every national body, often shipping samples to labs worldwide and paying for identical tests multiple times.

The CB Scheme is required because it provides legal and commercial certainty. It acts as a "technical passport," significantly reducing the barriers to entry for international trade. If you intend to scale your brand beyond a single border, this isn't just an option—it’s your most vital logistics tool.

The scheme is comprehensive, covering virtually everything that plugs in or uses a battery. Key categories include:

• IT & Office Equipment: Laptops, servers, and peripherals.
• Electronics & Entertainment: Televisions and audio systems.
• Household Appliances: Kitchen electronics, HVAC, and laundry units.
• Medical Devices: Diagnostic equipment and therapeutic tools.
• Lighting: LED drivers, luminaires, and smart lighting systems.
• Batteries & Photovoltaics: Lithium-ion cells and solar components.
• Electric Vehicle Components: Charging stations and onboard chargers.

To initiate the process, you must provide a comprehensive technical file. Based on my experience, organized documentation is the difference between a 4-week and a 4-month approval.

• Technical Specifications: Detailed datasheets and user manuals.
• Circuit Diagrams: Schematics, PCB layouts, and wiring diagrams.
• Bill of Materials (BOM): A list of all critical components (many must be pre-certified).
• Product Photos: Internal and external high-resolution images.
• Trademark/Brand Info: Legal documentation of the brand owner.
• Sample Units: Physically representative units for destructive and non-destructive testing.

The journey from lab to market follows a structured five-step path:

1. Selection: Choose an accredited NCB (National Certification Body) and a CBTL (CB Testing Laboratory).
2. Submission: Submit the application form along with the technical dossier mentioned above.
3. Type Testing: The lab subjects the product to rigorous testing against the relevant IEC standard.
4. Reporting: Upon success, the lab issues a CB Test Report detailing every test result.
5. Issuance: The NCB reviews the report and issues the CB Test Certificate, registering it in the global database.

Timeline variability is usually dictated by the complexity of the product and the readiness of the manufacturer.

• Standard Products: Typically 4 to 8 weeks from the time samples arrive at the lab.
• Complex/New Technologies: May take 10 to 14 weeks if additional safety evaluations are required.
• Expedited Paths: Some NCBs offer "Fast-track" services if all components used are already IEC-certified.

Certification is an investment in market expansion. Costs are generally broken down into:

• Administrative Fees: Paid to the NCB for certificate issuance and registration.
• Laboratory Testing Fees: The bulk of the cost, covering engineering hours and equipment use.
• Sample Handling: Shipping and customs duties for international labs.
• National Deviations: Small additional fees if you need testing for specific country-specific requirements (e.g., specific plug types or voltages).

The CB Certificate itself does not technically "expire" as long as the product design and the underlying IEC standard remain unchanged. However, there are nuances:

• Standard Updates: If the IEC releases a "New Edition" of a safety standard, you must usually re-test or bridge the gap to the new version within a specific transition period (usually 3 years).
• Product Modifications: Any change to critical components (like a power supply) requires a Technical Amendment to the report.
• Market-Specific Rules: While the CB report is valid, the national marks you obtain using it (like the GS mark) may require annual factory inspections or renewals.