Launching electronic and electrical products in multiple countries is not only logistically complex but can also be extremely costly. The IECEE CB scheme allows manufacturers to have the test reports for their products issued in one country recognized in numerous other countries. Recognition of CB test reports avoids multiple efforts for approvals, which significantly reduces time-to-market (TTM).
The CB Scheme serves to ensure the mutual recognition of test reports of electronic and electrical products on an international level. An essential part of the CB procedure is that the national certification bodies (NCB / National Certification Bodies) and testing laboratories (CBTL / CB Testing Laboratories) recognize the CB certificates and test reports issued in another participating country as representative and reliable.
The basis for this mutual recognition of tests is formed by international testing standards according to which the safety of components, devices and products is tested. This reduction in product testing is intended to facilitate unrestricted trade in electrotechnical products and their international marketing. This multilateral agreement was initiated by the International Electrotechnical Commission for Electrical Equipment (IECEE), which is part of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
The aforementioned facilitations explicitly refer to electrical and electronic products. More than 50 countries currently participate in the CB scheme. In fact, CB certifications are also accepted outside the participating countries. This means that a CB test report or CB certificate is a good prerequisite for the international market access of electrotechnical products.
For manufacturers of electrical and electronic products, the possibility of gaining access to several international markets via the CB scheme is very interesting. If a CB certificate has already been issued for a product, the manufacturer can also apply for approval in another country with the associated CB test report.
This makes the market launch of a product in a country participating in the CB procedure much simpler, faster and more cost-effective. Often, only national deviations need to be adapted, for example when it comes to frequency or voltage requirements.
Important note: The CB scheme is not mandatory. Manufacturers can also apply for certification or approval of their products in various countries without a CB report. However, since CB certification does not entail any disadvantages, while the deliberate omission of a CB test report does, most manufacturers are happy to take advantage of this simplified procedure for the certification of their electrotechnical products.
When a manufacturer or a company wants to market a certain electrical or electronic product internationally utilizing the advantages of the CB scheme., a CB certificate is applied for. The further procedure includes some important aspects and steps:
Once this process has been completed, nothing stands in the way of marketing the tested electrotechnical products. Since all countries participating in the CB scheme have full access to the CB certificates and reports of the respective products, further testing prior to market approval is only necessary in the rarest of cases.
Members of the IEC that accept the CB certification scheme
The approval of electrotechnical products based on CB certification is accepted and practiced in numerous countries. In addition, the procedure is also used in several countries that are not members of the IEC. Currently, the following countries participate in the CB scheme and accept the CB certification:
As a recognized CB testing laboratory (CBTL / CB Testing Laboratory), cetecom advanced supports manufacturers in testing their products. With our expertise as an international service provider in the field of product testing and certification, we are always up to date with the latest global requirements. We issue test reports according to the IECEE CB scheme for electrotechnical products and subsequently forward them to the NCB for final certification.
Our national certification bodies support you in applying for national test marks and approvals. Our team of experts is familiar with the regulatory requirements of your target markets and offers you a comprehensive certification service.
We also offer you our expertise as a CB test laboratory for the following areas:
A detailed overview of the standards according to which we as CBTL can perform product tests can be found in list form as well as a certificate on the IECEE member site of cetecom advanced.
Do you have further questions regarding the IECEE CB certification? Our colleagues are happy to support you with international market access for your products. Contact us at mail@cetecomadvanced.com and let us inform you about a suitable solution.
The IECEE CB procedure defines international standards for testing and certification of electrotechnical products. If products are tested and approved according to the CB scheme, manufacturers of these products can apply for approval in other countries based on the test results.
The decisive factor here is that the respective target countries and test centers participate in the CB procedure. This form of certification eliminates the need for costly and time-consuming multiple testing of products.
Within the CB procedure, electrotechnical products are tested according to IEC standards and CISPR standards. It is also possible to take regulatory requirements that deviate from these standards into account during CB certification. The use of these non-harmonized standards can only take place in close coordination with the IECEE.
The CB scheme brings a whole range of advantages for manufacturers:
