CB Procedure, Scheme and Certification (IECEE CB Scheme)

The IECEE CB Scheme certification is a multilateral agreement designed to facilitate mutual recognition of conformity assessments of electrical and electronic products. The certification covers a wide range of areas including Electromagnetic Compatibility, Electrical Safety, Environmental Compatibility and Product Functionality. CB Scheme certification is based on internationally recognized standards and guidelines that ensure products meet the requirements of different countries. Certification helps manufacturers meet global standards for quality and safety, which helps build consumer confidence in products and facilitates market access. However, the process of IECEE CB certification can be very complex and time-consuming, especially considering that it is a multilateral agreement involving multiple countries.

Which products are affected by the IECEE CB marking requirement?

The IECEE CB certificate applies to a wide range of electrical and electronic products, including household appliances, computers and IT equipment, audio and video equipment, lighting, electric motors, power supplies, switches and sockets, batteries and rechargeable batteries, and medical devices.

Although the CB certificate is not mandatory for all products, there are certain categories of products where it is required. These categories may vary by country, but are usually products where a lack of security would pose a significant risk to the user. Some examples of products where the CB certificate may be mandatory are:

• Electrical appliances for domestic use such as refrigerators, washing machines and dishwashers
• Electrical lighting such as lamps and luminaires
• IT equipment such as computers and laptops
• Medical equipment such as X-ray machines and ultrasound equipment
• Electric tools such as drills and saws

As a rule, products intended for export are more affected by CB certification, as they must meet the requirements of the various countries to which they are exported. The list of affected products may vary depending on the country. It is therefore advisable to check the current national requirements and regulations to ensure that the product meets the necessary certification requirements.

In which countries is the IECEE CB certificate valid?

The IECEE CB certificate (CB stands for "Certification Body") is recognized in more than 50 countries worldwide. The complete list of countries that recognize the CB certificate can be found on the official website of the IECEE (International Electrotechnical Commission for Electrical Equipment). The CB certificate is a legal requirement in some countries, while it is voluntary in others. The obligation to use the CB certificate depends on the national regulations and laws of each country. In general, the CB certificate is required to ensure market access for electrical products and to ensure that these products meet national safety standards.

Some countries where the CB certificate is mandatory for certain products are:

• European Union
• Australia
• Canada
• India
• Saudi Arabia
• Turkey
• United Arab Emirates
• South Africa

IECEE CB Marking: Cost, Duration and Validity

• How much does IECEE CB certification cost?
  The cost of the IECEE CB mark depends on various factors, such as the type of product to be certified and the number of tests required. As a rule, companies have to pay fees for conducting the tests and issuing the certificate. The exact costs can vary depending on the country and the certification body.
• How long does it take to get certified?
  The duration of certification also depends on various factors. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months for a product to be certified. The duration depends on the complexity of the product and the number of tests required. It is important to start planning for certification early to avoid delays in the production process.
• How long is the IECEE CB marking valid?
  The validity of the IECEE CB marking depends on various factors, such as the type of product certified and the requirements of the country of destination. Generally, the certificate is valid for one to three years and must then be renewed. It is important to plan the renewal of the certification in time to avoid any interruption in the sale of the product.

IECEE CB certification is an extensive process that requires careful planning and implementation. Here, all the necessary documents must be obtained and checked to ensure that the products meet the legal requirements. The Regul.ai software offers enormous relief here by providing all the necessary documents in the IECEE CB Collection and processing them with artificial intelligence to quickly and easily identify which requirements must be observed during product launch. Regul.ai makes the certification process faster and more efficient, so that products can be launched on the market more quickly.

What is the certification process for IECEE CB certifications and what steps are necessary to obtain a successful certification?

The certification process for IECEE CB certifications consists of several steps that are necessary to obtain a successful certification. First, the manufacturer must select a certification body and request a quote for certification. After the quote is confirmed, the manufacturer must submit the required documentation and product samples for testing.
Next, the product is tested and evaluated by the certification body in accordance with the relevant international standards and the requirements of the target country. If the product has met all requirements, a certificate is issued bearing the IECEE CB mark.
To ensure that the product continues to meet the requirements, regular inspections must be carried out by the certification body. This may be unannounced and requires the manufacturer to provide the necessary documentation and product samples at all times.
The certification process is unique to each product and can vary depending on the complexity of the product and the requirements of the target country. However, a carefully planned and executed certification process can help build confidence in the product and facilitate access to global markets.

Are there marking and labeling requirements from IECEE CB on product and packaging?

Yes, there are marking and labeling requirements for products and packaging that may depend on IECEE CB certification bodies and destination country requirements.
The most common requirements include marking the product with the IECEE CB mark, the manufacturer's name and serial number, if applicable. Packaging may also be marked to indicate compliance with safety standards and environmental regulations. In addition, country-specific requirements such as warnings or instructions in the local language may be required.

Information obligations of the manufacturer

As a manufacturer, you have various information obligations related to IECEE CB certifications. Some of the most important information obligations are:

1. Provision of technical documentation: Manufacturers must provide the certification body with all necessary technical documentation so that the product can be tested. This includes, for example, technical drawings, specifications and test reports.
2. Disclosure of Information: Manufacturers must disclose all relevant information about the product, including the identity of the manufacturer, product name, model number, serial number, and purpose of the product.
3. Compliance with standards and regulations: Manufacturers must ensure that their products comply with applicable standards and regulations and have obtained all necessary certifications and approvals.
4. Labeling and packaging: Manufacturers must properly label and package their products to indicate compliance with applicable regulations and standards.
5. Documentation: Manufacturers must keep all relevant documents and records related to the product, including technical documentation, test reports and certificates.

What documents are required for IECEE CB certification?

The following documents are usually required for IECEE CB certification:

• Technical documents, such as technical drawings, circuit diagrams, data sheets and parts lists
• Product description, which describes the characteristics and operation of the product
• Declaration of conformity confirming that the product complies with the relevant international standards and national regulations
• Test reports proving that the product has been tested in accordance with the relevant standards
• Certificates and approvals proving that the product is already approved in other countries
• Quality management system certificates confirming that the manufacturer operates a quality management system in accordance with ISO 9001.

The exact requirements may vary depending on the type of product and the requirements of the destination country.

What happens if a product does not meet the requirements of IECEE CB certification?

If a product does not meet the CB certification requirements, it is usually rejected by the certification body and the certificate is not issued. This means that the manufacturer may not mark the product with the IECEE CB mark or sell it on global markets.
In some cases, a product may not meet all requirements during the first test, but the manufacturer has the opportunity to improve and resubmit the product. If the product then meets the requirements, the certificate is issued and the manufacturer can mark the product with the IECEE CB mark.

Are there any exceptions to the IECEE CB certification requirement?

Yes, there are exemptions from the CB certification requirement, depending on the country and the type of product. Some countries have specific regulations that exempt certain products from the certification requirement, while other countries have a certification requirement for almost all products. Some of the most common exemptions from the CB certification requirement are:

• Products intended exclusively for export and not sold domestically
• Products intended only for military use
• Products that require special approvals or permits that cannot be replaced by CB certification

Do the rules of IECEE CB apply when products are placed on the market or imported?

The rules for IECEE CB certification apply to both the placing on the market and the import of products into a target country.
If a manufacturer produces a product in a particular country and sells it on the national market or on international markets, the product must comply with the applicable national and international standards and regulations. This applies regardless of whether the product is sold domestically or abroad.
When a distributor or importer imports a product into a specific destination country, the product must also comply with applicable national and international standards and regulations. In some cases, the destination country may require certain requirements or certifications to ensure that the product complies with national regulations. In this case, IECEE CB certification may be required to import and sell the product in the market.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with IECEE CB regulations?

Failure to comply with IECEE CB regulations may have different consequences depending on the national regulations and laws of the country in which the products are to be sold or used.
In some countries, the presence of the CB certificate is required by law to ensure market access for electrical products. The absence of the CB certificate can thus lead to the product not being allowed to be sold or being withdrawn from sale. In some cases, the product may also be subject to a fine or confiscation by the relevant authorities.
In addition, the lack of CB certificate can also affect the image of the company, as this can be a sign of poor quality and safety. This can lead to a loss of trust among customers and have a long-term impact on the company's success.

How often do IECEE CB certified products need to be tested to ensure they are still compliant?

The frequency of testing for certified products with CB certificates depends on various factors, such as the type of product, how the product is used, and the applicable regulations and standards.
However, as a rule, certified products must be tested regularly to ensure that they still meet the requirements and are safe for use. The exact testing requirements may vary depending on the product type and country of use.
Some certification bodies recommend that certified products should be tested every 1-3 years or when there are significant changes in design or manufacture. Some products may also require certain tests, such as electromagnetic compatibility or fire protection tests.

What is the difference between the CB scheme and other international certifications, such as the CE mark?

The CB scheme and the CE mark are two different international certifications that have different purposes.

The CB Scheme is an internationally recognized certification system for electrical and electronic products. It was developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and provides a fast and efficient method for verifying the conformity of products with international standards and regulations. The CB Scheme is a system for mutual recognition of test reports and certificates between certification bodies in different countries. This means that a product certified according to the CB Scheme is automatically accepted by most other countries that recognize the scheme.

The CE mark is a marking placed on products by manufacturers to indicate that the product complies with applicable European directives. It is an obligation that applies in many European countries and ensures that a product meets European safety, health and environmental protection requirements. The CE marking is affixed by the manufacturers themselves to their products and indicates that they have issued a declaration of conformity confirming that the product meets the requirements of the applicable EU directives.

The main difference between the CB Scheme and the CE Mark is that the CB Scheme is a system of mutual recognition of test reports and certificates between certification bodies in different countries, while the CE Mark is a marking applied by manufacturers themselves to their products to confirm conformity with the applicable European directives.

How is compliance with IECEE CB certifications verified by the authorities?

Compliance with IECEE CB certifications is usually verified through spot checks and market surveillance measures by the relevant authorities.
The competent authorities are usually the national regulatory authorities responsible for monitoring electrical and electronic products in their country. They can, for example, check whether products comply with applicable national and international standards and regulations when they are imported at the border or by inspecting products on the market.
If a product does not comply or is in violation, authorities may take action to remove the product from the market, restrict the sale of the product, or even order the recall of the product. In some cases, fines or penalties may also be imposed on manufacturers and/or distributors.
It is important to note that the ultimate responsibility for compliance with IECEE CB certifications lies with the manufacturers and distributors. They have an obligation to ensure that their products comply with applicable standards and regulations and that their certifications are current.