IECEE CB scheme: one test, one certificate
The IECEE CB Scheme is an international program created by the International Electrical Equipment Commission (IECEE) and based on the acceptance of product safety test results between participating laboratories and certification bodies around the world. Today, this program is implemented in more than 130 countries around the world.
Regarding 2020 Statistics on Issued CB Test Certificates, in last year totally 124 130 international CB Test Certificates (CBTCs) were issued, an increase is of about 10 % from the previous year. There are now 54 Member Body countries in this scheme, with totally 90 NCBs (National Certification Bodies) and 556 testing labs.
What product categories and standards does the IECEE CB scheme cover?
The CB scheme covers a wide range of products:
- IT and office equipment,
- lighting systems,
- domestic consumer electronics and appliances (such as sockets, plugs and sockets, coffee machines, chargers, etc.)
Please note that a number of products are not subject to testing according to the SB scheme due to standards. WWBridge specialists are ready to advise you in more detail about whether your group of goods is subject to testing according to the CB scheme.
Special advantages of the IECEE CB Scheme
The IECEE CB Scheme is a common testing and certification recognized by all over the world (based on international IEC standards). Today, this program is implemented in more than 130 countries around the world.
- Easy way to obtain multiple national safety certifications
- Single certification provides access to the global market
- CE and IEC certificates by one test
Through the CB testing and certification program, manufacturers are offered an easy way to obtain multiple national safety certifications for their products. Most manufacturers who are trying to enter international markets are faced with the fact that their local package of standards is not enough. European manufacturers have basic tests, but they cannot get certification, and all because their tests are made according to EN standards, which apply to the EU area, but everything that goes beyond the EU may not be taken into account by other countries. There are countries that accept tests made by an accredited laboratory in the EU, and it does not necessarily have to be a CB scheme. Meanwhile, the manufacturer, having the Certificate and the Test Report of the IECEE CB Certificate (IECEE CB Certificate/Report), can obtain a national certificate for products in all other IECEE member states, obtaining the right to supply products to the market of these countries.
We use the international IEC standard to make it easier for the client to enter international markets. Almost 80% of European electrical and electronic standards are in fact international IEC standards. By receiving the international IEC standard, the manufacturer also receives CE, which is convenient, saves time and resources.
The CB scheme is convenient because it can be tested on the basic standard, and including various country deviations that is, the differences in the country. Because each country has its own internal conditions for voltage, sockets, etc.
How is the process going?
- Assesment: selecting a standard and an accredited laboratory
- Determine the number of tests, the number of samples, set a date
- Carrying out test
- Request for certification
How much is the certificate issued?
Tests last 4 weeks, certification 2 weeks.
How long are the tests and the ICEE certification itself valid?
The validity if the ICEE certification is roughly 3 years or till next published amendment of the standard / product, because usually during this period the product is changed or the standard is updated.
Where are the labs for tests located?
CB tests must be performed by an accredited laboratory. So It depends if we can/or can't use the lab in your region. Sometimes, it happens that in the country of presence of the manufacturer there is no appropriate accredited laboratory. First, we check the accreditation list and lab facilities: equipment used, experience, documents of compliance.
WWBridge carries out the CB tests in UK, Italy, German, China, UAE, India, Korea, Poland. There is also specialized lab accredited by Amazon to perform tests for some kind of telecom and electro equipment which we are also glad to provide to our customers.
How many samples are required for testing?
According to the Convention, CB cycle is 6 weeks, and need about 6-8 samples
The CB scheme strictly regulates the number of samples to be provided by the manufacturer. Normally, it should be commercial example (general model) with accessories (if any used).
For example, while testing sockets it's required to provide at least 3 samples of every type. Before starting the project we always inform our client how many samples for CB testing would be necessary, which parameters they should have, which additional accessories/documents attached.
What if some of the components are not certified as required by regulation?
When using any component parts that are supplied by suppliers, these parts must also be certified to an international standard. For example, wirings in sockets. If they are not available, the tests are carried out during product testing.
This is allowed and checked accordingly, an additional fee goes for these services.
Which information should client provide to receive quotation?
A must is for:
- HS code
- Technical description
- After evaluating product parameters we can request some additional information for clearance
The manual is not suitable for these purposes. Our engineering specialist must check all product details, such as drawings, quantity of modules, difference between family group items, etc. It's important to make a clear understanding about the product.
So, to start testing the manufacture sends samples and the technical description. These are enough. If there are any components of the product that require certification, such as cables, etc., then we ask you to provide these documents as well.
WWBridge experience
In practice, WWbridge experts are faced with spills of requests and our team of professionals shares our experience how to get the necessary certifications.
First company that produces sockets approached us in order to enter to Middle East - Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. At the beginning, they planned to do CB tests. After getting acquainted with the type of product we realized that a different regulation was needed, and we reoriented the client to the appropriate standard, according to which CB tests were done. Next, we request a G-mark which allowed to take the latest step – to submit a request for the certification for Saudi Arabia.
Our second client, a motor manufacturer, first had a lot of inquiries from all over the world - South Korea, Australia, Singapore, India, part of the Middle East countries. However, they cannot import their products due to the lack of local tests. WWBridge has selected a certification scheme for these countries. Then we found out that the client does not have international IEC certification. In theory, we can make tests in each country and request a separate energy effiency registration, for which these tests are needed. But we offered the client a more suitable option - to make basic tests for the international standard, and then quietly submit it through the approval process without additional tests. This option has saved the budget dozens of times. Thus sometimes it is better to approach the process comprehensively, and the tests will take into account the wishes of these countries, because the baseline tests are smaller.
Advantages of working with WWBridge
Efficiency: careful, detailed approach to each project, we select tests taking into account the client's export countries and planned projects, we try to optimize the path in order to request the minimum required documents.
WWBridge experts are aware of the latest know-how on the Global Standards and ready to answer all additional questions concerning IECEE CB Scheme. Please contact WWBridge via [email protected]. We will be happy to help!