1. Introduction to CB Certification
The IECEE CB system is the first truly international system for mutual recognition of safety testing reports for electrical products. A multilateral agreement is formed between national certification bodies (NCBs) of various countries, and manufacturers can obtain national certification from other member countries of the CB system through a CB test certificate issued by an NCB.
The CB system is based on international IEC standards. If the national standards of some member countries are not yet fully consistent with IEC standards, national differences are also allowed, but should be made public to other members. The CB system utilizes CB test certificates to confirm that product samples have successfully passed appropriate tests and comply with relevant IEC requirements and the requirements of relevant member states.
The main goal of the CB system is to promote international trade, and its means are to bring manufacturers closer to the ideal goal of 'one test, multiple applications' by promoting the unity and coordination of national and international standards, as well as cooperation with product certification bodies. At the beginning of history, the CB system was initiated by CEE (formerly the European National Committee for Electrical Equipment Qualification Testing) and incorporated into IEC in 1985.
2. Scope of CB certification system
The products covered by the CB system are within the scope of IEC standards recognized by the IECEE system. When three or more member states announce their desire and support for a certain standard to join the CB system, the new IEC standard will be adopted by the CB system. The currently used IEC standards are published in the CB Bulletin and IECEE website.
At present, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is not included in the CB system unless specifically required by the IEC standards used. However, the CB system has begun investigating its members' willingness to conduct EMC measurements together with security testing. The results of this survey will be published in the CB Bulletin on this topic.
3. CB certification test certificate and CB certification test report
The CB certification test certificate is a formal CB system document issued by an authorized NCB, with the purpose of informing other NCBs that the tested product samples have been determined to meet current requirements. CB test certificates should not be used for advertising, but existing CB certificates are allowed as reference materials.
CB certification report is a standardized report that lists the requirements of relevant IEC standards in an itemized list format. The report provides the results of all required tests, measurements, verifications, inspections, and evaluations, which should be clear and unambiguous. The report also includes photos, circuit diagrams, images, and product descriptions. According to the rules of the CB system, CB test reports are only valid when provided together with CB test certificates.
If an NCB has the necessary testing equipment and technical capabilities, it can test and evaluate products based on national differences in other countries. These additional tests are attached as attachments to the CB test report and are usually recognized by other recognized NCBs.
4. Benefits of CB certification system for manufacturers
The CB system can bring benefits to manufacturers who export products to member countries of the CB system. These manufacturers can:
-Choose a suitable NCB for cooperation;
-All product tests are conducted by the same NCB, including testing for differences in target market countries;
-Use CB test reports and certificates issued by NCB, and obtain national certification from other countries through member NCBs from other countries.
Although countries that recognize CB certificates may require manufacturers to submit applications and may also require the submission of samples, there is usually no need for additional testing or only a small amount of testing, and the processing of applications is mostly some management work. So these certification applications based on CB test certificates and CB test reports will be given priority over other certification applications, and the application cycle and cost will be reduced.