IECEE CB Scheme (CB Scheme) Certification

The CB Scheme is a system run by IECEE that provides international mutual recognition of electrical-product test reports. The product is tested to an IEC standard at an authorised laboratory in a member country; the resulting CB Test Certificate and CB Test Report are used as a basis in other member countries' national certifications. It is not a market mark in itself — it shortens the process.

• Manufacturers exporting the same electrical product to multiple countries
• Firms wanting to reduce repeat testing and its cost
• Exporters wanting to speed up national certification processes

Not mandatory and does not provide entry to any market on its own. Its value is eliminating repeat testing in national certification applications: once national differences are addressed, the target country's body accepts the CB report and tests only the differences.

• Determining the relevant IEC standard
• Testing at an authorised CB laboratory (CBTL)
• Issuing the CB Test Certificate and CB Test Report
• Determining target countries' national differences and carrying out additional tests
• Using the CB report in the application to the national certification body
• Updating the report for product changes

1. 1Application and Product DescriptionThe product family, model list, technical specifications and target market are determined. The applicable standard and certification route become clear at this step.
2. 2Technical File ReviewDesign documents, the bill of materials, critical-component certificates and the instructions for use are examined.
3. 3Product TestingThe tests the relevant standard requires are carried out. The test report is the fundamental basis for the certification decision.
4. 4Factory AuditIf the scheme requires it, the continuity of manufacturing and factory production control (FPC) are verified on site.
5. 5Issuing the Certificate and MarkingOnce conformity is verified, the certificate is issued; the marking rules for the product and packaging are applied.
6. 6Follow-up AuditsDepending on the scheme, periodic factory audits and/or follow-up testing on samples taken from the market are carried out.

The validity period varies by scheme: some product certificates are indefinite and rely on periodic factory audits, while some schemes (e.g. country market marks) require annual or per-shipment renewal. Every design change to the product requires the certificate to be reviewed.

• The list of product models and variants
• Technical drawings, diagrams and the bill of materials
• Certificates for critical components
• The instructions for use and a sample label
• Existing test reports, if any
• Production-site details

There is no fixed list price; the cost is calculated based on the following variables and provided in writing in the quote.

• The number of models and variants in the product family
• The test scope the applicable standard requires
• Whether a factory audit is required
• The number of target markets and whether each requires separate testing
• Whether existing test reports can be accepted

Product certification is carried out under ISO/IEC 17065; The tests that form the basis for certification are carried out in laboratories with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. The two scopes are separate. Recognition between accreditation bodies is provided through IAF and ILAC agreements.

The scope under which this scheme can be offered varies according to your product and activity; it is confirmed in writing at the quote stage.

• ATEXExplosive Atmosphere
• IECExExplosive Atmosphere
• E-MarkVehicle Homologation
• WheelmarkMarine Equipment
• CEEU Product Conformity
• UKCAUnited Kingdom Conformity
• ENECElectrical Product Safety
• GSGermany Product Safety