I. What is CB certification?
CB certification is not a final market access mark, but an internationally accepted safety test report and certificate (i.e., CB Test Certificate and CB Test Report), issued by an NCB (National Certification Body) recognized by IECEE member countries.
Its greatest value lies in:
•"One Certificate, Multiple Recognitions": Use a single CB report as the technical basis to apply for local certifications from various national certification bodies (e.g., KC in South Korea, PSE in Japan, etc.), thereby avoiding duplicate testing.
• Shorten lead times and reduce costs: Minimize country-specific testing items and speed up time-to-market.
• Enhance customer trust: CB certificates are widely recognized by major global buyers, boosting product competitiveness.
Note: CB certification itself does not mean that products can be directly sold in any country; it still needs to be converted into local mandatory certification.
II. Which products can apply for CB certification?
CB certification applies to most household, commercial, and industrial electrical equipment, provided that the product complies with IEC safety standards. Common categories include:
• Household appliances (rice cookers, hair dryers, vacuum cleaners)
• Lighting equipment (LED luminaires, ballasts, drivers)
• Information technology equipment (computers, monitors, chargers)
• Power tools
• Industrial control equipment (PLCs, relays)
• Power adapters, switching power supplies
• Plugs, sockets, and extension cord power strips
As long as the product has a corresponding IEC standard, it can apply for CB certification.
III. Main applicable standards (commonly used IEC standards)
CB certification is tested based on unified IEC international standards. Common ones include:
• IEC 62368-1: Safety of audio/video and information technology equipment
•IEC 60335-1 + various special requirements: General and particular safety standards for household appliances
• IEC 61010-1: Safety of laboratory equipment
• IEC 60598-1: General safety requirements for luminaires
• IEC 61347-1: Control devices for lamps (such as LED drivers)
• IEC 60601-1: Safety of medical electrical equipment (applicable to medical products)
Test content covers: protection against electric shock, insulation performance, withstand voltage, temperature rise, mechanical strength, fire resistance and flame retardancy, creepage distance and clearance, etc.
IV. Who can issue CB certificates?
Only National Certification Bodies (NCBs) within IECEE members have the authority to issue valid CB certificates. These bodies are all authorized by IECEE as CB Scheme members, and the CB reports they issue are valid worldwide.
V. Complete process for applying for CB certification
Step 1: Confirm the applicable IEC standard for the product.
Find the corresponding IEC standard according to the product type, for example:
LED driver power supply → IEC 61347-1 + IEC 61347-2-13
Desk lamp → IEC 60598-1 + IEC 60598-2-4
It is recommended to check the design against the standards in advance to ensure compliance.
Step 2: Prepare technical documents and samples.
The following documents need to be submitted:
• Product specification sheet (including rated parameters, operating conditions)
• Circuit schematic diagram (with safety-critical sections highlighted)
• PCB layout diagram (especially high-voltage areas)
• Structural drawing or exploded view
• Key component list (BOM), listing model numbers, manufacturers, and certification status (such as whether they have UL, VDE, or CQC certification)
•User manual (English version)
•Label design (including input/output parameters, warning statements, manufacturer information)
• Number of samples: usually 2 to 3 units per model (depending on product complexity)
Tip: All key safety components (such as transformers, capacitors, optocouplers, and insulating materials) should prioritize the use of components with existing certifications, which can help reduce additional supplementary tests.
Step 3: Submit samples to the NCB or its partner laboratory for testing.
After selecting an NCB body, submit the samples to its designated laboratory for safety testing. The test items include:
• Input test, normal temperature rise
• Protection against electric shock (enclosure opening test)
• Insulation resistance and dielectric strength test
• Ground continuity (Class I equipment)
• Ball pressure test, needle flame test, glow wire test (evaluate material flammability)
• Abnormal operation and fault condition test
• Creepage distance and clearance measurement
The test cycle is generally 2 to 4 weeks. If any non-compliant items are found, corrective actions and retesting are required.
Step 4: Obtain the CB test report and certificate.
After passing the tests, the NCB will issue the official:
• CB Test Certificate
• CB Test Report
These two documents contain the product description, test basis, summary of results, and technical details, serving as the core basis for subsequent certification conversion.
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