CE Mark Certification and Compliance Testing

Welcome to F2Labs.com Blog

2010-07-06T03:23:00.000-07:00

http://www.F2Labs.com

Visit our main site for more info, including knowledgeable tips to help you achieve compliance

THE CE MARK

2010-07-06T03:10:00.002-07:00

http://www.F2Labs.com

The following steps are involved

STEP 1 : Identify Applicable "DIRECTIVES"
STEP 2 : Identify Applicable "Conformity Assessment Module"

Module 'A' (Internal Production control).

Applicable for products falling under EMC and Low Voltage Directives. Manufacturer's product is tested by a third party. After compliance with the tests, his production process ensures continued conformance. He maintains "Technical Documentation" as a proof of compliance. There is no mandatory involvement of European Lab (i.e. Notified Body).

Modules 'B' to 'H'

Mandatory involvement of European Lab is required which issues "Type Examination Certificate", certifies documentation (called "Technical Construction File" (TCF) and carries out inspections.

STEP 3 : Identify Applicable "Standard"
STEP 4 : Test one sample of the product. Either yourself or from test lab.
STEP 5 : Compile "Technical Documentation"
STEP 6 : Sign the EC "Declaration of Conformity"
STEP 7 : Affix "CE Mark" on the product. Everybody need to check this mark on electrical appliances.

Declaration of Conformity

The CE marking is a mandatory European marking for certain product groups to indicate conformity with the essential requirements set out in European Directives. In order to use the CE mark on a product the manufacturer must draw up a Declaration of Conformity (DoC) in which the manufacturer attests conformity with all relevant New Approach Directives (NADs) and takes sole legal responsibility. In some instances an NAD may require a Notified Body to issue a Certificate of Conformity in order to verify performance of the product or constancy of the production process (Factory Production Control) for example.

The DoC must include: manufacturer's details (name and address etc); essential characteristics the product complies; any European standards and performance data; if relevant the identification number of the Notified Body; and a legally binding signature on behalf of the organization.

Mutual recognition of conformity assessment

There are numerous 'Agreements on Mutual Recognition of Conformity Assessment' between the European Union and other countries such as the USA, Japan, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Israel. Consequently the CE mark is now found on many products from these countries.

Turkey (which is not a member of the EEA) also requires products to show CE marking as affirmation of conformity.

Dimensions

The CE logo must be at least 5 mm high. The letters "CE" are not enough. The logo must not be modified.

EMC LAB TESTING SERVICES

2010-07-06T03:10:00.001-07:00

http://www.F2Labs.com

F-Squared Laboratories can work with you during each phase of your design development - from your prototype phase compliance consulting to final product compliance testing and global approval management.

Our technical staff can work with you at your location for testing and approval management or test your product at our facilities. Feel free to witness your testing at one of our modern EMC facilities.

We are available to provide you with one or all of the following services for your EMC Testing Needs. Also identified below is the F-Squared EMC Testing Services Guide. For more information on the directives and requirements, click the hotlinks.

Preliminary Design Review – Remove any question whether a product will meet any EMC emissions requirements, we will perform a pre-scan. This data can not be used for formal approvals but will reduce the likelihood of surprises during the final testing phase.
Design Review Our engineers offer you EMC compliance at the early design and prototype stages of your product development. This work can be done at one of our convenient locations or it can be conducted at your facility. This allows you to be part of the process and provides you with a better understanding of the requirements.
Testing Capabilities Our technical experts can provide onsite or offsite testing services. F-Squared Laboratories offers you fully equipped testing laboratories that provide a range of product safety testing for North America, Europe and other international standards and marks.
Debugging At F-Squared Laboratories, not only do we identify the non-compliances found during an evaluation, but we also help you fix the problems. This decreases your turnaround time and gets your products to the market in the timeframe that you need.
Documentation Preparation Once we have completed testing, F-Squared Laboratories can provide you with formal Test Reports and submit all paperwork and documentation to a competent body and, if you prefer, we can also assemble your Technical Construction File (TCF).
Consulting Services Our compliance consulting team is ready to help your product each phase of the way from prototype to shipment.
Educational Services We deliver training on critical compliance information and knowledge transfer to improve efficiencies, save time, and save money on newly introduced products.

Through our Partner Firms which are Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTL) and accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) – we offer you a choice of on-site services.

PERFORMANCE TESTING SERVICES

2010-07-06T03:09:00.002-07:00

http://www.F2Labs.com

F-Squared is approved by the US Government to perform product validations testing to the Energy Star requirements.

You may have heard the statement "Know by Test" before. It is how most appliance manufacturers authenticate their marketing claims or measure their product's performance against their competition's like-models.

F-Squared is an independent third party testing laboratory with years of engineering experience in the appliance-testing arena. We will work with you to develop a test program to substantiate your marketing claims, or we can test to recognized industry standards or industry programs such as:

AHAM - American Home Appliance Manufacturers
IEC - International Electro Technical Committee
CFR - Code of Federal Regulations
Energy Star Program
ANSI/UL

Why tie up your lab with costly, repetitive test procedures? Why not utilize the testing and engineering experience of F-Squared Laboratories? No test program is too big or too small! We are knowledgeable in testing a variety of both large and small appliances, such as:

Washers
Garbage Disposals
Dryers
Coffee Makers
Dishwashers
Blenders
Microwaves
Computers
Air Conditioners
Televisions
Batteries
Lighting Devices
Phones
Scanners
...and much more.

We will work closely with you throughout the testing process to ensure we meet your needs within your time frame. Our commitment to you is prompt, personal, and cost-effective service.

SAFETY TESTING SERVICES

2010-07-06T03:09:00.001-07:00

http://www.F2Labs.com

F-Squared Laboratories is also a full-service safety testing organization.

Our safety laboratories are set-up to test/evaluate products for the United States, Canada, Europe, and International Certifications. Our safety facilities are A2LA Accredited, and our safety test data and evaluations are accepted by an OSHA accredited NRTL.

Our experienced team of engineers can develop an efficient plan for addressing your product safety standards and work with you onsite or offsite at our locations.

Design Review

Our engineers offer you product safety testing at the early design and prototype stages of your product development. This work can be done at one of our convenient locations or it can be conducted at your facility. This allows you to be part of the process and provides you with a better understanding of the requirements.

Testing Capabilities

Our technical experts can provide onsite or offsite testing services. We also provide normal or hazardous location testing. F-Squared Laboratories offers you fully equipped testing laboratories that provide a range of product safety testing for North America, Europe (CE, CB, D Mark) and other international standards and marks.

Debugging

At F-Squared Laboratories, not only do we identify the non-compliances found during an evaluation, but we also help you fix the problems. This decreases your turnaround time and gets your products to market in the timeframe that you need.

Documentation Preparation

Once we have completed testing, F-Squared Laboratories can provide you with completed test reports which include test data, photos, construction reviews, supporting documentation, and technical files.

Consulting Services

Our compliance consulting team is ready to help your product each phase of the way from prototype to shipment.

Educational Services

We deliver training on critical compliance information and knowledge transfer to improve efficiencies, save time, and save money on new products.

Field Labeling Services

Our service provides you with on-the-spot testing, evaluation and labeling of your products.

FIELD EVALUATION vs FIELD CERTIFICATION

2010-07-06T03:08:00.001-07:00

http://www.F2Labs.com

Field Evaluation

This is a practical and acceptable alternative to traditional product certification. Our service provides you with on-the-spot testing, evaluation and labeling of your products. The testing and evaluation is non-destructive, and is based on published requirements accepted by the Authorities having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

Complying products will be immediately labeled with a distinctive, serialized label per the AHJ requirements. For the U.S., the technical requirements are described in the National Electric Code (NEC) and other applicable requirements specified by the AHJ.

In Canada, the technical requirements are described in the Canadian Electrical Code, CSA Model Code SPE-1000 and for medical/lab/x-ray equipment, the applicable parts of the relevant CSA standards.

When should I choose Field Evaluation?

Choose Field Evaluation if any one or more of the following situations are:

The equipment is already shipped or installed.
You receive the equipment in limited quantities or batches.
Cost of certification is impractical.
Time is of the essence.
You are testing the market and may not continue production.
You want to make sure the product complies with the essential requirements before submitting it for certification.

Field Certification

This is a customized field certification service performed at your location. Products are evaluated to the full requirements of the applicable USA and/or Canadian standards(s). A Certificate of Compliance and a controlled number of serialized labels bearing the NRTL certification mark will be issued for products found compliant to the applicable requirements. Additional labels may be issued upon confirmation that the additional batches are identical to the tested sample(s).

Advantages:

* Faster – Less Expensive – More Convenient – Less Paperwork – No Annual Fees *

When should I choose Field Certification?

Choose Field Certification if in addition to one or more of the above conditions, one or more of the following is also applicable:

You or your customer requires a Certification Mark on the product.

The quantities, although limited, are high and the shipments are repetitive, making this a more cost-effective service.

When should I choose Field Certification over Traditional Certification?

You are an importer/exporter and are unwilling or unable to arrange the required access to the factory for unannounced inspection visits
You are an importer/exporter and cannot control changes or component substitutions by the factory
You wish to take advantage of having your product tested and certified on the spot, at the location of your choice
You wish to take advantage of the cost savings of Field Certification

CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION

2010-07-06T03:07:00.002-07:00

http://www.F2Labs.com

Directives and Requirements - Click on the directive for more information.

Requirement	Markets
EMC Directive	EU
Low Voltage Directive	EU
Machinery Directive	EU
Medical Device Directive	EU
ATEX Directive	EU
Pressure Equipment	EU
Noise Directive	EU
C-Tick	Australia/New Zealand
FCC	North America
US and Canada Safety	North America and Canada
Industry Canada	Canada
CB Scheme	International Safety

THE EMC DIRECTIVE

2010-07-06T03:07:00.001-07:00

http://www.F2Labs.com

The EMC Directive was adopted in 1989 and then amended in 1992 (92/31/ECC) and 1993 (93/68/EEC). It is regarded as one of the most complex "new approach" directives, as it affects almost all electronic manufacturers and products (including battery-supplied products going to the European Union).

The EMC Directive applies to apparatus, systems, equipment, and installations containing electrical or electronic components.

Definitions

"Apparatus" is defined as a final product with an intrinsic function intended for the final user and intended to be placed on the European Union market as a single commercial unit.

"Equipment" is equivalent to "apparatus."

"System" is defined as several apparatus combined to fulfill a specific function and intended to be placed on the European market as a single functional unit.

"Installation" is defined as several apparatus or systems combined at a given place to fulfill a specific function, and not intended to be placed on the European market as a single functional unit.

"Electromagnetic Compatibility" (EMC) is defined as the combination of electromagnetic emissions and immunity.

An "emission" is defined as electromagnetic energy emitted by a device/product over a power line or through the air.

"Immunity" is defined as the ability of a device/product to not be influenced by the application of electromagnetic energy from external sources.

THE LOW VOLTAGE DIRECTIVE

2010-07-06T03:06:00.001-07:00

http://www.F2Labs.com

The Low Voltage Directive (LVD) was adopted in 1973 and has been in effect since 1975. In 1993, it was amended by the Council of the European Communities (93/68/EEC), which rendered it as a "new approach" directive.

The scope of this directive covers "electrical equipment" designed for use with a voltage rating of 50-1000 V AC and 75 - 1500 V DC. However, some countries within the European Union are interpreting the voltage requirements from 0 - 1000 V AC and 0 - 1500 V DC.

THE MACHINERY DIRECTIVE

2010-07-06T03:05:00.002-07:00

http://www.F2Labs.com

CE Marking under the Machinery Directive became mandatory as of January 1, 1995. Between the publication of the directive in 1989 and now, the directive has gone through many amendments making it difficult for the manufacturer to determine a single comprehensive set of requirements.

In 1998, the EC introduced directive 98/37/EC, which is a consolidation of the previous directives into one document although it makes no changes whatsoever in the actual requirements.

98/37/EC supersedes and replaces the earlier directives, and this is the number that should be referenced on the declarations and as the citation for the Machinery Directive.

Definitions

For the purpose of this directive, machinery is defined as "an assembly of linked parts or components, at least one of which moves, with the appropriate actuators, control and power circuits, etc., joined together for a specific application . . ."

The term "machinery" also covers the "assembly of machines which, in order to achieve the same end, are arranged and controlled so that they function as an integral whole."

THE MEDICAL DEVICES DIRECTIVE

2010-07-06T03:05:00.001-07:00

http://www.F2Labs.com

One of the “new approach” directives, the European Union’s Medical Devices Directive has been in effect since January 1, 1995, and enforced since June 15, 1998.

This directive applies to any instrument or apparatus, whether used alone or in combination for the purpose of “diagnosis, prevention, monitoring, treatment, alleviation of disease; diagnosis, monitoring, treatment, alleviation of or compensation for an injury or handicap; or, investigation, replacement, or modification of the anatomy. This directive does not apply to active implantable devices or in-vitro diagnostic devices, which are covered under separate directives. It does, however, include computers and software that are used primarily for medical purposes.

The device or apparatus must meet all specified requirements as they relate to performance, health, and safety. The device must not compromise the health and safety of the patient, the user, or any other persons, and risks must be deemed acceptable when considering the benefits to the patient. The product must meet established requirements regarding safety in design, adequate product marking and instructions of use, compatibility with other materials with which it may come in contact, and protection against contamination from a radioactive, infectious, or microbial source. More details regarding these requirements may be found in Annex I of the Medical Devices Directive.

For the purpose of conformity assessment procedures, the directive groups medical devices into four product classes based on the potential risks associated with the device and its intended purpose. Annex IV of the Medical Devices Directive provides greater detail on how to classify the product and the factors that determine that classification. The classifications, however, are as follows:

Class I: Low Level Risk - the product’s conformity is the manufacturer’s responsibility
Class IIa: Moderate Level Risk – a notified body must be involved during the product’s production stage to ensure compliance
Class IIb: High Risk – a notified body must inspect the design and manufacture of the product to ensure compliance
Class III: High Risk – most critical of devices for which “explicit prior authorization [by a notified body] with regard to conformity is required for them to be placed on the market”

CE MARKING - THE ATEX DIRECTIVE

2010-07-06T03:04:00.000-07:00

http://www.F2Labs.com

The ATEX Directive came into effect on a voluntary basis on March 1, 1996. Mandated compliance to this "new approach" directive is required by July 1, 2003 for all products placed on the European market.

Currently, manufacturers still have the choice of complying with either the "new" or old approach requirements until June 30, 2003. In addition, Certificates of Conformity issued under the old approach directive and marked with the Epsilon-x (Ex) will remain valid until June 30, 2003.

Scope of the Directive

This directive covers electrical and mechanical equipment and protective systems, which may be used in potentially explosive atmospheres.

The term "equipment" is defined as "any item which contains or constitutes a potential ignition source and which requires special measures to be incorporated in its design and/or its installation in order to prevent the ignition source from initiating an explosion in the surrounding area."

The term "equipment" also incorporates safety and control devices installed outside the hazardous area but having an explosion protection function.

"Protective Systems" are defined as items that prevent an explosion that has been initiated from spreading or causing damage. These include flame arresters, quenching systems, pressure relief panels, and fast-acting shut-off valves.

The directive explicitly excludes the following types of equipment:

Medical devices
Products for use in the presence of explosives
Products for domestic use
Sea-going vessels and mobile off-shore units
Military equipment
Means of transport, except vehicles for use in potentially explosive atmospheres

The ATEX Directive specifies the Essential Health and Safety requirements. The essential requirements must be met by equipment and protective systems intended to be used in potentially explosive atmospheres.

The Essential Safety Requirements (ESR) can be divided basically into three groups:

Common requirements
Requirements for equipment
Requirements for protective systems

Annex II of the ATEX Directive provides a fully detailed list of the ESR.

Depending upon the category of equipment and the ones for which the equipment is intended to be used, the manufacturer might also be required to have a quality system in place, such as ISO 9003 or ISO 10005. More specifics on this issue can be found in the directive.

Equipment covered by the ATEX Directive must also meet the requirements of other relevant directives such as the EMC Directive, Low Voltage Directive, and Machinery Directive.

THE PRESSURE DIRECTIVE

2010-07-06T03:03:00.002-07:00

http://www.F2Labs.com

The European Parliament and the European Council adopted the Pressure Equipment Directive in May 1997. As of May 2002, it will become mandatory throughout the European Union. At that time, manufacturers of pressure equipment who want to CE Mark their products will need to comply with the PED as well as the Essential Safety and EMC Directives.

Until that time, manufacturers will have a choice between applying the PED or continuing with the application of existing legislation. The Pressure Equipment Directive has been established for the elimination of technical barriers to trade, and is formulated under the “New Approach to Technical Harmonization and Standards” and to harmonize national laws for the design, manufacture, testing and conformity assessment of pressure equipment.

The Directive is only for use with equipment with a maximum allowable pressure greater than 0.5 bar above atmospheric pressure (i.e., 1.5 bar of absolute pressure).

Under the Community Regime of the Directive, pressure equipment and assemblies above specified pressure and/or volume thresholds must:

Be safe
Meet essential safety requirements covering design, manufacture and testing
Satisfy appropriate conformity assessment procedures
Carry the CE Marking and other information

Pressure equipment and assemblies below the specified pressure/volume thresholds must:

Be safe
Be designed and manufactured according to sound engineering practice
Bear specific markings (but not necessarily the CE Mark)

The PED concerns manufacturers of items such as vessels' pressurized storage containers, heat exchangers, steam generators, boilers, industrial piping, safety devices and pressure accessories. These types of items are widely used in process industries such as oil and gas, pharmaceutical, plastics and rubber, food and beverage, glass and paperboard and energy production industries.

The assessment and conformity procedures are different for each category of equipment, ranging from self-certification hazard up to full ISO 9000 Quality Management and/or Notified Body type examination for category IV equipment.

In order to determine how the directive will apply to specific items of pressure equipment, a manufacturer needs to classify his equipment into one of four (I to IV) conformity assessment categories with I being the lowest hazard risk and IV being the highest hazard risk.

THE NOISE DIRECTIVE - 2000/14/EC

2010-07-06T03:03:00.001-07:00

http://www.F2Labs.com

Noise in the environment has become a major issue. It has been proven that loud noises at work can cause stress, along with a number of hearing problems including tinnitus and irreversible hearing damage. Due to these concerns, the European Union has published "The Noise Directive", which becomes mandatory on January 3, 2002. This Directive replaces nine current European Directives that presently cover separate machine groups.

The Noise Directive covers only equipment that is marketed or built for use as an entire unit, suitable for its intended utilization. Non-powered attachments that are marketed or utilized separately are excluded, except for hand held concrete-breakers and picks, as well as hydraulic hammers.

The Directive currently applies to 57 types of equipment ranging from large hydraulic excavators to lawn mowers and trimmers. One important element of this new Directive is that, in addition to the CE mark, it will require manufacturers of such equipment to measure the noise emissions and place labels showing the "Guaranteed" noise level of each machine. The Directive also sets noise limits for 22 of the 57 categories, laid down to apply in two stages. As with other European Directives, this Directive requires the same documentation, such as the Declaration of Conformity and Technical File with the appropriate technical information that demonstrates conformity.

Equipment subject to noise limits and noise marking:

Builders' hoists for the transport of goods (combustion-engine driven)
Compaction machines (only vibrating and non-vibrating rollers, vibratory plates and vibratory rammers)
Compressors, less than 350 KW
Concrete-breakers and picks, hand-held
Construction winches (combustion engine driven)
Dozers, less than 500 KW
Dumpers, less than 500 KW
Excavators, hydraulic or rope operated, less than 500 KW
Excavator-loaders, less than 500 KW
Graders, less than 500 KW
Hydraulic power packs
Landfill compactors, loader-type with bucket, less than 500 KW
Lawnmowers, excluding agricultural and forestry equipment, and multi-purpose devices, the main motorized component of which has an installed power of more than 20 KW
lawn trimmers/lawn edge trimmers
Lift trucks, combustible-engine driven, counterbalanced, excluding other counterbalanced lift trucks with a rated capacity of not more than 10 tons
Loaders, less than 500 KW
Mobile Cranes
Motor hoes, less than 3 KW
Paver-finishers, excluding paver-finishers equipped with a high-compaction screed
Power generators, less than 400 KW
Tower cranes
Welding generators

C-TICK - AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

2010-07-06T03:02:00.003-07:00

http://www.F2Labs.com

The C-Tick Mark is required for electrical/electronic equipment sold in Australia as directed by the Australian Communications Authority (ACA). This requirement became mandatory January 1, 1999.

Effective that same date, New Zealand adopted the Australian EMC framework, thereby forming a Trans-Tasman Compliance Framework. As a result, the C-Tick Mark currently accepted in Australia is now accepted in New Zealand.

FCC - FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

2010-07-06T03:02:00.001-07:00

http://www.F2Labs.com

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires that all digital devices (including Information Technology, Industrial, Scientific, and Medical Equipment) that operate with internal clock rates over 9 kHz be tested under one or more of the sections outlined in CFR Title 47, Parts 15, 18, 68, and 90. F-Squared Laboratories has filed our test site with the FCC and has been accredited by A2LA in order to provide these services to our customers.

Declaration of Conformity

In May 1996, the FCC allowed manufacturers of personal computers and peripherals to issue Declarations of Conformity (DoC's) in order to proclaim compliance of their products to Part 15. This was introduced as a way for manufacturers to get their products to market faster. Once the test report has been issued by an accredited test laboratory, the manufacturer can sell products immediately.

Certification

Some products, such as transmitters, are required to be certified by the FCC. Certification requires that an application be made to the FCC. The product may not be sold/marketed until the approval process is completed and the Certification is granted by the FCC. Not only can we do all your testing, but we can act as your agent with the FCC. We will complete the test report and application for you, and provide any follow-up support that is necessary until you receive your certification.

Verification

Verification is a self-approval process. The equipment must be tested and the manufacturer must then maintain the test report and submit it to the FCC upon request. This process is typically used for Class A products such as business computers, TV and FM receivers, and Industrial, Scientific, and Medical Equipment.

US AND CANADIAN SAFETY

2010-07-06T03:01:00.001-07:00

http://www.F2Labs.com

F-Squared Laboratories is a full service testing organization. If your products need US and Canadian safety approvals, you may be faced with the concern over which mark do you use and what mark is accepted in the field. There are many myths that your choices are limited to certain marks issued by UL, CSA, FM, ETL, AGA, or CGA.

Setting the Record Straight

To sell your product in the United States, a laboratory that is accredited by OSHA as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) can and should evaluate it. When your product bears a Mark from an NRTL, you are telling the Authorities having Jurisdiction (AHJ)and consumers that it complies with the applicable requirements set by ANSI, ASTM, NEMA, and UL standards.

Likewise, when you sell your product in Canada, the law requires that you have it approved by a Certification Organization (CO) accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC). Once your product is evaluated against the applicable Canadian requirements, it will bear a mark specifically designated for Canada.

INDUSTRY CANADA

2010-07-06T03:00:00.000-07:00

http://www.F2Labs.com

The Industry Canada requires that most digital devices that operate over 10 kHz be tested under ICES-003. F-Squared Laboratories can expedite your Industry Canada Approvals when you have your FCC testing done concurrently. Although the requirements for the Industry Canada are not identical to those of the US, many of the technical requirements are nearly the same. We can complete all the necessary paperwork to ensure your compliance in Canada.

Verification

Verification is a self-approval process required for all equipment that falls under the scope for Canada's Interference Causing Equipment Standards (ICES). The manufacturer or importer is responsible for compliance and must maintain compliance records for at least 5 years.

Certification

Some products require "certification." A certification application must be made to the Industry Canada for these products. F-Squared Laboratories can act as your agent with the Industry Canada, as well.

THE CB SCHEME

2010-07-06T02:58:00.000-07:00

http://www.F2Labs.com

THE CB SCHEME

The CB Scheme (in which "CB" refers to "Certification Body") is an international program developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) through their program entitled the IEC System for Conformity Testing to Standards for Safety of Electrical Equipment (IECEE). The CB Scheme provides and allows for an exchange of test reports among the participating countries' laboratories and certification organizations, which are referred to as National Certification Bodies (NCBs). Each of the participating countries' NCB has been accredited by the IECEE.

Those countries involved in the program include:

Austria
Australia
Belgium
Canada
China
Czech Republic
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary

India
Ireland
Israel
Italy

Japan
Korea
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Russian Federation

Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia

South Africa
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
United Kingdom
Ukraine
United States
Yugoslavia

The CB Scheme offers manufacturers a simplified, efficient, and less costly means of obtaining multiple national safety certifications for their products.

How Does it Work?

A manufacturer applies to any of the participating NCBs for a CB Test Certificate. The NCB will perform complete testing and evaluation of the manufacturer's product to determine conformity with the appropriate standard accepted in the Scheme. If the product is found to be in compliance with the standard, the NCB will issue a CB Test Report and CB Test Certificate.

These documents may then be presented to other participating NCBs for those nations from which the manufacturer may need additional certifications. Upon evaluation of the test documents, the other NCBs may determine that the results are sufficient to grant national certification without performing additional tests. Thus, the CB Scheme offers the manufacturer an efficient way of having product investigated to the appropriate IEC standards and to the National Deviations of participating countries in which the product is intended for market.

A CB Test Report can also be used to support your self-declaration towards the CE Marking, which is mandatory in countries of the European Union.

What Standards are Accepted in the CB Scheme?

The standards used are the various internationally recognized IEC standards for electrical equipment. The CB Scheme, however, permits each country to have some National Deviations to address local safety concerns.

The United States and its NCBs currently participate in the CB Scheme for the following categories:

IEC 60065 - Household Electronic Equipment
IEC 61010 - Laboratory Equipment
IEC 60950 - Information Technology Equipment (ITE) and Office Equipment
IEC 60601 - Electro-medical Equipment
IEC 60335 - Household Electronic Equipment

How are National Deviations Handled?

Compliance with National Deviations may be evaluated by either the NCB issuing the CB Certificate and CB Test Report or by the NCB to whom the test documents are presented for recognition and acceptance.

It may help further reduce costs, completion time, sample requirements, and project complexity by having all appropriate National Deviations evaluated by the NCB who issues the CB Test Certificate and CB Test Report.