Abstract: IEC 62368-1 certification has become a core safety access standard for electrical and electronic products entering global markets. This article comprehensively explains which products the IEC 62368 certification applies to, the detailed certification process, typical timelines, and key factors affecting costs—helping you quickly plan your certification path and efficiently complete market access.

I. Which Products Fall Under IEC 62368-1 Certification?

IEC 62368-1 is an international standard based on hazard-based safety engineering principles. It replaces the traditional IEC 60950-1 and IEC 60065 standards and has an extremely wide scope of application. In short, nearly all devices involving information technology (IT), communication technology, and audio-visual (AV) technology may require this certification.

Typical product categories include (but are not limited to):

• Computers and peripherals: Laptops, desktops, servers, monitors, keyboards, mice.
• Communication equipment: Routers, switches, modems, mobile phones, IP phones.
• Office equipment: Printers, copiers, scanners, projectors.
• Consumer electronics: TVs, audio systems, game consoles, set-top boxes, drones.
• Power supplies and adapters: AC/DC power adapters, chargers, UPS (uninterruptible power supplies).
• Emerging smart devices: Smart home hubs, network cameras, smart wearables.

Special note: For clients in the energy storage testing field—such as manufacturers producing portable energy storage power supplies and mobile power banks (power banks)—these products must pass IEC 62368-1 certification due to their dual characteristics of IT equipment and built-in battery systems. Additionally, relevant standards for their battery components will be assessed simultaneously.

II. Detailed IEC 62368 Certification Process

A complete IEC 62368 certification project typically includes the following five key steps. Collaborating with a professional testing institution can streamline the process:

1. Application and Document Preparation:Enterprises submit an application form to a testing institution (e.g., Guangdong ESTL) and provide a full set of technical documents, including product specifications, circuit schematics, PCB layouts, a bill of materials (BOM) for key components, and user manuals.

2. Product Pre-Evaluation and Test Plan Development:Engineers at the institution review the documents, conduct a preliminary evaluation, and develop a customized detailed test plan—specifying test items and standards tailored to the product.

3. Sample Testing:Enterprises send samples to the institution’s laboratory. Engineers perform full-item testing in accordance with the IEC 62368-1 standard, including (but not limited to): dielectric strength, insulation resistance, energy source classification, fire protection, mechanical hazards, and abnormal operation testing.

4. Issue Rectification and Report Compilation:If non-compliant items are found during testing, the institution’s engineers provide professional technical rectification suggestions to assist the enterprise in completing design improvements. Once all tests are passed, the institution issues an authoritative test report.

5. Certificate Issuance:Based on the qualified test report, the certification body issues an IEC 62368-1 compliance certificate—indicating that the product meets the standard requirements.

III. What Is the Typical Timeline for IEC 62368 Certification?

The certification timeline is a major concern for enterprises and is not fixed. It mainly depends on the following factors:

• Product complexity: A simple AC/DC adapter and a complex all-in-one printer have different testing workloads, resulting in varying timelines.
• First-time pass rate: The shortest timeline is achieved when all tests pass on the first attempt. If non-compliant items arise, the timeline will be extended by the time required for rectification and re-testing.
• Collaboration efficiency between the enterprise and testing institution: The speed of document submission, sample delivery, and rectification feedback also affects the overall progress.

Generally, the IEC 62368 certification timeline for a standard product ranges from 4 to 6 weeks. For structurally complex products or those requiring multiple rounds of rectification, the timeline may be extended. Choosing an experienced institution like Guangdong ESTL can reduce the number of rectifications through accurate pre-evaluation, thereby effectively shortening the timeline.

IV. What Factors Determine IEC 62368 Certification Costs?

Certification costs are another core concern. There is no unified "fixed price" for IEC 62368 certification; costs are evaluated based on specific circumstances. The main cost components and influencing factors include:

1. Product Certification Fee:This is the main cost component, calculated based on product complexity and the number of test items. Products with more functions, more complex circuits, higher voltages, or built-in batteries require more tests, leading to higher costs.

2. Project Application Fee:A fixed administrative fee charged by the certification body.

3. Laboratory Testing Fee:Calculated based on actual labor hours consumed and equipment usage.

4. Key Component Fees:If the product uses uncertified key components (e.g., transformers, optocouplers, fuses), these components may need to undergo random individual testing—incurring additional costs.

Cost-saving suggestion: Enterprises should involve testing institutions in consultation during the R&D phase to avoid potential non-compliant items at the design stage. Additionally, using key components that have already obtained relevant certifications can effectively control the final certification cost.

Conclusion: How to Start Your IEC 62368 Certification?

IEC 62368 certification is a crucial step for product safety to align with international standards. Given the complex processes and variables involved, choosing a professional, efficient, and transparent testing institution is essential.

Guangdong ESTL Technology Co., Ltd., as a professional testing and certification solution provider, holds authoritative qualifications including CNAS L13753, CMA (202019014977), and IECEE CBTL. Our laboratory is equipped with advanced equipment, and our engineering team has in-depth expertise in standards. We can provide full-process services for your products—from pre-certification technical consultation and pre-testing to formal certification—accurately evaluating timelines and costs, and helping your products enter global markets quickly and compliantly.

Feel free to contact us at any time to obtain a free preliminary evaluation and detailed quotation plan for your specific product!