What Is Lithium-Ion Battery CB Certification?

The CB Scheme is a global mutual recognition system established by the IEC System of Conformity Assessment Schemes for Electrotechnical Equipment and Components (IECEE). It promotes international trade by enabling participating member states to mutually recognize test results for national-level certification or approval. For lithium-ion battery manufacturers, CB certification is hailed as the "golden key" to unlocking global markets.

Lithium-ion battery CB certification refers to the process where battery manufacturers conduct professional testing, evaluation, and audit of products in CB Scheme-accredited laboratories, and obtain a safety certification certificate complying with CB standards. With this certificate, enterprises can apply for national-level certifications in any IECEE CB Scheme-participating country or region using the CB test report and certificate. Generally, no additional testing is required (some countries may need supplementary national difference tests—please inform the certification body in advance), significantly saving time and costs.

Why Do Lithium-Ion Batteries Need CB Certification?

1. Mandatory Requirement for International Market Access

As global attention to lithium-ion battery safety continues to grow, countries and regions worldwide have formulated strict access standards. As an internationally recognized safety certification, CB certification has become a key qualification for lithium-ion batteries to enter the global market.

2. Enhance Product Competitiveness and Credibility

CB certification is an authoritative symbol of lithium-ion battery safety and quality. Products with this certification can boost confidence among consumers and buyers, significantly improving their competitive edge in the market and helping enterprises win more orders.

3. Substantially Save Time and Costs

Through the CB Scheme, manufacturers can obtain safety certifications in over 50 countries with a single test, avoiding the cumbersome, time-consuming, and costly process of obtaining individual national product safety certifications in the past. This "one test, global recognition" model saves enterprises substantial duplicate testing fees and time costs.

4. Simplify Multi-Country Certification Processes

The CB Scheme prioritizes application processing where possible. Local one-stop testing enables access to international markets, greatly simplifying the certification process for products entering different national markets.

Scope of Lithium-Ion Batteries Applicable to CB Certification

CB certification covers various types of lithium-ion battery products, mainly including:

• Mobile phone batteries: Lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries
• Laptop batteries, digital camera batteries, camcorder batteries
• Power tool batteries
• Power vehicle batteries: Electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) batteries
• Portable energy storage power supply batteries
• Various cylindrical batteries, wireless communication batteries
• Portable DVD batteries, CD and MP3 player batteries
• Drone batteries and other batteries for consumer small devices

Core Standards & Test Requirements for CB Certification

Main Applicable Standard

Lithium-ion battery CB certification is primarily based on IEC 62133-2, an international safety standard for portable sealed secondary lithium-ion batteries formulated by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and adopted by most countries worldwide.

Key Test Items

CB certification for lithium-ion batteries includes a series of rigorous safety tests, mainly evaluating battery safety performance under abnormal conditions:

Qualification Criteria:

The battery must not catch fire, explode, or leak during all tests to be deemed compliant with safety requirements.

Detailed CB Certification Application Process

Stage 1: Preparatory Stage & Document Review

• Prepare application materials: Including CB test application form, English product manual, technical specifications, etc.
• Prepare samples: Provide lithium-ion battery samples meeting requirements.
• Document review: The certification body conducts a preliminary review of technical documents.

Stage 2: Product Testing

• Sample submission: Send samples to a CB Testing Laboratory (CBTL) for testing.
• Safety testing: Conduct comprehensive safety performance testing in accordance with IEC 62133-2.
• Design improvement: If the test fails, optimize the product and re-test.

Stage 3: Report Review & Certificate Issuance

• Report compilation: The laboratory compiles a complete CB test report.
• Report review: The National Certification Body (NCB) reviews the test report.
• Certificate issuance: Upon approval, the NCB issues the CB test certificate and report.

Total Cycle:

Typically 5–7 weeks, depending on product complexity and test progress. Note: If design improvements are required due to test failures, the cycle may be extended by 2–3 weeks.

Required Materials for CB Certification Application

Basic Product Information

• English product manual (must indicate maximum operating temperature).
• Technical specifications (including electrical parameters, structural drawings, and safety design details such as creepage distance and clearance).
• Product model and photos (clearly showing appearance and nameplate with voltage, origin, etc.).

Circuit Design Documents

• Circuit schematic diagram (with key component parameters labeled in English).
• PCB layout diagram (must indicate insulation layer thickness and wiring safety spacing).
• Exploded view (for complex products, showing internal structure assembly relationships).

Core Component Certification Documents

• List of key components (in English, including model numbers and certification IDs).
• Copies of existing certifications (e.g., CB/CE certificates for batteries or power modules).

Application & Marking Documents

• CB test application form (filled in English, specifying target export countries and national difference requirements).
• Draft CB label (including product name, model, parameters, "MADE IN CHINA", and trademark).

Key Requirement:

All documents must be in English. Electronic submission can shorten the review time.

Validity & Maintenance of CB Certificate

The CB test certificate itself has no fixed validity period, but its validity depends on the currency of the applicable product standards. When IEC standards are updated, enterprises need to re-test in accordance with the new standards to ensure the certificate remains valid.

Our Service Advantages

As a third-party testing institution with multiple authoritative qualifications (CNAS, CMA, CBTL), Guangdong Energy Storage Testing Technology Co., Ltd. has significant advantages in lithium-ion battery CB certification:

1. Professional Technical Team

Our engineers are well-versed in the technical characteristics of lithium-ion batteries and CB certification requirements. They provide accurate pre-test evaluations and problem-solving solutions to ensure a smooth and efficient certification process.

2. Rich Project Experience

We have successfully provided CB certification services for numerous lithium-ion battery enterprises. Familiar with certification processes and common issues, we help enterprises effectively avoid certification risks and improve the one-time pass rate.

3. One-Stop Global Certification Service

We offer end-to-end services from pre-consultation, test preparation, and sample testing to certificate acquisition. We can also assist enterprises in converting CB certificates into other international certifications, truly realizing "one test, global recognition".

4. Rapid Response Mechanism

We commit to responding to customer inquiries immediately, providing targeted solutions and recommendations. By optimizing project processes, we significantly shorten the certification cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the relationship between CB certification and other international certifications?A: CB certification is a foundational international safety certification. Based on the CB certificate, enterprises can quickly convert to certifications in multiple countries (e.g., South Korea KC certification, Israel SII certification), avoiding duplicate testing.

Q: Do I need to re-certify if the product design changes?A: Yes. If the change affects key characteristics related to compliance with basic requirements—especially major changes to electrical structure, key components, or software algorithms—re-evaluation or supplementary testing is required.

Q: Is CB certification accepted in all countries?A: Most major countries accept CB certification, but some may have special requirements requiring additional supplementary testing.

Q: How to choose a CB certification body?A: Select an IECEE-accredited CBTL laboratory. Additionally, consider the certification body’s recognition in target markets and its ability to apply the latest standards.

Lithium-ion battery CB certification is a crucial link for products to enter the international market. As global requirements for battery safety continue to tighten, obtaining CB certification has become an inevitable choice for lithium-ion battery manufacturers. A sound certification strategy not only ensures compliant product launch but also serves as an effective way for enterprises to enhance competitiveness and gain global market trust.

If you have any questions about lithium-ion battery CB certification or need related services, please feel free to contact Guangdong Energy Storage Testing Technology Co., Ltd.! Our professional team will provide you with detailed technical consulting and personalized certification solutions to safeguard your products’ smooth entry into the global market.