What Is Cell 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 facilitates international trade by enabling participating member states to mutually recognize test results for national-level certification or approval. For cell manufacturers, CB certification is the "golden key" to unlocking global markets.

Cell CB certification refers to the process where battery manufacturers conduct professional testing, evaluation, and audit of cell 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, significantly saving time and costs.

Why Do Battery Cells Need CB Certification?

1. Mandatory Requirement for International Market Access

As global attention to cell 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 battery cells to enter the global market.

2. Enhance Product Competitiveness and Credibility

CB certification is an authoritative symbol of cell 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. 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 Battery Cells Applicable to CB Certification

CB certification covers various types of battery cells, mainly including:

• Lithium-ion cells: Used in portable devices such as mobile phones and laptops.
• Lithium polymer cells: Used in drones, wearable devices, etc.
• Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) cells: Used in low-power portable devices.
• Nickel-cadmium (NiCd) cells: Used in specific industrial applications.
• Industrial cells: Used in energy storage systems, power tools, etc.

Core Standards & Test Requirements for CB Certification

Main Applicable Standards

Cell CB certification is primarily based on the following international standards:

• IEC 62133-2: Safety Requirements for Portable Sealed Secondary Lithium-Ion Cells and Batteries
• IEC 62619: Safety Requirements for Secondary Lithium-Ion Cells and Batteries for Industrial Use
• IEC 63056: Safety Requirements for Secondary Lithium-Ion Cells and Batteries for Electrical Energy Storage Systems
• IEC 62133-1: Safety Requirements for Nickel-Metal Hydride and Nickel-Cadmium Cells

Key Test Items

CB certification for battery cells includes a series of rigorous safety tests, mainly evaluating cell safety performance under abnormal conditions:

Qualification Criteria:

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

Detailed CB Certification Process

Stage 1: Preparatory Stage & Document Review

• Prepare application materials: Including CB test application form, English product manual, technical specifications, etc.
• Prepare samples: Provide battery cell 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 relevant IEC standards.
• 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 and structural drawings).
• Product model and photos (clearly showing appearance and nameplate).

Circuit Design Documents

• Circuit schematic diagram (with key component parameters labeled in English).
• PCB layout diagram (if applicable).

Core Component Certification Documents

• List of key components (in English, including model numbers and certification IDs).
• Copies of existing certifications.

Application & Marking Documents

• CB test application form (filled in English, specifying target export countries).
• Draft product label.

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.

Composition of CB Certification Costs

CB certification costs for battery cells vary by product complexity, mainly including:

• Application fee
• Product testing fee
• Factory audit fee (if applicable)
• Certificate fee

Total costs typically range from 10,000 to 30,000 RMB; complex products may cost more.

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 cell CB certification:

1. Professional Technical Team

Our engineers are well-versed in cell technical characteristics 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 cell 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: Currently, there are over 50 CB Scheme member states worldwide, covering major cell export markets. However, some countries may have special requirements, so national differences should be noted.

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.

Cell CB certification is a crucial link for products to enter the international market. As global requirements for cell safety continue to tighten, obtaining CB certification has become an inevitable choice for cell 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 cell 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.