When exporting electrical and electronic products to global markets, enterprises often face complex and varying safety certification requirements across countries. Repeated testing and multiple certifications not only incur huge costs but also severely delay product launch cycles. At this point, CB certification—an internationally recognized mutual recognition system for product safety certification—becomes a core tool for enterprises to break into global markets.

What Is CB Certification? A Globally Unified Framework

CB certification, short for the IECEE (IEC System for Conformity Testing and Certification of Electrotechnical Equipment) CB Scheme, is not just a simple certificate but an international mutual recognition system involving over 50 member countries worldwide.

The core of this system is that National Certification Bodies (NCBs) of each member country conduct safety testing on electrotechnical products based on International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards. The test results—CB Test Reports and CB Test Certificates—are mutually recognized among all IECEE member states. This means that after an enterprise completes testing and obtains a CB certificate in one country, it can use this as a basis to quickly and conveniently obtain national certification or market access qualifications in other member states, greatly simplifying the global market access process.

In short, the ultimate goal of CB certification is to achieve the ideal of "one test, multiple applications", minimizing international trade barriers to the greatest extent.

How Does CB Certification Work? Core Advantages

The operation of the CB Scheme relies on a mature international collaboration mechanism, with key participants including:

• National Certification Body (NCB): The authoritative institution in each country responsible for issuing and recognizing CB certificates. China’s NCB is the China Quality Certification Center (CQC).
• CB Testing Laboratory (CBTL): Laboratories authorized by NCBs to conduct specific product testing in accordance with IEC standards.

The core value this system brings to enterprises is irreplaceable:

1. Significant Reduction in Time and Costs

This is the most direct advantage. Enterprises do not need to repeatedly submit samples and conduct tests for each target market; instead, they only need to apply for local certification based on existing CB reports and certificates, which usually avoids costly duplicate testing. Certification applications are also prioritized, significantly shortening the certification cycle.

2. Simplified Global Market Access

CB Scheme member states cover major global economies including the EU, the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Russia, etc. Holding a CB certificate is equivalent to obtaining a "fast pass" to these markets.

3. Enhanced Product Competitiveness and Credibility

CB certificates are based on globally recognized IEC standards, serving as international endorsement of product safety. They not only boost the confidence of purchasers and consumers but also sometimes enable products to command higher prices and gain stronger competitiveness in the market.

Which Products Require CB Certification?

The CB Scheme covers a wide range of household, commercial, and industrial electrical and electronic products. Major categories include:

• Household and similar electrical appliances (e.g., home appliances)
• Information technology and office equipment (e.g., computers, power supplies)
• Lighting equipment
• Portable electric tools
• Electronic entertainment equipment
• Batteries and various installation accessories

For products such as batteries, power banks, and energy storage systems, obtaining CB certification (usually in accordance with standards such as IEC 62133, IEC 62368, and IEC 62619) is a key step to proving their international safety compliance.

Key Process and Considerations for CB Certification Application

To successfully obtain CB certification, attention should be paid to the following core steps and details:

1. Determine Target Markets and Standards

First, clarify the countries where products will be exported and confirm if they are CB member states. Meanwhile, identify the specific version of the applicable IEC standard for the product.

2. Prepare Technical Documents and Samples

Prepare detailed technical documents including product manuals, circuit diagrams, and lists of key components. Also, prepare test samples as required.

3. Select an NCB/CBTL for Testing

Submit applications and samples to an NCB (e.g., CQC) qualified for the relevant product scope or its authorized CB Testing Laboratory (CBTL) to conduct complete safety testing.

4. Consider "National Deviations"

This is a critical step in the application process. Although based on IEC standards, some countries have their own special regulations on voltage, plugs, and specific safety requirements. These "national deviations" must be covered in the testing; otherwise, the target country has the right to refuse recognition of the CB report. Therefore, all target markets should be clearly communicated to the laboratory at the beginning of the application.

5. Obtain Certificates and Reports

Upon passing the tests, the NCB will issue a CB Test Certificate and a detailed CB Test Report. Both must be used together to be valid.

6. Convert to Target Country Certification

Finally, use the valid CB certificate and report to apply to the NCB of the target market for conversion to local certification (e.g., South Korea KC). This process usually focuses on document review and filing, and may require no or only a small amount of supplementary testing.

It should be noted that the CB Scheme mainly focuses on product safety performance. If the target market also has mandatory requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) (e.g., EU CE certification includes the EMC Directive), additional testing must be conducted to meet full compliance.

Partner with Guangdong Energy Storage Testing for Unimpeded Global Certification

Faced with complex international standards, cumbersome application processes, and crucial "national deviations", choosing an experienced and reliable partner is essential.

Guangdong Energy Storage Testing Technology Co., Ltd. is an IECEE-authorized CBTL laboratory, with deep expertise in testing and certification of batteries and energy storage products. We fully understand the CB Scheme and its value to your business expansion. Our professional service team can provide you with:

• One-Stop Solutions: Full-process guidance from pre-consultation, standard interpretation, sample preparation to assisting you in selecting the optimal certification plan.
• Precise Management of "National Deviations": With continuous tracking of regulations in major global markets, we ensure your product testing plan fully covers target country deviations and avoids subsequent conversion risks.
• Efficient Project Advancement: We assist you in communicating efficiently with laboratories, accelerating the testing process, and ensuring you obtain CB certificates as soon as possible to seize market opportunities.

CB certification is not only an "international passport" for product safety but also an accelerator for your enterprise’s globalization strategy.

If you plan to launch batteries, energy storage power supplies, and other products into the global market and hope to efficiently obtain CB certification, please contact Guangdong Energy Storage Testing Technology Co., Ltd. immediately! Let our professional services help you cross trade barriers and smoothly access global markets.