CB Scheme.
Plan beyond one market.

The CB Scheme (Certification Bodies Scheme) is an international conformity assessment system operated by the IECEE.

The scheme enables participating certification bodies to recognize product safety test results conducted in accordance with applicable IEC standards.

Under the CB Scheme:

• Products are tested against international IEC standards.
• A CB Test Report is issued.
• A CB Certificate is granted by an authorized National Certification Body (NCB).
• The documentation can then be used to support national certification applications in participating countries.

The CB Scheme significantly reduces duplicate testing and accelerates global certification projects.

Global manufacturers often need separate approvals for different countries.

Examples include:

• BIS for India
• SAA for Australia
• GCC G-Mark for Gulf Countries
• KC for South Korea
• BSMI for Taiwan
• PSE for Japan
• EAC for Eurasian Markets

Without a CB Certificate, manufacturers may need to repeat testing multiple times for similar safety requirements.

The CB Scheme helps businesses:

Reduce Testing Costs

Minimize repetitive product testing.

Accelerate Market Entry

Support faster certification across multiple countries.

Improve Certification Efficiency

Utilize a single internationally recognized test report.

Support Global Expansion

Simplify international compliance management.

Enhance Regulatory Credibility

Demonstrate conformity with recognized IEC standards.

No.

CB Certification is generally voluntary.

However, many manufacturers obtain CB Certification because it simplifies approval processes in multiple countries and reduces certification costs.

While a CB Certificate often supports local certification applications, it does not automatically replace national regulatory approvals.

Each country maintains its own market access requirements.

The CB Scheme is based on mutual recognition among participating certification bodies.

Step 1 – Product Testing

The product is tested against applicable IEC standards.

Step 2 – CB Test Report

A detailed safety evaluation report is prepared.

Step 3 – CB Certificate Issuance

An authorized National Certification Body issues the CB Certificate.

Step 4 – National Certification Applications

The CB documentation is used to support country-specific certification projects.

Step 5 – Market Access

Manufacturers obtain local approvals in target markets.

This approach significantly reduces duplication of testing and documentation efforts.

The CB Scheme covers a broad range of electrical and electronic products.

Household Appliances

• Refrigerators
• Washing Machines
• Air Conditioners
• Kitchen Appliances

Information Technology Equipment

• Computers
• Servers
• Networking Products
• Office Equipment

Consumer Electronics

• Audio Systems
• Video Equipment
• Display Products

Lighting Products

• LED Luminaires
• Lamps
• Lighting Control Equipment

Power Products

• Chargers
• Power Supplies
• Adapters

Industrial Equipment

• Industrial Electrical Products
• Automation Equipment

Medical Electrical Equipment

Laboratory Equipment

Power Tools

Measurement Equipment

Applicability depends on the availability of relevant IEC standards.

The CB Scheme is accepted by more than 50 participating countries and certification systems worldwide.

Common destinations include:

India

CB reports are frequently used to support BIS certification projects.

Australia

CB documentation often supports SAA certification applications.

Gulf Countries

CB reports are widely used during GCC G-Mark certification.

South Korea

CB reports may support KC certification pathways.

Taiwan

CB testing can facilitate BSMI approvals.

Japan

CB documentation is frequently utilized during PSE certification.

Europe

Many CE safety evaluations rely on IEC-based standards aligned with European requirements.

The exact acceptance level depends on the target country's regulations.

To obtain a CB Certificate, manufacturers typically need:

Applicable IEC Standard Identification

Selection of the correct product safety standard.

Product Testing

Testing through an accredited CB Testing Laboratory (CBTL).

Technical Documentation

Preparation of safety and compliance documentation.

National Certification Body Review

Evaluation by an authorized NCB.

Compliance Verification

Confirmation that the product satisfies applicable IEC requirements.

Two organizations play a central role in the CB Scheme.

CB Testing Laboratory (CBTL)

Responsible for:

• Product Testing
• Safety Evaluation
• Test Report Preparation

National Certification Body (NCB)

Responsible for:

• Technical Review
• Certification Assessment
• Issuance of CB Certificates

Only recognized CBTLs and NCBs can participate in the CB Scheme.

Step 1 – Product Assessment

Determine applicable IEC standards.

Step 2 – Documentation Preparation

Compile technical and safety records.

Step 3 – Laboratory Testing

Testing through an accredited CBTL.

Step 4 – Test Report Preparation

Generation of the CB Test Report.

Step 5 – NCB Review

Technical evaluation by the certification body.

Step 6 – Certificate Issuance

Grant of CB Certificate.

Step 7 – National Certification Applications

Utilization of CB documents for local approvals.

Typical documentation includes:

Corporate Documents

• Manufacturer Information
• Applicant Details
• Authorization Documents

Product Documents

• Product Specifications
• Datasheets
• User Manuals
• Product Photographs

Technical Documents

• Circuit Diagrams
• Schematics
• Block Diagrams
• Component Lists

Safety Documentation

• Risk Assessments
• Critical Component Information
• Construction Details

Testing Documentation

• Product Samples
• Safety Evaluation Records

Requirements vary depending on the product category and applicable IEC standard.

Unlike many national certifications, CB Certificates generally do not carry a fixed universal expiry period.

However, validity may be affected by:

Product Design Changes

Changes in Applicable IEC Standards

Target Country Requirements

Certification Body Policies

Manufacturers should review compliance whenever significant modifications occur.

Although CB Certification itself is voluntary, failure to obtain required national certifications may result in:

Financial Penalties

Product Recall

Import Restrictions

Customs Detention

Sales Suspension

Regulatory Enforcement Actions

Market Access Denial

Each country applies its own enforcement measures under local regulations.

Many companies encounter difficulties because of:

Incorrect IEC Standard Selection

Incomplete Technical Documentation

Delays in Testing

Lack of Understanding of Country-Specific Requirements

Underutilization of CB Reports

Additional National Deviations

Early planning significantly improves certification efficiency.

Our services include:

IEC Standard Identification

CB Applicability Assessment

Product Safety Gap Analysis

Technical Documentation Preparation

CBTL Coordination

NCB Coordination

CB Test Report Management

Global Certification Strategy

BIS Certification Support

SAA Certification Support

GCC G-Mark Support

KC Certification Support

BSMI Certification Support

International Market Access Planning

Global Certification Expertise

International Market Access Specialists

Strong Network of Testing Laboratories

End-to-End Project Management

Multi-Country Compliance Strategy

Faster Certification Timelines

Reduced Testing Costs

Long-Term Regulatory Partnership

We help manufacturers, importers, exporters, OEMs, startups, and multinational organizations leverage the CB Scheme to accelerate approvals across global markets and simplify international compliance.