IECEE. TAKING CONFORMITYASSESSMENT FURTHERWORLDWIDE SYSTEM FORCONFORMITY TESTING AND CERTIFICATION
OF ELECTROTECHNICAL EQUIPMENT AND COMPONENTS (IECEE)ABOUT CONFORMITY ASSESSMENTThe IECEE offers the potential of one test (based on a

The first is safety: governments want to protect thestandard), one certification (to prove the conformity),

population, particularly consumers and workers in highand one or more marks as appropriate (the visualrisk areas.

symbol for proof of conformity). The IEC’s worldwideconformity assessment systems cover all scenarios:

The second is performance: buyers (usuallythe one-stop shop.

wholesale) want to ensure quality and safety ofproducts.

The IEC sees three main underlying reasons forcarrying out conformity assessment.

The third is interoperability: other manufacturers
want to know that their product will work correctly withthe one being assessed.

3Conformity assessment
benefits for many players:

producestangible

product or system again. This means that products can

For governments, it helps reduce trade barrierscaused by different certification criteria in various
countries and helps countries meet their obligations asstipulated

intheWorld

others all over the world without the need to assess theTrade

Organization’s

Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade. It is
important to understand that conformity assessment
covers the regulated and non-regulated world.

get to market more quickly and with less expense (thatis, fewer tests), and that products can have access toa larger market (potentially the entire world).
Conformity assessment also provides assurance thatthe goods being purchased will perform to expectations
and be safe to use.

For industry, it reduces delays and costs of multiple
testing and approval since a product or process can becertified once and that certification can be accepted bywww.iecee.org

4The fundamental principle of conformity
assessment is to determine whether a productadheres to a standard.
There are three types of assessment:

and impartiality. Having a worldwide system torecognise certificates provides the greatest gains. The
IECEE is a system for mutual recognition of certificatesof conformity and also a tool to access the worldwide
markets directly, when National Authorities andFirst party, or the seller: the manufacturer does
its testing of its own products in its in-house test
laboratory and provides a supplier’s declaration ofconformity.

Regulators, retailers, buyers and vendors accept
the CB Test Certificate and associated Test Report.
Mutual recognition rests on the confidence built
through having the competence of each member
laboratory and certifier assessed by its member peers.

Second party, or the buyer: the company buying theproduct does its own testing.

Openness is an important aspect of the IECEE
systems. For users, the systems are open to any

Third party, neither seller nor buyer: an independent
party carries out the test.

manufacturer anywhere in the world. Manufacturers
can be located anywhere in the world and still benefit
from using the CB Scheme, even in non-IEC member

IECEE conformity assessment offers third party

countries.

services as the best means of providing independency

5

THE IECEE
What is the IECEE?

faster, whilst reducing financial costs. With
increasing market demand, the IECEE is expanding

The IECEE is a multilateral certification system

its activities into new fields.

based on standards prepared by the International
Electrotechnical Commission. The abbreviation
stands for IEC System for Conformity Testing andCertification of Electrotechnical Equipment andComponents. Its members use the principle ofmutual recognition (reciprocal acceptance) of test
results to obtain certification or approval at national
levels around the world.
The IECEE's multilateral conformity assessment
schemes, based on IEC International Standards, aretruly global in concept and in practice, thereby

As the world of electrotechnology is exploding,people are relying daily on products whose designandconstruction

theydonotunderstand.

Reassurance is needed for such users andconsumers that their product is reliable and will meettheir expectations in terms of performance, safety,durability and other criteria.
How can the industrial user and the final consumer
be sure that the product they buy conforms to thecriteria of an IEC Standard?

reducing trade barriers caused by different
certification criteria in different countries and helping
industry to access new markets. Removing thesignificant delays and costs of multiple testing andapproval allows industry to market its products

6

The IECEE Schemes exist to provide just thisreassurance.

Using IEC Standards for certification at the nationalQuality and performance are also built into theselevel ensures that a certified product has been

products because they are based on IEC Standards.

manufactured and type-tested to well-establishedInternational Standards. The end user can be sure

Why should l be interested?

that the product complies with the requirements of
The IECEE saves you both time and money –the relevant international standard in all respects.

reducing overall manufacturing costs. Different
certification requirements in various countries mean

What does it do?

that manufacturers have to test their electricalinequipment over and over each time they wish toelectrotechnical equipment and components easierexport to a new market. Each test takes time andand less costly by reducing technical barriers tocosts money. Because the IECEE operates

trade. A typical example of a technical barrier isaccording to the principle of mutual recognition,differing certification requirements across various

type-testing only has to be done once.

TheIECEE

makesinternational

trade

countries. IEC International Standards and theIECEE help to eliminate these technical barriers
because electrical equipment manufactured to IEC
Standards and tested within the IECEE system
ensure the same high level of safety no matter
where these products are made and tested.

7WHAT KIND OF EQUIPMENT ARE WE TALKING ABOUT?

There are 19 categories of electrical equipment covered by the IECEE:

8BATTBatteries

HOUS
Household and similarequipment

CABL
Cables and Cords

INST
Installation accessories andconnection devices

CAP
Capacitors as components

LITE
Luminaires

CONT
Switches for appliances andautomatic controls for electricalhousehold appliances

MEAS
Measuring instruments

EMC
Electromagnetic Compatibilitiy

MEDElectrical equipment for
medical use

MISCMiscellaneous

SAFE
Safety transformers andsimilar equipment

OFFIT and office equipment

TOOL
Portable tools

POW
Low voltage, high powerswitching equipment

TOYS
Electric Toys

PROTInstallation protective
equipment

TRON
Electronics, entertainment

PV
Photovoltaics
You can find a full list of categories, products
and the IEC Standards that relate to them on
our website (www.iecee.org).

9

THE STRUCTURE OF THE IECEEThe IECEE governing structure rests with theThe Board of Appeals has the responsibility toCertification Management Committee supported byarbitrate disputes and formal complaints filed by

the Committee of Testing Laboratories (CTL) formembers and stakeholders. The Policy & Strategy

technical issues, by the Assessment & Certification

forum is an appointed group of Senior Industry andAdvisory Group (ACAG) for the Peer Assessment

Certification experts that ensures the IECEE isProgramme

always up-to-date with the current and future market

andbytheFactory

Inspection

Committee (FIC) for the Factory Audit/Inspection.

trends.

Board ofAppeals

Factory
Inspection
Committee

Policy &Strategy
Forum(FIC)IECEE
CERTIFICATIONMANAGEMENTCOMMITTEE(CMC)

10

Committee ofTesting
Laboratories

Assessment &Certification
Advisory Group(CTL)(ACAG)HOW DO THE IECEE SCHEMES WORK?
Take the example of a personal computer (PC)

Certification Bodies will issue their certification markmanufactured in Japan. The manufacturer makes an

without re-testing the personal computer because

application to a Japanese IECEE Certification Body

they recognise the Japanese NCB as one of their

seeking a CB* Test Certificate and its associatedpeers in the IECEE and have full confidence in theTest Report. The NCBs** associated laboratory will

testing and assessment that have already been

carry out the relevant tests based on the relevant

done. The Japanese manufacturer may now affix theIEC Standards and issue a Test Report that will benational mark of conformity of the American,reviewed and validated by the Certification Body

Brazilian and German bodies to the PC and is free

who will subsequently issue a CB Test Certificate.

to export it to these countries.

Wishing to sell the PC in the USA, Brazil, and inGermany, for example, the manufacturer sends theCB Test Certificate and associated Test Report to theIECEE Certification Bodies located in thesecountries. After an administrative review of theCB Test Certificate and Test Report the relevant* CB stands for Certification Body.
** NCB stands for National Certification Body.

11

12

How do these bodies participate?

You can find a full list of IECEE members, NCBs andassociated testing laboratories on our website:

The IECEE is represented worldwide and qualifies

www.iecee.org

the NCBs within each country that will be
responsible for recognising and issuing CB Test
Reports and Certificates. Membership in the IECEE

What if I'm in a country where the IECEE does
not exist?

is open to any certification body anywhere in theNo problem at all. For testing and certification, youworld.

are free to choose any NCB in the world to send yourMany NCBs in countries where the IECEE does notproduct/equipment to.

exist will accept CB Test Certificates and CB Test
Reports.

COUNTRIES PARTICIPATING IN THE MOST SUCCESSFULWORLDWIDE CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT SCHEME... AND MORE TO COME

ARGENTINAFRANCEMEXICOSLOVENIA

AUSTRALIAGERMANYNETHERLANDSSOUTH AFRICA

AUSTRIAGREECENEW ZEALAND

SPAIN

BELARUSHUNGARYNORWAYSWEDENBELGIUM

INDIA

POLAND

SWITZERLAND

BRAZIL

INDONESIAPORTUGALTHAILANDBULGARIA

IRELANDROMANIA

TURKEYCANADAISRAELUKRAINE

CHINA

ITALY

RUSSIANFEDERATIONCROATIAJAPANCZECH REPUBLICSAUDI ARABIAUNITED ARAB
EMIRATESKENYASERBIA, REP. OF

UNITED KINGDOMDENMARKKOREA, REP. OF

SINGAPOREURUGUAY

FINLAND

MALAYSIASLOVAKIAUSA

13MUTUAL RECOGNITION OF CB TEST CERTIFICATES
BY THE MEMBERS
The IECEE Processes
The CB Scheme is applicable to Electrotechnicalspecimens of the product have successfully passed

Equipment and Components primarily intended for use

tests to show compliance with the requirements of thein homes, offices, workshops, healthcare facilities andrelevant IEC Standard. A supplementary report providing

similar locations.

evidence of compliance with declared national
differences in order to obtain national certification or

The CB Scheme is based on the use of CB Test

approval may also be attached to the CB Test Report.

Certificates which provide evidence that representative

ApplicantApplication to the NCB A

NCB A processes application
and assigns CBTL* to carry out
the testing

NCB A issues CB Test Certificate with Testing Report

Applicant receives CB Test Certificate and associated Test Report

CB Test Certificate + Test Report

Applicant sends documents to NCB B/C/D/n...
CBTL A completes testing to the IEC Standard +National Difference

CBTL A issues Test Report

NCB B/C/D/n.. processes thereceived documents and grants its
certification mark(s)NCB A reviews and validates theTest Report

Applicant is granted with NCB B/C/D/n...
certification mark within 15 working days

* CBTL stands for CB Testing Laboratory

14

CB Scheme direct acceptance by the market place
The success of the IECEE CB Scheme is also due toAs a matter of fact, CB Test

Certificate andits popularity in the various worldwide marketplace

Test Reports are commonly accepted by National

where CB Test Certificates and Test Reports areRegulatory Authorities, retailers, buyers and vendors

considered as proof of compliance with the safety

for accessing the relevant markets directly.

requirements according to the IEC Standards.

Applicant requests certificate for their productApplication to the NCB

NCB processes application andassigns a CBTL to carry out
the testing

CBTL completes testing to theIEC Standard + National Difference

Applicant receives CB Test Certificate andassociated Test Report

CB Test Certificate + Test Report

Applicant addresses CB Test Certificate + Test Report toretailers, buyers, vendors and National Regulatory Authorites

CBTL issues Test Report

NCB receives and validates theTest Report

NCB issues CB Test Certificate

Retailers, buyers, vendors andNational Regulatory Authorites purchase/accept
the CBTC/ CBTR to allow access to theirrespective market

Product can be sold in the relevant market

15

IECEE CB-FCS Process
The IECEE CB Full Certification Scheme (CB-FCS) isUse of CB-FCS to its fullest extent promotes

an extension of the IECEE CB Scheme as it also

the exchange of information necessary and assists

includes Factory Audit/Inspection and re-testing which

manufacturers around the world to obtain certification

ensures that the overall production line is consistently

or approval at a national level in one or multiple

compliant with the initial testing/certification.

countries and regions.

ApplicantApplication to the NCB A

NCB A processes application
and assigns CBTL to carry out
the testing

NCB A processes application
and assigns Factory Inspection
Department to carry out theinspection

CBTL A complete testing to the IEC Standard +National Difference

Factory Inspection Department completes inspection
to the IEC Standard + National Difference

CBTL A issues Test Report

Factory Inspection Department issues Factory
Inspection Report

NCB A reviews andvalidates the Test Report:
Test result positive?

NCB A reviews andvalidates the Factory Inspection Report:
Test result positive?

NCB A issues CB Test Certificate with
Testing Report and Factory Inspection Report

Applicant receives CB Test Certificate andassociated Test Report + Factory Inspection Report
CB Test Certificate + Test Report +Factory Inspection Report

Applicant sends documents to NCB B/C/D/n...

NCB B/C/D/n.. processes
the received documents and grants
its certification mark(s)Applicant is granted with NCB B/C/D/n..
certification mark(s) within 15 working days

16

IECEE CB-FCS direct acceptance by the market place
TheConformityAssessment

Certificate

andthe Conformity Assessment Report, being proof of

National Regulatory Authorities, retailers, buyers andvendors to access the relevant markets directly.

compliance with the safety requirements according tothe IEC Standards, are commonly accepted by

ApplicantApplication to the NCB A

NCB A processes applicationand assigns CBTL to carry out
the testingNCB A processes application
and assigns Factory Inspection
Department to carry out theinspection

CBTL A completes testing to the IEC Standard +National Difference

Factory Inspection Department completes inspection
to the IEC Standard + National Difference

CBTL A issues Test Report

Factory Inspection Department issues Factory
Inspection Report

NCB A reviews andvalidates the Test Report:
Test result positive?

NCB A reviews andvalidates the Factory Inspection Report:
Test result positive?

NCB A issues CB Test Certificate withTesting Report and Factory Inspection Report

Applicant receives CB Test Certificate andassociated Test Report + Factory Inspection Report
CB Test Certificate + Test Report +Factory Inspection Report
Applicant addresses CB Test Certificate + Test Report +Factory Inspection Report to retailers, buyers, vendors
and National Regulatory Authorities

Retailers, buyers, vendors andNational Regulatory Authorities accept theCBTC/CBTR to purchase/allow access totheir respective market

Product can be sold in the relevant market

17

YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW... THE IECEE
IECEE Statistics
The spectacular growth of the number of CB Test Certificates shows clearly that the CB Scheme is properly
answering the market needs.
NUMBER OF IECEE CERTIFICATES ISSUED FROM 1996 TO 2006

50278
50000
47500
45000
42500
40000
37500
35000
32500
30000
27500
25000
22500
20000
17500
15000
12500
10000
7500
5000
2500
0

40817
36465
34111
27685
24259
19597
15893
12175
7794

1996

18

9825

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

19

Future developmentof the IECEEThe IECEE is exploring developments in otherfields of activity with new technologies to offer themarket place services in SMART Home Equipment,
Intelligent Sensors, Renewable Energy Devices,
Supply Chain Management, Functional Safety,
Energy Efficiency, Wireless Communication WiFi®
and Bluetooth® and Machine to MachineInteroperability.

20

Globalising Conformity
Assessment
Because Globalisation and Competition are leading
to rapid changes, technical barriers to trade remaina serious concern and the industry is anxious abouttime to market, the shortening life-cycle of products
and the need to reduce cost.
The CB Schemes offer the true “passport” for theneeds of different countries.
The CB Schemes answer the market needs to have a
Test Certificate tailored to be recognised worldwide.
The CB Schemes prove that certification and testing
costs can be reduced.

21

IECEE.
TAKING CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT FURTHER
Please feel free to contact the IECEE Secretariat:

Mr Pierre de Ruvo
Executive Secretary IECEE
Email: pro@iec.ch
Tel: +41 22 919 02 07
IECEE Secretariat's main areas of activity

22

Ms Cecilie Ingels Finstad
Assistant
Email: cfi@iec.ch
Tel: +41 22 919 02 23

CB Bulletin
Contact and Certificate changes
Finance
Manufacturer’s Testing Laboratories (MTLs)
Marketing and promotion
Test Report Forms (TRFs)

Ms Tara Mitchell
Assistant and Webpublisher
Email: tsm@iec.ch
Tel: +41 22 919 02 52

CBTC On-Line System
CMC and other IECEE meetings/Workshops
CTL updates
Factory Inspection Committee (FIC)
General enquiries
IECEE Website

Ms Katharine Pearson
Assistant
Email: kpe@iec.ch
Tel: +41 22 919 02 47

Assessment & Certification Advisory Group (ACAG)
Assessor registration
CAB-ILAC / CAB-IAF meetings
Peer Assessment (applications, assessments)
Peer Assessment Training Courses
Proficiency Testing Programmes (PTPs)

WORLDWIDE SYSTEM FORCONFORMITY TESTING AND CERTIFICATION
OF ELECTROTECHNICAL EQUIPMENT AND COMPONENTS (IECEE)
c/o IEC Central Office
3, rue de Varembé
P.O. Box 131CH 1211 Geneva 20
Switzerland

IECEE. Taking Conformity Assessment Further
Copyright © 2008 IEC-IECEE. All rights reserved.

2008-01 - First edition

Tel: +41 22 919 02 52
Fax: +41 22 919 03 00
www.iecee.org