Before the CB Scheme, the process for manufacturers to obtain all the necessary national certifications was difficult, time-consuming and very expensive. Because the CB Scheme is built on the use of internationally recognized and accepted standards, manufacturers can essentially use one local testing and certification laboratory to gain market access to thirty-nine countries around the world.
As an IECEE designated National Certification Body (NCB), Intertek Testing Services’ ETL SEMKO, Americas division can test a manufacturer’s product and issue a CB Test Report and CB Test Certificate. The manufacturer can then present these documents to an NCB in the countries it would like to market the product. In most cases, after the examination of the documentation, the accepting NCB can issue the required national certification without having to retest the product.
Since its inception, the CB Scheme has become an incredibly successful program. In 1994, an estimated 5,000 CB certificates were issued, and in 2000, some 19,000 certification were granted. To ensure continued success of the CB Scheme, it is imperative that it grows and evolves as new technologies and products emerge and the scheme expands to include a greater number of countries and NCBs. Through a series of working groups within the IECEE, the CB Scheme is ever expanding and improving the process for manufacturers.
Some of the projects currently underway by these working groups include how to expand the scheme, acceptance of components and refinement of the CB Full Certification Scheme (CB-FCS). The expansion group is investigating the addition of new technology sectors, standards and member countries. The component group is working on procedures and guidelines to improve the acceptance of components within final products. However, possibly today’s most important effort is that being done by the group responsible for refining the CB-FCS.
Launched in 1999, the CB-FCS takes the CB Scheme to the next level by further streamlining a manufacturer’s market entry process. Just as the CB Scheme is based on mutual recognition of CB Test Certificates and associated reports, the CB-FCS is similarly based on mutual acceptance of Conformity Assessment Certificates (CAC) and Conformity Assessment Reports (CAR) by member bodies as a basis for national approval or certification.
ITS ETL SEMKO’s laboratory located in Sweden is, to date, one of only a handful of testing and certification organizations that have joined the CB-FCS. With changes and refinements contemplated by the working group and many other NCBs preparing to join, the CB-FCS may become the world’s broadest and most recognized product certification scheme for electrical products.
As a division of Intertek Testing Services, the world’s largest product and commodities testing organization, ITS ETL SEMKO is well positioned to provide manufacturers with the necessary testing, certification and inspection services required for market access to many countries around the world.
Pat Paladino - Vice President
Intertek Testing Services' ETL SEMKO, Americas Division
For manufacturers to be successful today, they must be a part of the current global economy. As the world’s boundaries continue to shrink and the marketplace for goods and services further expands, opportunities for growth abound. However, in order to take advantage of these opportunities, a manufacturer cannot simply send its products to another country. Before a manufacturer can gain market access in a specific country, its product is required to be in compliance with that country’s national standards and regulations. In many cases, these standards and regulations differ from one country to the next. Established by the International Electrotechnical Committee for Conformity Testing to Standards for Electrical Equipment (IECEE), the CB Scheme reduces many of the obstacles of international trade for specified electrical and electronic products.