The iCEE CB Scheme is an international system that allows manufacturers to obtain electrical safety certification for products in multiple countries using a single test report issued by a recognized testing laboratory.
Administered by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the scheme enables mutual recognition of test results among participating national standards bodies. A product tested under IEC standards and certified by a designated National Certification Body (NCB) can be accepted for market entry in any country that participates in the scheme, eliminating redundant testing and reducing time-to-market.
For example, a medical device manufacturer in Germany can have their product tested at a lab accredited under the iCEE CB Scheme. The resulting test report is valid in over 50 countries, including the United States, Japan, South Korea, and members of the European Union. This avoids the need to retest the same device in each country's regulatory structure.
Manufacturers apply to a National Certification Body (NCB) in their home country. The NCB selects a testing laboratory accredited under the scheme to perform the required tests against relevant IEC standards. Once passed, the lab issues a test report and a certificate of conformity.
The manufacturer then submits the report to the NCB of the target country. That NCB evaluates the report and, if compliant, grants approval for market access. This process bypasses the need for duplicate testing, saving both time and cost.
Testing follows IEC standards such as IEC 60950-1 for IT equipment, IEC 61010-1 for measurement devices, and IEC 60335-1 for household appliances. These standards define requirements for electric shock protection, fire hazards, mechanical strength, and environmental resilience.
The scheme operates through a network of participating NCBs and testing laboratories. Each country designates one or more NCBs responsible for accepting test reports and issuing national approvals. As of 2023, 53 countries participate, including all EU member states, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, China, India, and Brazil.
Testing labs must be accredited by a national accreditation body and approved by the IEC's Central Office. Labs undergo regular audits to ensure consistency and adherence to IEC test procedures. Only labs meeting strict criteria may issue reports valid under the scheme.
| Role | Responsibility | Example |
|---|---|---|
| NCB | Issues national approvals based on submitted test reports | UL (USA), TÜV Rheinland (Germany), CSA Group (Canada) |
| Testing Lab | Performs tests against IEC standards and issues reports | SGS, Intertek, Bureau Veritas |
| Manufacturer | Applies for certification and provides product samples | Smart home device maker in Shenzhen |
The iCEE CB Scheme does not replace national regulations. It simplifies compliance but does not eliminate the need to meet local labeling, documentation, or import requirements. For example, a product sold in the EU still requires CE marking, even if it holds an iCEE CB certificate.
Some assume the scheme covers all product categories. It does not. It applies only to products covered by IEC standards that have been adopted into the scheme. High-voltage industrial systems, medical devices requiring clinical evaluation, and certain consumer electronics fall outside the scope unless specifically included.
A common error is confusing the iCEE CB Scheme with the IECQ system. While both are IEC programs, IECQ focuses on quality management and component qualification, not product safety. An iCEE CB certificate ensures safety; an IECQ certificate ensures consistent manufacturing quality.
A Chinese manufacturer producing LED lighting fixtures applied for iCEE CB Scheme certification. They submitted their product to a lab in Guangzhou accredited under the scheme. The lab conducted tests per IEC 60598-1 (luminaires), checking insulation resistance, temperature rise, and mechanical stability.
The lab issued a test report and certificate. The manufacturer then sent the report to the NCB in Japan. The Japanese NCB reviewed the report and granted approval under the Japanese PSE mark system. The product was cleared for sale in Japan within 12 weeks, avoiding a separate round of testing.
This process saved the company approximately $18,000 in testing fees and reduced launch time by six months compared to traditional methods.
In 2021, I oversaw the certification of a series of battery-powered industrial sensors for deployment across Europe and Southeast Asia. We used an iCEE CB Scheme route through a German NCB. The initial test cycle took 14 days. After submission, the UK's NCB accepted the report without additional testing. The entire process-from application to market clearance-took 10 weeks. Without the scheme, we would have needed three separate test cycles.
Without the iCEE CB Scheme, a single product might require 10 to 15 different test reports to enter major markets. The scheme reduces this to one. According to the IEC, over 80% of globally traded electrical products now rely on the scheme for cross-border compliance.
For small and medium enterprises, the savings are especially significant. A 2022 study by the European Commission found that SMEs using the iCEE CB Scheme reduced average certification costs by 44% and cut time-to-market by 58% compared to non-participants.
When selecting a testing lab, verify its accreditation status via the IEC's official list of accredited laboratories. Always confirm that the target country accepts iCEE CB reports-some, like Saudi Arabia, have limited participation.