Hi Gary:
In the USA and Canada, third-party safety certification is
mandated by OSHA, the NEC, and Canadian provincial laws.
There are many third-party certifiers who can provide one
mark acceptable in both countries.
If you were not using a certifier acceptable to both
countries, a CB Certificate and Test Report would facilitate
getting either or both certification marks.
In Europe, third-party safety certification is not required,
but first-party safety certification is required. This is
demonstrated by the CE mark on the product. However, the
use of the CE mark must be backed up by a safety report
showing compliance to the Low Voltage Directive. Typically
this is done by showing compliance to a harmonized safety
standard.
The manufacturer can write this report, or a third-party
can write this report. One acceptable third-party report is
a CB Certificate and Test Report.
If your German certifier provides you with a suitable LVD
report, then you are in good shape.
However, if you bought a CB Certificate and Test Report from
your North American certifier at the same time you bought
your USA and Canadian certifications, you would not need to
submit your product to the German certifier. The cost of one
test (i.e., CB test), is probably less than two tests (e.g.,
North America and Germany).
As for submittals using the CB Scheme, IECEE 02 Sub-clause
6.3.5 states: "The NCBs are encouraged to handle applications
for recognition of CB Test Certificates on a priority basis."
In practice, most NCBs will issue certifications in 4 weeks
or less. So, using the CB Scheme means that you should get
certification faster than submitting directly.
Japan is a member of the CB Scheme. However, not all products
need be third-party certified in Japan.
Mexico is not a member of the CB Scheme. The CB Test Report
is ignored if submitted with the product.
Russia's GOST is a member of the CB Scheme, but not for all
product categories. So, you may or may not be able to obtain
certification from a CB Certificate and Test Report, depending
on what kind of product you have.
For a definitive list of CB Scheme countries and product
categories, see:
http://www.cbscheme.org/cbcntris.htm
Best regards,
Rich
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Richard Nute Quality Department
Hewlett-Packard Company Product Regulations Group
San Diego Division (SDD) Tel : 619 655 3329
16399 West Bernardo Drive FAX : 619 655 4979
San Diego, California 92127 e-mail: [email protected]
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"If dandelions were hard to grow, they would be most welcome
on any lawn."
-- Andrew V. Mason
