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 ------------------------------------------------------------- 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: ri...@sdd.hp.com ------------------------------------------------------------- "If dandelions were hard to grow, they would be most welcome on any lawn." -- Andrew V. Mason