EDITOR'S PAGE

A Testing World without Boundaries

Manufacturers of electrical and electronic equipment can now enter new markets worldwide with much greater ease and with drastically reduced testing costs. In a major step toward a truly global market, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has shifted its certification program from multiple bilateral agreements to a single multilateral agreement.

So, if a manufacturer receives a test report from one of the certification bodies representing 14 nations that have signed the agreement, it can get national product certification in all other member countries. With 15 certification bodies in North America, Europe, and Asia participating, IEC hopes to offer a comprehensive product certification program.

The current scope of the program covers products tested to IEC 60065 (audio, video, and electronic apparatus) and IEC 60950 (information technology equipment). The program, known as CB-FCS, enables members to use the principle of mutual recognition of test results for obtaining certification or approval at the national level. With the change, the CB-FCS agreement now reaches beyond traditional type testing to provide for regulated facility audits. The member that issues the conformity assessment certificate will establish a follow-up program to ensure consistency of design and construction of products.

Manufacturers are no longer required to send product samples for those products that have already been tested. And, under the new program, each member also accepts components that have already been tested by another member. Previously, components had to be tested to the requirements for each national approval.

Typically, getting products ready for new markets meant that additional testing was necessary to achieve certification for each country in which the product would be marketed. Removing such obstacles lifts a great burden from manufacturers. IEC made the long-overdue changes because it determined that electrical equipment manufactured and tested to IEC standards should ensure the same level of safety no matter where the product is made or tested.

This program recognizes the need to promote trade worldwide by eliminating costly testing associated with obtaining separate national certifications. Hats off to IEC for giving backbone to its harmonized standards.

Sherrie Conroy, Editor
sherrie.conroy@cancom.com

For a list of the participating certification bodies, go to http://www.iec.ch/nr1301.htm.