Manufacturers use this scheme both for national certificates in various countries and to show that their products comply with relevant standards
Frequently Asked Questions
CB certificates
Why should I as a manufacturer use the CB Certification?
What is the CB scheme based on?
The CB scheme is based on IEC standards, but at Nemko it also includes the European Standard.
Which areas is the CB Scheme applied to?
The scheme was originally for safety certification only, but has recently opened for EMC and Ex also.
What is the IEC CB Scheme?
The IEC CB Scheme is the largest international certification scheme for products and is the closest there is to worldwide certification.
How many countries participate in the IEC CB Scheme?
There are more than 50 countries in the IEC CB Scheme, but it is also accepted many places outside of these countries.
Is there an annual license fee associated with the CB Certificate?
No, there is no annual license fee required
What products does the CB Scheme cover?
The products covered by the CB Scheme are those within the scope of IEC Standards accepted in the IECEE System.
CCC mark
What does CCC stand for?
China Compulsory Certification
When is CCC Certification applicable?
The products sold in the Chinese market are of type listed in the “First Catalogue of products subject to Compulsory Certification.” Both products manufactured in China and products imported into China need certification. In case it is difficult to define whether a product falls into the mandatory list, the product can be searched for under the HS codes. If the HS code for the product is listed, the product is likely to need certification.
Is CCC Certification Mark Mandatory?
Yes, but since 2005, it is no longer a mandatory request to put the factory code under the CCC mark. The manufacture can decide to put the code on the label or delete it from the label.
Who can be a certificate holder?
Applicant can be different from factory. The new CCC certification specifies applicant, manufacturer and factory like the CB certificates. The difference from CB is: for CCC, a separate report and certificate shall be issued for each different factory name and/ or location
Is a co-license possible?
Co-license is possible only when the following are fulfilled:
- Different Applicant
- Same: Product (type can be different)
- Same: Manufacturer
- Same: Factory
OR
- Same applicant
- Same product (Can have different type)
- Different manufacturer (brand name)
- Different production site
- Identity declaration letter and new marking label is required for co-license. If the co-license involves a different trademark, an authorization from trademark owner is also required.
What is required for a factory inspection?
Basically similar to the CIG023 inspection, but more strict for CCC. E.g. Factory inspection requirements for ITE manufacturer
Nemko Direct for telecom
How many countries does the Nemko Direct for Telecom service cover?
Nemko Direct for Telecom can currently access over 150 countries worldwide.
What markets does Nemko Direct for Telecom provide access to?
Nemko Direct for Telecom provides access to various countries in the following regions:
- Africa
- Asia
- Central America
- Eastern Europe
- Europe
- Middle East
- Nordic
- North America
- Oceania
- South America
What documentation is required?
Application forms
Test reports
Technical documentation
User manuals
What types of test reports are typically required?
- ETSI and/or FCC reports are widely accepted
- Some countries may require a test report to their own standards
Do RF receivers need approval?
- Yes, a lot of countries have specific requirements for receivers
How long does the process take?
- This varies from country to country. Some can take under a week, others several months.
Do I need an in country representative?
- In the majority of cases, yes. We can arrange for this in some countries.
For how long is my certificate valid?
This varies depending on the country and the type of equipment. Some are valid for 1 year and others are valid as long as the equipment is manufactured. Nemko provides a service whereby you are notified before your certificate renewal date for each country.
Can I certify a family of models?
In some countries this is possible. In many countries there is a policy of “one certificate, one model”
Taiwan market access
Is local testing required?
Yes, if the client does not have a CB report and the EMC report is not issued by a BSMI accredited laboratory
Is safety testing required?
Yes, if the product falls under one of the BSMI schemes regulating safety
Is EMC testing required?
Yes, if the product falls under one of the BSMI schemes regulating EMC
Does BSMI require factory inspection?
No, BSMI is doing post market surveillance
Is there annual license fee?
Yes, the annual fee for the first year would be included in the Nemko BSMI charge. BSMI will charge the client the fee directly on annual basis from the second year.
Nemko Direct
What is Nemko Direct?
Nemko Direct is an approval service for obtaining access to countries with mandatory or complex certification schemes.
How many countries does the Nemko Direct Service cover?
Nemko Direct currently covers more than 35 countries worldwide
Which markets does Nemko Direct provide access to?
- Africa
- Asia
- Central America
- Eastern Europe
- Europe
- Middle East
- Nordic
- North America
- Oceania
- South America
How does Nemko Direct provide worldwide market access?
Nemko Direct provides access to selected countries in the following markets:
- Russia and the former Soviet Union
- Central and Eastern Europe
- Middle East and Africa
- Latin America
- South East Asia
How does Nemko Direct provide worldwide market access?
Through our one-shop- shopping service which includes:
- Obtaining testing and documentation
- Making applications
- Obtaining certificates
- Settling payment
What documentation is needed?
- Application form
- Test Reports/ Certificates
- Technical Documentation
- Manuals
- Factory Inspection Report
What types of test reports are typically required?
- CB Test Certificate and Report
- EMC Test Report (for countries where EMC is required)
Nemko's GS mark
What does GS Stand for?
GS Stands for ”Geprüfte Sicherheit” = ”Tested Safety”
Do I (as a manufacturer) HAVE to use the GS Mark on my products?
No you don’t, but you have to fulfill all the requirements of the GSG.
If my product fulfills all the requirements of the GSG, can I put the GS Mark on it?
No, you can’t because your product has to be tested by an independent accredited laboratory and has to be certified by an independent accredited certification body before. After positive results you are allowed to use the label on your product.
May I renounce the CE Mark, if my product has a GS Mark?
No, because you are obliged to CE Mark regardless whether your product carries a GS Mark or not.
Is it allowed to have both CE Mark and GS Mark on a product?
Yes, as long as the designs of the two labels are clear to identify
Why is there always an identification of the certification body in or next to the GS Mark?
Because this identification is required by the GSG. The reason for this identification is: The German authorities want to have direct access to the certification body in case of problems with a product, to check the documentation of the certification.
Why do so many products carry the GS Mark?
The manufacturer wants to document to the customers, that their products are tested for safety.
Which documents must a producer or seller have to prove lawful use of GS Mark?
The manufacturer wants to document to the customers, that their products are tested for safety.
What are the differences between the GS and CE Mark?
|
GS |
CE |
|
Voluntary |
Mandatory |
|
GS-Law |
CE Directive |
|
Only Third Party Testing and Certification |
Tested by Manufacturer or Test Laboratory |
|
No Self Declaration |
Self Declaration |
|
Annual Manufacturing Inspection |
No Inspection |
|
Sign for the End-user with Marketing Effect |
Administrative Sign for Authorities (“Passport of the Product”) |
|
Required by German Market In Accordance with Harmonized and National Standards/ Requirements |
In Accordance only with the Harmonized Standards |
Nemko's N mark
Is the N mark mandatory?
No, since 1991 it has been offered as a voluntary mark
Why should the customer use the N mark if it is not mandatory?
The N mark shows your commitment to safety and it may be used as documentation for Declaration of Conformity and CE- Marking according to European Directives
Is the N mark recognized in other countries?
Yes, the N mark as gained international recognition as a sign of compliance with relevant safety and EMC standards
Can the N Mark certification be applied to other standards?
Yes, the N Mark covers both European (EN) standards and thereby normally also the international IEC Standards
What fees and surcharges are associated with the N Mark?
Certifications fees depend on the product category and market.
Does the N mark have an annual license fee?
Yes, as long as the N Mark certification is not cancelled
Can the N mark be combined with other certificates?
Yes, Nemko offers a package price for Nemko, GS, and CB certification.
Is Nemko Certification for Norway only?
No, it covers European Standards
The Nemko Direct Program for more challenging international approvals – they truly are a fast and competitive alternative