Important changes, transition dates, and what manufacturers should know before their next product launch.
If your product is currently certified to IEC/UL/CSA 62368-1 3rd Edition, you may be wondering:
“Will my existing certification still be valid in 2027, or will I need to retest my product?”
This is an important question for manufacturers of servers, networking equipment, telecommunications products, audio/video equipment, and other information and communication technology (ICT) products.
The good news? Not every existing product will require complete recertification.
However, the transition to the 4th Edition could affect new models, component substitutions, design changes, and international market expansion.
What Happens in February 2027?
February 15, 2027 is an important date for both North America and Europe, but it has different implications in each market.
|
Region |
Date |
What it means |
|
United States / Canada |
February 15, 2027 |
Published transition date for UL/CSA 62368-1 4th Edition under certain North American certification programs |
|
Europe |
February 15, 2027 |
CENELEC Date of Withdrawal (DOW) for national standards conflicting with EN IEC 62368-1:2024 |
Does this mean every product certified to the 3rd Edition must be retested by February 15, 2027?
Not necessarily.
In North America, existing certifications may remain valid for unchanged products, subject to the applicable certification program. However, new models and technical changes may trigger evaluation against the 4th Edition.
In Europe, the CENELEC withdrawal date does not automatically mean the previous edition loses its presumption of conformity under EU legislation on that date. Manufacturers must also consider the applicable EU harmonized standards and Official Journal citations.
The key takeaway: February 15, 2027 is not a universal deadline requiring every existing product to be recertified.
Planning to Sell Internationally? Requirements Vary by Country.
Another important consideration is where you plan to sell your product.
Countries adopt IEC 62368-1 and corresponding national standards on different timelines. Some may require 4th Edition compliance for applicable new certifications, while others continue accepting earlier editions during their transition periods.
For example, India's BIS transition to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 includes a November 1, 2028 deadline for many applicable product categories, subject to the relevant implementation requirements.
A certification accepted in one country may not satisfy the safety requirements of another.
This is particularly important for manufacturers planning international launches or relying on existing CB Scheme test reports to obtain country-specific approvals.
What Are the Key Changes in the 4th Edition?
The updated standard introduces changes involving:
-
Legacy components: Previous acceptance provisions for certain IEC 60950-1 and IEC 60065 components have been removed.
-
Lithium batteries: Updated safeguards for secondary lithium batteries.
- Fire safety: Changes affecting potential ignition sources and fire-enclosure designs.
- External circuits: Revised considerations for connections and transient conditions.
- Liquid cooling: Additional requirements for refrigerants and liquid-filled components.
Not every change applies to every product. A targeted gap assessment can help determine which requirements need further evaluation.
What Should Manufacturers Do Now?
Before introducing new models, modifying existing products, or expanding into international markets, manufacturers should:
- Review existing safety certifications and identify products evaluated to the 3rd Edition.
- Evaluate planned changes, including new models, critical-component substitutions, and design modifications.
- Consider a 4th Edition gap assessment to determine whether additional documentation, evaluation, or testing is necessary.
- Verify target-country requirements to understand which edition is accepted or required for each market.
Early planning can help avoid unnecessary retesting, unexpected certification costs, and product launch delays.
How Nemko Can Help
At Nemko, we help manufacturers navigate evolving electrical safety requirements and international certification standards.
Our services include:
- IEC/UL/CSA 62368-1 4th Edition gap assessments
- Electrical safety testing and certification
- Critical-component and product design evaluations
- CB Scheme certification
- Global Market Access (GMA) and country-specific safety certification planning
Through Nemko's global network of testing laboratories and regulatory specialists, manufacturers can receive coordinated support from initial product evaluation through international market entry.
Meet Nemko's Experts at Compliance Without Complexity
Want to learn more about evolving safety standards and international compliance requirements?
Join Nemko at our upcoming Compliance Without Complexity: Network, Learn & Connect events. Connect with Nemko specialists and explore important developments in product safety, EMC, cybersecurity, and global regulatory compliance.
Irvine, California — December 8, 2026
Event Details & Registration – Irvine
Austin / Round Rock, Texas — December 9, 2026
Event Details & Registration - Austin
Bring your compliance questions and connect with our experts to discuss your upcoming product testing and certification needs.
Already Certified to the 3rd Edition? Let's Review Before You Retest.
Your existing certification may still be valid—but your next product change or international launch could trigger additional requirements.
Before investing in retesting, let Nemko help evaluate your existing certification, planned product changes, and target markets to determine the most efficient path forward.
Contact Nemko's Product Safety and Global Market Access Experts
Learn More About IEC 62368-1
