CB (Certification Body /Competent Body) and CE (European Mark of Conformity)?

[ccheung]

Hi All,

As you can probably tell from the title, i'm pretty new to this field.

I'm been in the process of getting world-wide approval for a product we're developing.

I've been adviced to get a CB test report and certificate, which will help me get a CE mark.

Can someone enlighten me on the difference between CB and CE?

Will CB help me get UL, CSA etc?

Thanks.

[Gert Sorensen]

Originally Posted by ccheung

Hi All,

As you can probably tell from the title, i'm pretty new to this field.

Hi ccheung, and welcome to the Cove

Originally Posted by ccheung

I'm been in the process of getting world-wide approval for a product we're developing.

I've been adviced to get a CB test report and certificate, which will help me get a CE mark.

Can someone enlighten me on the difference between CB and CE?

CB is a certification body, this is sometimes known as NB (notifying body). Basically this is a registrar who has the competence to audit and certify your production to particular standards, eg. ISO 90001.
CE is the european mark of conformity. A lot of the products sold in the EU has to carry this mark as an indication that the requirements in the European directives have been followed during production of the product.

Originally Posted by ccheung

Will CB help me get UL, CSA etc?

Thanks.

If you choose a good CB then they will be able to guide you through the process.

[beyedoers]

Hey buddy:

The "CE" can be likened to a "passport" required for entry of your product into the European community (EU) or marketplace. For example, if your company has made an informed decision to market your medical product in the EU and its member states, you need to obtain certification of your QMS and get your product tested to comply with the CE marking requirements (i.e. the Medical Device directive MDD 93/42/EEC. The ISO standard for your QMS is 13485:2003.

This will allow you to officially apply the CE after your Notified Body (NB) blesses your QMS and product per Council Directive EEC/93/42 EEC.

Mind you, these activities must be done under close direction from your Notified Body. I believe the ASQ web site and resources has a list of registrars.

Best wishes with earning your "CE" passport!

[amjadrana]

The CB test report is a report that is issued by a safety testing organization like ITS, UL or CSA. It indicates that the product meets the safety requirements for many countries.

You can get additional information through this link.


http://www.cbscheme.org/cbscheme/html/cbcntris.htm

[SilverHawk]

amjadrana is absolutely RIGHT!

While most of us thought that CB = Certification Body but a CB Test Report is like a product type test report which should be accompanied to meet the EU directive(s) before being granted a CE Mark for its product safety and allow to place its safe products in EU market.

Different products is subjected to different EU directives...

[harry]

It seems that the original poster had not revisited this thread yet. Otherwise, he should confirm if the CB he wants is 'certification body' or 'competent body'.

[ccheung]

Sorry for the confusion. I thought Certification Body is the same as Competent Body.
So from what I understand, getting CB is not the same is getting CE. Getting CB Certification means that it will be much easier to get a CE.
Is that right?
Thanks guys!

[RLewing]

Hi,

CB (when talking about CE marking) means really Competent Body. It it usually a testing laboratory with profound knowledge about the technical standards of the certain product.

But you are partly right in mixing the terms. There are several companies who operate in both areas, i.e. they have a testing division and a certification division. One stop shopping.

E.g.
"From the time the apparatus is placed on the market, the manufacturer keeps a technical construction file at the disposal of the competent authorities. This technical construction file must contain all the technical data needed in order to assess the apparatus’ EMC performance and must include a certificate or technical report obtained from a 'competent body'."

What body to contact depends on what you are producing. See list of directives and standards applicable at:
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/newap...s/reflist.html

Or go and search the EU site (link at the upper right corner of the previous link).

CE is the mark YOU will attach to your product after it has been found compliant to the standards. What kind of bureaucrazy you need depends on your product and the EU Directive that applies.

If you are already testing your product because you need that for your domestic market, ask the laboratory. Knowing your product and the standards applicable, they should be able to help you further. If not, ask the local representatives of global CB's of your trade.

Best Regards
Raimo