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CB Certification for Power Banks: IEC 62133-2 Standards, Test Items & Global Market Access

Edit: ANCI 2026-05-15 76

Article overview: The CB Scheme (CB = Certification Body) is operated by IECEE (International Electrotechnical Commission System for Conformity Testing and Certification of Electrotechnical Equipment and Components). Currently, 54 member countries participate, covering Europe, North America, Asia, Oceania, and other major markets.

1. CB Scheme Overview & Applicable Standards

The CB Scheme (CB = Certification Body) is operated by IECEE (International Electrotechnical Commission System for Conformity Testing and Certification of Electrotechnical Equipment and Components). Currently, 54 member countries participate, covering Europe, North America, Asia, Oceania, and other major markets.

Applicable Standards for Power Banks

IEC 62133-2:2017 — Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes — Safety requirements for portable sealed secondary lithium cells, and for batteries made from them, for use in portable applications (Part 2: Lithium systems).

IEC 60950-1 — Information technology equipment — Safety (being replaced by IEC 62368-1).

IEC 62368-1 — Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment — Safety (recommended new standard).

Power bank CB certification typically uses IEC 62133-2 as the core standard for lithium-ion battery safety, with optional IEC 60950-1 or IEC 62368-1 for整机 safety testing.

2. IEC 62133-2 Core Test Items

IEC 62133-2:2017 tests cover both cell-level and battery-pack-level safety:

A. Cell-Level Tests

Test Purpose Typical Condition
Continuous Charging Verify overcharge protection Charge to 2.0V/cell, hold 7h
Overtemperature Verify high-temp charging safety Charge at elevated temperature
External Short Circuit Verify short-circuit protection External short <5mΩ, 1h
Forced Discharge Verify overdischarge protection Discharge to 250% initial capacity
Mechanical (Drop, Crush, Vibration) Verify mechanical abuse safety 1m drop, 13kN crush, vibration sweep
Thermal Abuse Verify high-temp stability 130°C oven, 30 min

B. Battery-Pack-Level Tests

  • Overcharge Protection: Verify BMS overcharge protection function
  • Overdischarge Protection: Verify BMS overdischarge protection function
  • Overtemperature Protection: Verify high-temperature protection
  • External Short Circuit Protection: Verify pack-level short-circuit protection
  • Free Fall: Drop from 1m to hard surface

Note: IEC 62133-2:2017 includes more stringent abuse tests compared to the previous IEC 62133:2012. If the cell supplier already has IEC 62133-2 CB certification, some cell-level tests can be waived.

3. CB Certification Process & Factory Inspection

The CB certification process typically involves:

Step 1: Select NCB and CBTL

NCB (National Certification Body) is the core member of the CB Scheme. CBTL (CB Testing Laboratory) is the testing lab recognized by the NCB. Major NCBs in China include CQC, CVC, TÜV, SGS, UL, etc.

Step 2: Submit Application & Technical Documentation

Provide: product specifications, circuit schematics, PCB layout, BOM (with key component certificates), cell datasheets, battery pack structure, labels, BMS description, etc.

Step 3: Sample Testing

Typical sample requirement: 20-30 cells + 5-10 complete units. Testing duration: 4-6 weeks.

Step 4: Factory Inspection

Verify quality management system, incoming inspection, production control, final inspection, and key component consistency. Factory inspection is required annually.

Step 5: CB Certificate Issuance

Certificate validity: typically 3 years, maintained through annual factory inspections.

4. CB Certificate & Global Market Access

The core value of CB certification lies in mutual recognition across CB Scheme member countries:

Market Certification CB Report Usage
EU CE Marking Convert to EN standard report, sign DoC
USA UL Listing CB report reduces UL testing
Japan PSE (Round) Convert to JIS standard, apply PSE
Korea KC Certification Convert to KS standard, apply KC
Australia RCM Convert to AS/NZS standard
India BIS Registration CB report accelerates BIS process

Note: Each country has National Differences from IEC standards. When converting CB reports, supplementary testing for national differences may be required. It's recommended to test for target market differences during CB certification to avoid re-testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the typical cost and timeline for power bank CB certification?

Cost varies by capacity, complexity, and NCB, typically in the tens of thousands USD range. Timeline: testing 4-6 weeks + factory inspection 1-2 weeks = ~6-8 weeks total. If cells already have CB certification, cost and time can be significantly reduced.

Q: Can CB certification cover multiple models?

Yes. If multiple models share the same cell, circuit design, and similar enclosure structure, series coverage can be applied. Model differences must be documented and evaluated by the NCB. Series coverage significantly reduces certification costs.

Q: What happens if factory inspection fails?

If factory inspection fails, corrective actions and a deadline are provided. The factory must complete corrections, submit a corrective action report, and undergo re-inspection. If re-inspection fails, the CB certificate may be suspended or revoked.

This article is generated with AI assistance. Content is for reference only and does not constitute any certification commitment or legal advice.

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