All You Need to Know About CB Certification for Lithium Batteries

CB certification is one of the most recognized international safety certifications for lithium batteries. Issued under the IECEE CB Scheme, it helps manufacturers demonstrate compliance with IEC standards and simplifies access to global markets. This guide explains what CB certification is, how the CB Scheme works, the testing process, and why it matters for lithium battery manufacturers and buyers.

Key takeaways

• CB Certification is an international certification system operated under the IECEE CB Scheme.
• A CB Test Certificate helps manufacturers obtain national certifications more efficiently in participating countries.
• CB certification is commonly used for lithium-ion batteries, LiFePO4 batteries, battery packs, chargers, and battery-powered products.
• Testing typically follows IEC battery safety standards such as IEC 62133.
• The CB Scheme reduces duplicate testing, lowers certification costs, and accelerates global market entry.
• CB Certification is different from CE marking and does not replace country-specific regulatory requirements.
• The CB Scheme logo itself is not a product mark and should not be confused with a mandatory product label.

Part 1. What is cb certification?

CB Certification is an internationally recognized conformity assessment system managed by the IECEE program of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

The term CB stands for Certification Body. Under the CB Scheme, accredited testing laboratories and certification bodies evaluate products against IEC standards and issue a CB Test Certificate along with a detailed CB Test Report.

For lithium batteries, CB certification demonstrates that a battery has been independently tested for safety, performance, and compliance with relevant IEC standards.

Part 2. What is the cb scheme?

According to the IECEE CB Scheme, participating certification bodies and testing laboratories recognize a common set of IEC-based test reports and certificates.

Instead of repeating the same testing in every target market, manufacturers can use their CB Test Certificate as a foundation for obtaining local approvals.

This makes the CB Scheme one of the most valuable certification systems for companies selling products internationally.

Part 3. Is there a cb scheme logo?

Many manufacturers search for terms such as CB Scheme logo or CB certification logo.

It is important to understand that the CB Scheme primarily issues a CB Test Certificate, not a consumer-facing product mark equivalent to CE marking. While certification documents may reference the CB Scheme, there is generally no universal product logo that can be freely applied to products as proof of compliance.

Always follow the usage requirements provided by the issuing Certification Body.

Part 4. Why is cb certification important for lithium batteries?

Lithium batteries can pose safety risks if they are poorly designed, improperly manufactured, or used outside their intended operating conditions.

CB certification helps verify that batteries have been evaluated against internationally recognized safety requirements.

Improved product safety

CB testing evaluates critical safety aspects, including:

• Electrical safety
• Overcharge protection
• Short-circuit resistance
• Thermal stability
• Mechanical integrity
• Environmental durability

This helps reduce risks such as:

• Thermal runaway
• Fire hazards
• Leakage
• Explosion
• Premature battery failure

Greater buyer confidence

Many OEMs, distributors, and industrial buyers require proof of compliance before approving a battery supplier.

A CB Test Certificate demonstrates that safety testing has been conducted by an accredited third-party laboratory, increasing confidence throughout the supply chain.

Easier global market access

Because the CB Scheme is recognized by many participating countries, manufacturers can use CB documentation to support local certification applications, reducing approval complexity.

Stronger competitive position

Certified products are often preferred by:

• Importers
• Retailers
• OEM manufacturers
• Government projects
• Industrial procurement teams

For custom battery pack suppliers, certification can be a significant competitive advantage.

Part 5. Which standards apply to lithium battery cb certification?

The exact standard depends on the battery type and intended application.

Common standards used in CB testing:

For most portable rechargeable lithium batteries, IEC 62133-2 is one of the most frequently used standards within the CB certification process.

You can also learn more about battery safety testing in our guide on IEC 62133 certification for lithium batteries.

Part 6. Cb certification process for lithium batteries

Part 7. What documents are required for cb certification?

Most battery manufacturers should prepare:

Preparing complete documentation early can significantly reduce certification delays.

Part 8. Benefits of cb certification for battery manufacturers

• Faster international expansion: A CB Test Certificate can simplify certification activities across multiple markets.
• Reduced certification costs: Because testing results can be reused, manufacturers often avoid repeating the same evaluations in different countries.
• Improved supply chain acceptance: Many customers prefer certified batteries because they reduce compliance risks.
• Better brand reputation: Certification signals commitment to quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Lower risk of product recalls: Products tested against recognized standards are less likely to encounter safety-related compliance issues.

Part 9. Cb certification vs ce marking

Many people confuse CB certification with CE marking, but they serve different purposes.

A lithium battery sold in Europe may require CE compliance even if it already has CB certification.

In practice, many manufacturers obtain both.

Part 10. What products does the cb scheme cover?

The CB Scheme covers a broad range of electrical and electronic products.

Consumer electronics

• Smartphones
• Tablets
• Laptops
• Wearables
• Power banks

Household appliances

• Refrigerators
• Washing machines
• Vacuum cleaners
• Microwave ovens

IT and office equipment

• Computers
• Printers
• Scanners
• Office machines

Lighting products

• LED lamps
• Luminaires
• Industrial lighting systems

Medical equipment

• Diagnostic systems
• Monitoring devices
• Therapeutic equipment

Industrial equipment

• Automation systems
• Controllers
• Sensors
• Power tools

Renewable energy products

• Solar equipment
• Energy storage systems
• Inverters

Batteries and charging systems

• Lithium-ion batteries
• LiFePO4 batteries
• Battery packs
• Battery chargers
• Portable power systems

Part 11. When do lithium battery manufacturers need cb certification?

CB certification is particularly valuable when:

• Exporting batteries to multiple countries
• Supplying international OEM customers
• Selling battery-powered equipment globally
• Launching new energy storage products
• Supporting procurement requirements from large enterprises

For custom battery pack manufacturers, obtaining CB certification early can accelerate customer approvals and shorten project timelines.

Manufacturers shipping batteries internationally should also understand UN38.3 battery transportation testing requirements, which are separate from CB certification and are mandatory for most lithium battery air and sea shipments.

Part 12. FAQs about cb certification