FAQ

In today’s increasingly globalized world, CE certification serves as the “passport” for products entering the European market. For companies and individuals seeking CE certification services, understanding the billing process, fee structure, and factors influencing costs is crucial. Today, the editor from Huabiao Testing explains what CE certification entails and which certifications are required for exporting electronic sound toys to Europe, providing a detailed breakdown of this complex yet essential process to help you plan your budget and ensure a smooth certification process.

What is CE Certification?

CE certification is a mandatory safety certification mark for the EU market, acting as a “passport” for products to enter the European Union and European Economic Area (EEA) markets. It signifies that a product complies with the essential safety, health, and environmental protection requirements of relevant EU directives, representing the minimum legal requirements for products in these markets.

Benefits of CE Certification

1. Enhanced Trust: A CE certificate issued by an EU-designated body significantly boosts confidence among consumers and market regulatory authorities.

2. Protection Against Unfounded Claims: CE certification helps prevent irresponsible allegations regarding product safety.

3. Legal Evidence in Litigation: In the event of legal disputes, a CE certificate from an EU-designated body serves as legally binding technical evidence.

4. Shared Risk: If an EU certification body faces penalties from EU authorities, it shares the risk with the company, reducing the enterprise’s liability.

CE Certification Process

1. Application: Submit an application form with company details and product information.

2. Quotation: The certification body determines the testing standards, duration, and associated costs based on the provided information.

3. Payment: The applicant confirms the quotation, signs the application form and service agreement, and pays the full project fee.

4. Testing: The laboratory conducts comprehensive tests on the product based on relevant EU standards, which may include physical performance tests, chemical composition analysis, and flammability tests, as well as tests for differences between related models.

5. Test Report Completion: If the product passes the tests and meets the standards, the certification body issues a test report.

6. Issuance of CE Certificate: Upon project completion, the certification body issues the CE certificate, confirming compliance with CE requirements.

Certifications Required for Exporting Electronic Sound Toys to Europe

Electronic sound toys, designed for children under 14 years old, must comply with multiple EU directives to obtain CE certification and access the European market. The key certifications and directives include:

1. EN71 (Toy Safety Standards):
   The EN71 series (EN71-1 to EN71-14) is the EU’s toy safety standard, mandatory for toys intended for children under 14. It covers:

• Mechanical and Physical Safety (EN71-1): Ensures no sharp edges, small parts, or entanglement risks to prevent injuries like cuts, choking, or strangulation.

• Flammability (EN71-2): Assesses the burning behavior of materials to avoid rapid combustion or toxic smoke.

• Chemical Properties (EN71-3): Tests for migration of hazardous substances like lead, cadmium, and phthalates.

• Electrical Safety (EN71-11, if applicable): Ensures electronic components do not pose risks like overheating or electrical leakage.

2. Low Voltage Directive (LVD, 2014/35/EU):
   Since electronic sound toys contain electrical components (e.g., sound modules, batteries), they must comply with the LVD for equipment operating at 50–1000V AC or 75–1500V DC. Relevant standards include:

• EN 62115: Safety requirements for electric toys, covering insulation, grounding, and leakage current.

• EN 60598-1 (if applicable): General safety for lighting components, if the toy includes lighting elements.

3. Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC, 2014/30/EU):
   Ensures the toy’s electronic components do not cause electromagnetic interference. Relevant standards include:

• EN 55014-1: Electromagnetic emissions.

• EN 55014-2: Electromagnetic immunity.

4. RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU):
   Restricts the use of hazardous substances (e.g., lead, mercury, cadmium) in electronic and electrical equipment. Toys with electronic components must comply with EN 50581 for material composition assessment.

5. REACH Regulation (EC 1907/2006):
   Regulates chemicals in products, including Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC). Tests ensure that materials like plastics or coatings do not contain harmful substances above permitted limits.

6. Battery Directive (2006/66/EC):
   If the toy uses batteries, it must comply with requirements for battery safety, labeling, and recycling.

7. CE Marking and Declaration of Conformity (DoC):
   Upon passing all required tests, the toy must bear the CE mark, and the manufacturer must issue a DoC, confirming compliance with all applicable EU directives (e.g., Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC, LVD, EMC, RoHS).

Additional Considerations for Electronic Sound Toys

• Age-Specific Requirements: Toys for children under 3 years (e.g., musical rattles) face stricter requirements due to higher risks of choking or ingestion.

• Packaging and Labeling: Include permanent tracking labels (e.g., manufacturer, batch, date) and warnings (e.g., “Not suitable for children under 3 without adult supervision”).

• Third-Party Testing: Tests must be conducted by an accredited laboratory (e.g., with CMA/CNAS or EU Notified Body status) to ensure credibility.

• Market-Specific Compliance: While CE certification is sufficient for the EU/EEA, additional certifications (e.g., CPSIA for the U.S.) may be needed for global Amazon platforms.

Huabiao Testing, with its experienced technical team and advanced testing equipment, offers comprehensive CE certification solutions for electronic sound toys. Accredited with CMA/CNAS qualifications, our test data is accurate and reliable, and our test reports carry international credibility. We help clients manage risks, meet market requirements, and ensure their products succeed globally.

As a widely popular kitchen appliance, induction cookers must comply with the Low Voltage Directive (LVD) standards when exported to the EU market. Similarly, how should LVD testing be conducted for stage lighting? What factors influence testing costs, and what should companies consider during the testing process? Today, the editor from Huabiao Testing shares insights on how to handle LVD certification for stage lighting.

Overview of LVD Testing

The Low Voltage Directive (LVD) (2014/35/EU) is an EU regulation governing the safety of electrical equipment operating within the voltage range of 50–1000V AC or 75–1500V DC. Its purpose is to ensure that such equipment does not pose electrical safety risks to users, property, or the environment during use. LVD certification is mandatory for all low-voltage electrical equipment sold in the EU market, including stage lighting, household appliances, and industrial equipment. Certification requires products to pass electrical, mechanical, and thermal safety tests, comply with relevant standards (e.g., EN 60598 series), and bear the CE mark accompanied by a Declaration of Conformity (DoC).

LVD Certification Process for Stage Lighting

1. Consultation and Preparation:
   Contact a professional testing agency, such as Ningbo Huabiao Testing Co., Ltd., and submit the stage lighting’s product specifications, circuit design diagrams, Bill of Materials (including LED modules, power cords, and metal housings), samples, and target market information (primarily the EU).

2. Sample Testing:
   The testing agency conducts tests based on EN 60598-1 (general safety requirements for luminaires) and EN 60598-2-17 (specific requirements for stage lighting). Tests include insulation, grounding, leakage current, and thermal safety assessments, typically taking 2–4 weeks, depending on the equipment’s complexity and the number of test items.

3. Results Review:
   After testing, the company receives an LVD compliance report. If non-compliance is identified, design adjustments (e.g., enhancing insulation or optimizing heat dissipation systems) or component replacements are required, followed by retesting.

4. Technical Documentation:
   Prepare LVD technical documentation, including the test report, design files, risk assessment, and Declaration of Conformity (DoC). Affix the CE mark on the product or its packaging.

5. Market Access:
   Submit the LVD compliance report and technical documentation to meet EU market requirements, satisfying customs, retailers, or e-commerce platforms (e.g., Amazon).

Huabiao Testing, with its experienced technical team and advanced testing equipment, offers comprehensive LVD testing solutions for stage lighting. Accredited with CMA/CNAS qualifications, our test data is accurate and reliable, and our test reports carry international credibility. We help clients manage risks, meet market requirements, and ensure their products succeed globally.

In today’s globalized e-commerce market, Amazon stands as a leading platform, attracting countless sellers. However, to successfully sell products on Amazon, sellers must ensure their products meet specific certification requirements. Today, the editor from Huabiao Testing provides a detailed overview of the certifications required for Amazon products to help you smoothly enter and expand in the market.

Certifications Required for Amazon Products

1. CE Certification (European Market)
   CE certification is mandatory for products sold in the European market, indicating compliance with EU safety, health, and environmental standards. Products requiring CE certification include electronic devices, toys, and machinery.

2. FCC Certification (U.S. Market)
   Electronic devices sold in the U.S. market must obtain FCC certification to ensure they do not interfere with radio frequencies. FCC certification is divided into FCC Part 15 (for computing devices) and FCC Part 18 (for industrial, scientific, and medical equipment).

3. UL Certification (U.S. Market)
   UL certification, issued by Underwriters Laboratories, verifies that products meet specific safety standards. Many household appliances and electronic devices sold on Amazon require UL certification.

4. RoHS Certification (European Market)
   RoHS certification restricts the use of hazardous substances, ensuring products are free from six harmful substances, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. This certification is critical for electronic and electrical equipment sold in the European market.

5. PSE Certification (Japanese Market)
   Electrical products sold in Japan must obtain PSE certification to demonstrate compliance with Japanese safety standards. PSE certification includes two types: diamond (stricter requirements) and circular.

6. CCC Certification (Chinese Market)
   The China Compulsory Certification (CCC) is mandatory for entering the Chinese market. Many products sold on Amazon, such as electronic devices and toys, require CCC certification.

7. RCM Certification (Australian Market)
   Electronic devices sold in Australia and New Zealand require RCM certification, which confirms compliance with electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility requirements.

8. Children’s Product Safety Certifications
   Products intended for children, such as toys and baby products, must comply with specific safety certifications. Common requirements include CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act) for the U.S. market and EN71 standards for the European market.

Huabiao Testing, with its experienced technical team and advanced testing equipment, offers comprehensive certification solutions for Amazon products. Accredited with CMA/CNAS qualifications, our test data is accurate and reliable, and our test reports carry international credibility. We help clients manage risks, meet market requirements, and ensure their products succeed globally.

As a widely popular kitchen appliance, induction cookers must comply with the Low Voltage Directive (LVD) standards when exported to the EU market. But what about explosion-proof lamps? Do they require LVD certification? What factors influence testing costs, and what should companies consider during the testing process? Today, the editor from Huabiao Testing addresses whether explosion-proof lamps need LVD certification and provides a guide to handling LVD testing for these products.

Overview of LVD Testing

LVD Testing (Low Voltage Directive Testing) is a mandatory EU safety assessment for electrical equipment operating within the voltage range of 50–1000V AC or 75–1500V DC, as outlined in the Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU). Explosion-proof lamps, used in hazardous environments, typically operate at 220–240V AC and must undergo LVD testing to ensure electrical, mechanical, and thermal safety, obtaining the CE mark for market access in the EU and European Economic Area (EEA). Additionally, explosion-proof lamps must comply with the ATEX Directive (2014/34/EU) to meet safety requirements for explosive atmospheres.

LVD Testing Process for Explosion-Proof Lamps

1. Identify Applicable Regulations and Standards

Explosion-proof lamps must comply with the following key regulations and standards:

• Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU): Ensures electrical safety to prevent risks such as electric shock or fire.

• EN 60598 Series (Lighting Equipment Safety Standards):

• EN 60598-1: General safety requirements for luminaires, covering electrical, mechanical, thermal, and protection performance.

• EN 60598-2-1: Specific requirements for fixed luminaires (if the explosion-proof lamp is fixed).

• EN 60598-2-5: Specific requirements for floodlights (if the explosion-proof lamp is a floodlight).

• EN 60079 Series (ATEX-related standards for explosive atmospheres):

• EN 60079-0: General requirements for equipment in explosive atmospheres.

• EN 60079-1: Requirements for flameproof enclosures (Ex d).

• EN 60079-11: Requirements for intrinsically safe equipment (Ex i).

• Other Potentially Applicable Standards:

• EN 62233: Electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure assessment for human safety.

• EN 60529: Ingress protection ratings (e.g., IP66/IP67 for dust and water resistance).

• EN 55015 (EMC Directive-related): Electromagnetic compatibility to limit interference.

• Exemption Cases: If the explosion-proof lamp operates at low voltage (e.g., 24V DC), it may be exempt from the LVD Directive but must still comply with the ATEX Directive and the General Product Safety Directive (2001/95/EC).

Recommendation: Confirm the lamp’s specifications (e.g., voltage, power, Ex marking such as Ex d IIB T4), installation type (fixed or portable), and target environment (e.g., Zone 1 or Zone 2) to determine applicable standards.

2. Select an Accredited Third-Party Laboratory

Ningbo Huabiao Testing Co., Ltd., with its experienced technical team and advanced testing equipment, provides comprehensive LVD certification solutions to help clients manage risks, meet market requirements, and ensure their products succeed globally.

Submit the following for explosion-proof lamp testing:

• Product Specifications: Model, voltage, power (e.g., “LED explosion-proof lamp, 220V, 50W”).

• Bill of Materials (BOM): Materials for the housing (e.g., aluminum alloy), lens, circuit board, etc.

• Circuit and Design Diagrams: Details of electrical and explosion-proof structures.

• User Manual: Including safety warnings, installation guidelines, and Ex marking (e.g., “Ex d IIC T6 Gb”).

Testing Scope:

• Electrical Safety: Insulation resistance, grounding continuity, leakage current, and dielectric strength tests.

• Mechanical Safety: Housing strength, impact resistance, and ingress protection (IP testing).

• Thermal Safety: Surface temperature and overheat protection to ensure compliance with T-class ratings (e.g., T6 ≤ 85°C).

• Explosion-Proof Performance: Verification of flameproof enclosures or intrinsically safe designs per EN 60079 standards.

• Environmental Adaptability: Testing for dustproof, waterproof, and corrosion resistance properties.

3. Obtain the Test Report

The laboratory conducts tests based on applicable standards (e.g., EN 60598-1, EN 60079-0) and issues a detailed report confirming compliance with LVD and related safety requirements.

If the product fails, design improvements (e.g., enhanced insulation or optimized heat dissipation) are required, followed by retesting.

Ensure the report covers both LVD and ATEX (if applicable) testing requirements and retain raw data for records.

Huabiao Testing, with its experienced technical team and advanced testing equipment, offers comprehensive LVD testing solutions for explosion-proof lamps. Accredited with CMA/CNAS qualifications, our test data is accurate and reliable, and our test reports carry international credibility. We help clients manage risks, meet market requirements, and ensure their products succeed globally.

As a widely popular kitchen appliance, induction cookers must comply with the Low Voltage Directive (LVD) standards when exported to the EU market. Similarly, how should LVD testing be conducted for student eye protection lamps? What factors influence the testing costs? What should companies pay attention to during the testing process? Today, the editor from Huabiao Testing shares insights on how to handle LVD testing for student eye protection lamps and introduces third-party LVD certification agencies in Zhejiang.

What is LVD Testing?

The Low Voltage Directive (LVD) is an EU regulation that evaluates the safety compliance of electrical products. As electronic products that students directly interact with, eye protection lamps must pass LVD testing to enter the EU market. According to official EU data, in 2022, lighting products accounted for 17% of product recalls due to electrical safety issues, highlighting the critical importance of LVD testing.

Core Components of LVD Testing for Eye Protection Lamps

• Electrical Safety Testing (EN 60598-1): Evaluates insulation performance, creepage distance, and other electrical safety parameters.

• Mechanical Safety Testing (EN 60598-2-4): Assesses structural stability, sharp edges, and other mechanical safety aspects.

• Photobiological Safety Testing (IEC 62471): Evaluates risks such as blue light hazards and ultraviolet radiation.

• EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) Testing (EN 55015): Ensures the product does not interfere with other devices.

LVD Testing Process for Eye Protection Lamps

1. Sample Preparation: Provide 3–5 complete samples of the eye protection lamp.

2. Document Review: Submit technical documents, including circuit diagrams, user manuals, and other relevant materials.

3. Laboratory Testing: Conduct comprehensive safety tests as per the relevant standards.

4. Report Issuance: Upon successful testing, a compliance report is issued.

5. Certificate Application: Assistance is provided to apply for CE certification.

Ningbo Huabiao Testing Co., Ltd. recommends that companies consider LVD requirements during the product design phase to minimize costly modifications later.

Huabiao Testing, with its experienced technical team and advanced testing equipment, offers comprehensive LVD testing solutions for eye protection lamps. Accredited with CMA/CNAS qualifications, our test data is accurate and reliable, and our test reports carry international credibility. We help clients manage risks, meet market requirements, and ensure their products succeed globally.

In the field of cross-border e-commerce, the demand for toy products continues to grow. However, entering the European market requires compliance with stringent safety standards. EN71 certification, as the European toy safety standard, is critical for ensuring child safety. Today, the editor from Huabiao Testing shares insights on what EN71 testing entails and which products require EN71 toy certification.

What is EN71 Testing?

The EN71 series of standards (EN71-1 to EN71-14) is the European Union’s regulatory framework for toy safety, specifically targeting toys intended for children under 14 years old. These standards are highly stringent, encompassing mechanical, physical, chemical, electrical, and flammability tests to ensure toys are safe and reliable, allowing children to play with confidence. Developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), EN71 testing involves a comprehensive evaluation of toy design and material composition. Passing EN71 testing is a mandatory requirement for toys entering the EU market, and this standard is widely recognized globally, including in markets like the United States and Asia.

Key Objectives of EN71 Testing:

• Prevent Physical Injuries: Ensure toys have no sharp edges, small parts, or entanglement risks to avoid cuts, choking, or strangulation.

• Restrict Hazardous Substances: Test for chemicals like lead, cadmium, and phthalates to prevent migration into children’s bodies.

• Reduce Fire Risks: Evaluate the flammability of toy materials to avoid rapid burning or toxic smoke release.

• Ensure Electrical Safety: For toys with electronic components, ensure no overheating or electrical leakage risks.

Toys that pass EN71 testing receive a compliance report and must bear the CE mark, indicating conformity with the EU Toy Safety Directive (2009/48/EC).

Which Products Require EN71 Toy Certification?

EN71 certification applies to all toys designed or intended for play by children under 14 years old, as well as products that may be used by children. The following are common product types subject to EN71 certification:

Traditional Toys:

• Plastic toys (e.g., building blocks, puzzles, models)

• Wooden toys (e.g., wooden blocks, puzzles)

• Plush toys (e.g., stuffed animals, dolls)

• Paper-based toys (e.g., origami kits, cardboard puzzles)

Functional Toys:

• Sound-producing toys (e.g., music boxes, electronic keyboards)

• Electric toys (e.g., remote-controlled cars, robots)

• Interactive toys (e.g., smart learning devices)

Creative and Art Toys:

• Painting materials (e.g., finger paints, colored sand art)

• Craft toys (e.g., modeling clay, playdough)

Decorative and Party Supplies:

• Party balloons (e.g., latex balloons, foil balloons)

• Decorative toys (e.g., streamers, paper hats)

Infant-Specific Toys:

• Baby rattles

• Teething toys

• Pacifier toys

Other Related Products:

• Non-toy products that may be accessed by children (e.g., children’s sleeping bags, portable cribs) may require partial EN71 testing if marketed for children.

Huabiao Testing, with its experienced technical team and advanced testing equipment, offers comprehensive EN71 toy certification solutions. Accredited with CMA/CNAS qualifications, our test data is accurate and reliable, and our test reports carry international credibility. We help clients manage risks, meet market requirements, and ensure their products succeed globally.