Effective last month, Brazilian National Certification Bodies (NCBs) and CB Testing Laboratories (CBTLs) have been suspended from the IECEE CB Scheme. This is the first time that the IECEE has suspended a member.
The suspension is attributed to additional accreditation requirements of Brazil’s regulatory authority, the National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (INMETRO). INMETRO requires that CB test reports and certificates come from a testing laboratory accredited by INMETRO or an Accreditation Body that is a signatory of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation Mutual Recognition Agreement (ILAC MRA). This requirement is not in line with the requirements of the IECEE, which is based on a Peer Assessment System between members of the IECEE CB Scheme.
The suspension prevents IECEE members from accepting test certificates and test reports from Brazil.
The IECEE CB Scheme is an international cooperation between 65 NCBs with hundreds of testing laboratories located in 50 participating countries. It is based on the principal of mutual recognition of test results for obtaining national safety certification of electrical equipment and components.
According to the IECEE Executive Secretary, Pierre de Ruvo, the suspension will be cancelled and full membership reinstated as soon as an agreement is reached with INMETRO and/or the Brazilian Committee of Electricity, Electronics, Lighting and Telecommunication (COBEI).
Laboratories – Learn how to become a CBTL of a U.S.-based NCB.
Manufacturers – Get a CB Scheme test report or test certificate.
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