International trade in electrical and electronic products is
becoming increasingly competitive. As technologies evolve rapidly,
safety, reliability and performance must keep pace. This is equally
true for companies in industrialized and industrializing
countries.
To develop their electrotechnical industry sector, to gain
access to regional or international markets and to make sure that
imported electrical and electronic goods are safe and reliable,
developing countries have access to IEC International Standards and
Conformity Assessment (CA) systems.
Aiming for the best
No matter where manufacture takes place, the primary concern is
identical: designing and manufacturing electrical and electronic
products that meet the strictest safety and performance
requirements. Using IEC International Standards helps reduce
research and production costs, improves design, engineering and
manufacturing and better manages quality.
Without testing and certification, standards remain theoretical.
Proving that products are built to IEC specifications is where the
three IEC CA systems come in, covering the whole spectrum of
electrotechnology.
One test, one certificate
The combination of IEC International Standards and CA systems
makes products safer and more reliable, increasing consumer
confidence and public safety.
All members of the IEC CA systems accept certificates issued by
other members. Duplication of tests is eliminated, reducing time
and cost. A manufacturer based in a non-member country can approach
a certification body in any member country and have its products
tested and certified.
IEC CA systems reduce the number of steps required to obtain
national certification. They take into account variations that may
be included in a standard when adopted nationally and reduce trade
barriers. IEC CA systems provide a standardized approach to testing
and certification.
Safety is a right for all
Developing countries have often been the dumping ground for
low-quality, counterfeit electrical and electronic products -
faulty switches, unprotected sockets, non-standardized circuits,
overheating, fires.
Protection of citizens by governments is imperative. Through the
Affiliate Country Programme, the IEC encourages developing
countries to adopt international standards as national ones and to
recognize IEC CA certification. Governments ensure imports comply
with IEC standards and are tested and certified to one of the IEC
CA systems.
A basis for legislation
IEC International Standards also serve as the basis for
legislation and regulations. As technologies evolve, standards are
revised accordingly and legislation updated. Standards also provide
governments with technical references in public tenders, lending
confidence that products meet commonly agreed standards.
About the affiliate country programme
Many countries have adopted IEC International Standards as
national standards. Industrialized countries have done so for more
than 100 years and form the core membership of the three IEC CA
systems. Since 2001 the IEC has helped bring developing countries
on board by establishing its Affiliate Country Programme.
Joining the programme can represent a country's first experience
of international electrotechnical standardization and conformity
assessment. The programme facilitates initial contacts with the IEC
community and helps identify relevant sectors.
The programme offers participation in the IEC without the
financial burden of membership. Objectives include: encouraging
greater awareness and use of IEC International Standards; helping
to participate in the IEC's work; and facilitating the adoption of
IEC International Standards as national standards. Affiliates may
use relevant IEC International Standards (up to 200 standards) when
they join and learn how to monitor technical work in the technical
committees, thereby taking a step-by-step approach to establishing
a National Electrotechnical Committee (NEC).
In 2009, the IEC set up Affiliate Plus status for participants
that have adopted at least 50 IEC International Standards and have
established an NEC. Countries with Affiliate Plus status are
entitled to 400 IEC International Standards for national adoption
and can receive mentoring. (For more information, see www.iec.ch/affiliates/.
About the IEC
The IEC, founded in 1906, prepares and publishes International
Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies -
collectively known as 'electrotechnology'. It has 81 members and 81
affiliates.
All IEC International Standards are consensus-based and
represent the needs of key stakeholders of participating countries.
The IEC has:
- More than 10,000 experts in 174 technical committees
with more than 1,000 working groups
- More than 6,000 International Standards in
catalogue
- More than 500,000 CA certificates established.
IEC International Standards cover power generation,
transmission, distribution, including all renewable energy sources;
batteries; home appliances; office and medical equipment; all
public and private transportation; semiconductors; fibre optics;
nanotechnology; multimedia; and information technology. They also
cover safety, performance and the environment.
About the IEC Conformity Assessment
Systems
IECEE The IEC system of CA schemes includes
coverage of conformity testing and certification for safety and
performance of home and office equipment, home entertainment,
medical devices, cables, lighting, portable tools and solar
photovoltaics.
IECEx This system relates to equipment for use
in explosive atmospheres. Coverage includes certification of
electrical and electronic products and systems in explosion
protection and certification of personnel competencies (maintenance
and repair). This includes all areas where inflammable gases,
liquids and combustible dusts may be present, i.e. the oil and gas
industry, mining, refuelling stations for cars, trucks and planes,
printing and paint industry, grain storage and handling, and sugar
refineries.
IECQ The IEC quality assessment system for
electronic components covers the supply of components and
associated materials and processes, the business-to-business supply
chain management systems for avionics, management of electrostatic
discharge and use of hazardous substances in manufacturing
processes.
USEFUL LINKS
Standards & conformity