Safety Certification

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Comprehensive Evolution of the IEC 62368-1 Standard: Industry Must Act Early to Meet New Requirements and Ensure Unhindered International Market Access

As electronic product technology advances rapidly, international safety standards are evolving in tandem. The new generation safety standard for audio, video, information, and communication technology products, IEC 62368-1, has officially replaced the traditional standards IEC 60065 (Audio/Video Equipment) and IEC 60950-1 (Information Technology Equipment), becoming a critical foundation for global market access. With nations accelerating the adoption of this new standard, enterprises failing to respond in time face the risk of being barred from target markets.

Hazard-Based Approach Replacing Legacy Specifications

IEC 62368-1 adopts the "Hazard-Based Safety Engineering" (HBSE) design principle, which emphasizes evaluating and eliminating potential risks starting from the design phase, replacing the past approach that relied solely on prescriptive clauses. This change provides greater flexibility in product design while simultaneously requiring manufacturers to possess robust risk assessment capabilities and mitigation strategies.

Rapid Evolution of Standard Versions: Manufacturers Must Closely Monitor Applicable Editions

The standard has now evolved to the fourth edition (IEC 62368-1:2023). Compared to the second and third editions, the new clauses impose stricter requirements on component certification, thermal protection, opening design, and fire safety requirements. Furthermore, component certifications previously issued under older standards (such as IEC 60950-1) are no longer accepted.

Different Products Require Different Standard Editions

Certain equipment, such as outdoor devices, wireless power transmission devices, applications using insulating liquids, and highly insulated windings, are now explicitly required to be certified solely under the new standard. Manufacturers should carefully select the applicable version based on product characteristics, target sales markets, life cycles, and regulatory timelines to ensure compliance and reduce barriers to market entry.

Certification Bodies Urge Early Adoption of the New Standard Transition

Major international certification bodies such as UL, Nemko, and TÜV Rheinland have noted that manufacturers should proactively comply with the requirements of the new IEC 62368-1. Companies should complete product design and component upgrades, update CB reports, and evaluate international certification transfer needs as soon as possible to avoid shipment delays or the inability to obtain valid certificates in the future. Additionally, enterprises can leverage pre-assessment, technical seminars, and gap analysis services to gain an early understanding of the practical impact of these standard changes on their products.

Summary Recommendations:

Confirm whether an upgrade to the 2018 (3rd edition) or 2023 (4th edition) standard is required based on your sales markets.
Evaluate whether components already possess certification for the new standard version to avoid product non-compliance due to non-compliant parts.
Plan the testing and certification transfer process for the new version as early as possible to reduce risks associated with regulatory transitions.

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