VDE Certification
Certification Overview:
VDE, which stands for Verband der Elektrotechnik Elektronik Informationstechnik e.V., translates to the Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies in English. Established in 1920, it is one of Europe's most experienced testing, inspection, and certification bodies. VDE is a notified body under the CE marking regulation of the European Union and a member of the international CB Scheme. It holds accreditations for electrical products under the CENELEC European certification system, the CECC electronic component quality assessment system, and the IEC global certification system for electrical products and electronic components. Its evaluations cover a wide range of products including household and commercial appliances, IT equipment, industrial and medical technology devices, assembly materials, electronic components, and wires and cables.
Detailed Information:
What is VDE Certification?
VDE, officially known as the Prufstelle Testing and Certification Institute of the Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies in Germany, operates as a subsidiary of the VDE Association. Since its inception, VDE has garnered high recognition both within Europe and internationally as a trusted authority for testing the safety of electronic and electrical components and issuing certifications. Today, there is a growing global demand for VDE certification, with over 200,000 product types worldwide having obtained VDE safety certification.
VDE Certification Process:
1. Initial Inquiry:
The applicant provides an overview of their company and details about the product to be certified, including model numbers, parts lists, drawings, operational diagrams, technical specifications, and usage instructions.
2. Establishing Agency Relationship:
A contractual agreement is signed between the applicant (client) and the agency (representative company), outlining mutual responsibilities, powers, and obligations to ensure smooth cooperation throughout the application process. The agency must present a letter of authorization from the applicant to VDE.
3. Formal Application Form and Structural Parameter Form:
These are crucial documents for VDE certification. The applicant may provide the necessary information, and the agency assists in translating and completing the forms, which are then signed by the applicant and returned to VDE.
4. Application Confirmation:
Upon receipt of the formal application and structural parameter forms, VDE formally acknowledges the application within approximately 2-4 weeks. They provide an invoice, factory inspection questionnaire, and other relevant documents.
5. Sample Submission:
Alongside the application confirmation, VDE specifies the requirements for sample submission and the relevant standards for testing. The agency assists the applicant in obtaining these standards and clarifies all related testing procedures and methods. Samples must undergo preliminary testing either internally or at designated domestic laboratories. Once predicted to meet standards, samples are sent securely and accurately to VDE via express delivery for testing.
6. Factory Inspection:
Prior to certification issuance, VDE conducts factory inspections and subsequent periodic surveillance audits. Before inspections, the agency's project engineers assist the manufacturing facility in self-assessing production facilities, testing equipment, measurement, and the entire quality system against VDE requirements. Any required corrective actions are discussed promptly, implemented swiftly, and verified for compliance during re-inspections.
7. Certificate Issuance:
Assuming successful factory inspection and sample testing, VDE notifies the agency promptly of results and issues the VDE certificate without delay.
Product Scope of VDE Certification:
VDE's testing encompasses seven primary areas:
1. Electrical and thermal appliances (e.g., sandwich makers, power tools)
2. Data processing and medical devices (e.g., electronic blood pressure monitors, data processing equipment)
3. Luminaires and electronic products (e.g., lamps, switches)
4. Cables and insulation materials (e.g., wires, insulation sleeves)
5. Installation materials and control components
6. Electronic components
7. EMC testing
Pre-Testing Services:
The agency operates a laboratory spanning over 3,500 square meters, accredited by internationally renowned certification bodies such as UL, NEMKO, VDE, INNOVA, and SIQ (witness testing), with pending accreditation from CNAL as a national laboratory. Equipped with advanced testing equipment and staffed by experienced personnel familiar with various testing standards, the agency offers pre-testing services to assist clients in evaluating their products' safety performance for improvement and enhancement.
Training Services:
The agency boasts several engineers with extensive experience in product safety certification and familiarity with safety standards and performance requirements for exported electrical products. They provide technical training services, including product safety knowledge, certification standard discussions, troubleshooting experiments, and dynamic communication regarding UL certification standards, among others. For existing clients, discounted or even free prices are available for training sessions tailored to their specific needs.
Standard Translation:
Staffed with engineers experienced in product safety certification and fluent in languages such as English, Japanese, and German, the agency translates various foreign and technical documents efficiently and accurately. Clients requiring such services can contact the agency's marketing department for prompt handling by qualified personnel, ensuring timely and precise delivery of documents.
In summary, VDE certification is integral for manufacturers seeking to affirm the safety and reliability of their electronic and electrical products in compliance with European and international standards, benefiting from VDE's extensive experience and rigorous testing protocols.