If you manufacture IT equipment and dream of selling it around the world, you’ve probably discovered an unfortunate truth: every country seems to have its own favorite stack of paperwork. It’s like every customs office woke up one morning and decided, “This server could really use another form.”
Fortunately, ANAB ILAC accreditation IT equipment testing is the antidote to paperwork multiplication. Instead of chasing separate test reports for every destination, Product Safety Consulting helps you start with one internationally recognized report that opens doors in multiple markets.
Here’s what that accreditation covers, how UL/IEC 62368 testing actually works, and what you can expect in terms of cost, timing, and the occasional regulatory curveball.
What UL/IEC 62368 Covers
UL/IEC 62368 is the safety standard that applies to most modern IT and audio/video equipment, including servers, computers, networking hardware, monitors, and a great many boxes with blinking lights whose sole purpose is to make other blinking lights communicate more efficiently.
If you’re familiar with the older UL 60950 standard, you’ll notice this one takes a different approach. Rather than handing manufacturers a giant checklist of construction rules, UL/IEC 62368 asks a more fundamental question: Where could this product become hazardous, and what has been done to prevent that?
The previous standard was a little like baking from your grandmother’s recipe card: use exactly this bowl, stir exactly seventeen times, and don’t ask questions. UL/IEC 62368 is less interested in whether you followed the recipe and much more interested in whether the cake is actually edible.
Rather than prescribing a rigid list of construction requirements, UL/IEC 62368 focuses on energy sources and hazards. Engineers evaluate how electrical energy moves through the product, how heat is managed, whether mechanical components create risks, and how any radiation hazards are controlled. It’s a practical approach, but it also demands thoughtful engineering and thorough documentation. The standard assumes that if you claim your design safely controls a hazard, you’ll be happy to show your work.
Why ANAB/ILAC Accreditation Matters for This Testing
Testing is only half the story. The real value lies in whether anyone else accepts the results.
Product Safety Consulting performs testing under ISO/IEC 17025, the international standard for laboratory competence. Because ANAB is a recognized member of ILAC, the resulting test report is accepted by many countries and Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTLs), eliminating the need to repeat the same testing for every new market.
That’s good news for your schedule, your budget, and everyone on your team who would rather spend time launching products than watching calendars inch forward.
Instead of juggling multiple testing projects, manufacturers often move ahead with one report that supports certifications across multiple regions. The process becomes more predictable, market entry happens faster, and distributors and certification bodies receive documentation they already recognize. In other words, your test report becomes something of an international traveler, without demanding mimosas and an aisle seat.
What the Testing Process Looks Like
Despite the intimidating collection of acronyms, the testing process itself is surprisingly straightforward.
It begins with documentation. Product Safety Consulting reviews your schematics, bill of materials, and user manuals to understand exactly what the product is, how it’s built, and what it’s expected to do. Think of it as reading the script before reviewing the performance.
Next comes the evaluation itself. Engineers test the product against the requirements of UL/IEC 62368, examining how it manages electrical energy, heat, mechanical risks, and any other potential hazards identified by the standard. The goal is to confirm that the product behaves safely under the conditions it’s likely to encounter in the real world. Ideally, your equipment remains known for its performance rather than its surprising ability to impersonate a toaster.
Once compliance has been demonstrated, Product Safety Consulting issues an ANAB/ILAC-accredited test report. Depending on where you’re selling, that report can often be submitted directly to certification bodies or national authorities. If you’d rather not untangle international regulatory requirements yourself, our Global Market Access (GMA) service can manage in-country submissions on your behalf.
Of course, not every product passes flawlessly on the first attempt, and that’s hardly unusual. If testing uncovers a compliance issue, the project moves directly to the engineering and compliance consulting team. They’ll identify the problem, recommend practical solutions, and resume testing once the necessary changes have been made. There’s no need to scrap the project and begin again from square one: a phrase that belongs in board games more so than product development.
Cost and Timeline
Every project is scoped before testing begins, so manufacturers know what to expect before anyone powers up the first piece of equipment. While every product is different, most projects fall into these general ranges:
| Product Complexity | Typical Cost | Typical Timeline |
| Straightforward IT equipment (certified power supplies, ES1 outputs) | Around $8,000 | 3–4 weeks |
| More complex systems | $20,000–$50,000 | 8–12 weeks |
The more sophisticated the product, the more comprehensive the evaluation tends to be. Fortunately, surprises are best reserved for birthday parties.
A Note on CB Certificates
Manufacturers often ask whether an ANAB/ILAC-accredited report also requires a CB Certificate.
In most cases, the answer is no. The accredited report is accepted directly, allowing the certification process to move forward without another layer of documentation. The primary exceptions are Russia and Israel, where CB certification remains the preferred pathway.
The important part is that these requirements are identified early, so your project doesn’t unexpectedly approach a new regulatory obstacle just when the finish line comes into focus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my IT product need to be retested for every country I sell in?
Usually no. Because the test report is ILAC-recognized, certification bodies in many countries accept it without requiring additional rounds of testing.
What’s the difference between UL/IEC 62368 and the older UL 60950 standard?
UL/IEC 62368 focuses on energy sources and hazard levels instead of prescribing a fixed set of construction rules. It applies to most current IT and audio/video equipment and offers manufacturers greater design flexibility while maintaining rigorous safety requirements.
What documentation do I need to submit for testing?
To begin the evaluation, Product Safety Consulting typically needs your schematics, bill of materials, and user manuals.
What happens if my product doesn’t pass testing the first time?
If a compliance issue is identified, the engineering and compliance consulting team recommends corrective actions and testing resumes after the necessary changes have been made. You don’t have to start the entire process over.
Do I need a CB Certificate in addition to the ANAB/ILAC report?
Usually no. The primary exceptions are Russia and Israel, where CB certification is still generally the preferred route.
Ready to Get Your IT Equipment Tested?
Selling internationally shouldn’t require earning a graduate degree in regulatory paperwork.
Whether you’re bringing a straightforward networking device to market or launching a more complex system, Product Safety Consulting can help streamline the testing and certification process with internationally recognized ANAB/ILAC-accredited reports.
Contact John Allen and the Product Safety Consulting team for a consultation. Visit productsafetyinc.com or call 877-804-3066 to get started.