Tackling the Global Challenges of IEC 62368-1 Fourth Edition

From Standard to Strategy: Tackling the Global Challenges of IEC 62368-1 Fourth Edition

As safety regulations shift globally, manufacturers are grappling with the growing challenge of creating products that comply with the latest standards across multiple regions.

The publication of IEC 62368-1 fourth edition, Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment - Part 1: Safety requirements, in May 2023 is a prime example of how a single standard can trigger a wave of compliance challenges worldwide.

A new edition brings a new layer of complexity

IEC 62368-1 fourth edition introduces updates grounded in the latest safety science and hazard-based engineering principles. But while the standard is published at the international level, inconsistent regional adoption can create confusing compliance issues.

The global compliance challenge 

Depending on the region, manufacturers may be required to comply with different editions of the standard — sometimes simultaneously. This can create significant operational challenges, such as:

• Maintaining multiple product variants
• Managing different documentation sets
• Coordinating with various certification bodies

IEC 623681 fourth edition snapshot

• IEC 62368-1 fourth edition - Published May 26, 2023
• EN IEC 62368-1 (Europe) - Published April 19, 2024, with Date of Withdrawal (DOW) of previous editions set for Feb. 15, 2027
• CSA/UL 62368-1 (North America) - Expected Q3 2025, with no confirmed mandatory implementation date, expected Feb. 15, 2027
• Regional details  European Union - Only the second edition (EN 62368-1:2014) is currently listed in the Official Journal of the EU (OJEU) under the Low-Voltage Directive (LVD). The third and fourth editions are not listed, meaning they do not provide a presumption of conformity for CE marking. However, they can still be used as part of a risk-based approach with proper technical documentation.
• Mexico - The  NMX-I-62368-1-NYCE-2020standard aligns with IEC 62368-1 Ed. 3.0:2018. But since NMX-I-62368-1-NYCE-2020 is not referenced by Norma Oficial Mexicana (NOM), it cannot be used for mandatory certification under Mexican law.

For the Equivalency Agreement process allotted for IT products qualified under NOM-019-SCFI-1998, the UL 60950 Certificate of Compliance (CoC) holders can register their products through the UL Global Market Access team, avoiding NOM certification altogether.

An audio/video equipment equivalency path is no longer available; however, there are other options such as NOM testing per MRA agreement at our laboratories located around the world.

How we can support you

This evolving landscape poses a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are some ways we can help:

• Global Market Access services – Our Global Market Access services offer regulatory expertise across your target markets, helping you identify applicable requirements and providing a centralized point of support.
• Global Compliance Management - Our Global Compliance Management (GCM) software offers quick access to real-time regulatory updates relevant to your products and markets, a 360-degree view of your compliance portfolio and expert guidance throughout the process.
• Safety and combination certification services – We can help you certify under multiple editions to help enable uninterrupted market access during a transition period.
• Advisory and preliminary design investigation – We will engage with you early in your product development, helping you identify compliance gaps and optimize your design.

Whether you’re just starting to assess the impact of the fourth edition or you’re already deep into planning, we are here to help.