Preparing for IEC 62368-1 4th Edition

Preparing for IEC 62368-1 4th Edition

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Preparing for IEC 62368-1 4th Edition certification: What component and end-product manufacturers need to know

IEC 62368-1:2023, the Hazard-Based Safety Standard for Audio/Video (AV), Information and Communication Technology Equipment (ICT), marks a significant shift in how components and end products are evaluated for safety compliance. As the industry continues to transition away from legacy standards IEC 60950 and IEC 60065, it's crucial for both component and end-product manufacturers to understand the implications of this transition and prepare accordingly.

Key change: No more legacy certifications

One of the most impactful updates in the 4th edition is the removal of acceptance (without further evaluation) of components previously certified under IEC 60950 or IEC 60065. As such (per 4.1.2):

Where the component, or a characteristic of a component, is a safeguard or a part of a safeguard, components shall comply with the requirements of this document or, where specific in a requirement clause, with the safety aspect of the relevant IEC component standard.

What this means for component manufacturers

If your AV/ICT component - such as a power supply - is intended to be used as part of a safeguard in an AV/ICT end product, it should be certified under IEC 62368-1 4th edition. This prevents your customers' components from being reevaluated to 4th edition standards during the end-product certification. Even though this edition is not yet mandatory in all regions, early adoption is a strategic advantage. By planning and budgeting for certification now, you can avoid last-minute compliance work and maintain your competitive edge, including removing undue burden on your end-product customers.

Impact on end-product manufacturers

When submitting an end-product for certification under the 4th edition, all critical AV/ICT components - such as power supplies - must also be certified to the same edition. If a component is only certified to the 2nd or 3rd edition, additional evaluation is likely required.

As the industry transitions to the IEC 62368-1 4th edition, both component and end-product manufacturers must understand the updated standard's implications to minimize delays and help reduce costs. Companies may also need to consider potential redesigns or sourcing of alternative components to stay competitive.

To streamline the certification process and reduce costs, many manufacturers already are prioritizing components certified to the 4th edition.

Current status of IEC 62368-1 4th Edition

• IEC 62368-1:2023 (4th Edition): published May 26, 2023
• EN IEC 62368-1:2024/A11:2024 (4th Edition): published April 2024
• CSA/UL 62368-1:2025 (4th Edition): published July 31, 2025

Final thoughts

With the removal of the legacy component provision, the transition to IEC 62368-1 4th edition is more than a simple standardization and regulatory update - it's a chance to revise your products and processes to fully align with the latest safety requirements. Whether you are a component supplier or an end-product manufacturer, early preparation will help you stay ahead of the curve and avoid costly surprises.

About the author

Bruna Ramos has been with UL Solutions for 14 years. She holds the position of senior product/service specialist and is based in São Paulo, Brazil. In this role, she focuses on providing dedicated support to the Americas regional business strategy development and implementation. Her main concentration is the consumer technology industry, specifically for services related to batteries, information technology equipment, consumer electronics products and other related equipment with regard to safety and performance tests and certification.