EAC (TR CU) Certification for Relay Sockets – A Practical Export Checklist for Russia & the EAEU
Relay sockets designed for industrial control panels or building automation can only be sold in Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan or Armenia when they meet the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) Technical Regulations. This article explains how to achieve EAC certification under TR CU 004/2011 (Low‑voltage equipment) and TR CU 020/2011 (EMC), the differences between an EAC Declaration and an EAC Certificate, and why appointing a resident applicant and preparing Russian‑language documentation are essential. With the right preparation you can avoid costly delays and get your relay sockets on the Eurasian market quickly.
TL;DR – Key Insights
EAC mark is mandatory for the five EAEU countries. Certified products destined for Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan or Armenia must bear the EAC mark before customs clearance. The logo combines the letters EAC, must be visible and permanent, and its basic size is at least 5 mm.
Low‑voltage & EMC regulations apply. TR CU 004/2011 covers relay sockets operating at 50–1000 V AC or 75–1500 V DC, requiring proper insulation and protection against overheating. TR CU 020/2011 requires devices not to generate electromagnetic interference and to be immune to external noise.
Declaration vs certificate. An EAC certificate involves independent tests by an accredited laboratory and inspection by a certification body, whereas an EAC declaration allows the manufacturer/importer to declare conformity but still requires tests and registration.
Local representative & Russian documentation. Foreign manufacturers must appoint a legal representative resident in the EAEU who is responsible for compliance. All documents—including user manuals—must be submitted in Russian or another official EAEU language.
Validity & scope. EAC approvals may be issued for individual shipments or serial production for 1–5 years. Technical documentation must be retained throughout the validity period and beyond.
Understanding EAC, TR CU 004/2011 and TR CU 020/2011
Relay sockets exported to the EAEU are subject to the Customs Union’s technical regulations. The Eurasian Conformity (EAC) mark verifies that a product complies with all applicable regulations and gives access to the entire EAEU. According to Markinvest, certified products must bear the EAC mark when destined for Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan or Armenia. The mark must be affixed before customs clearance; if the foreign manufacturer does not attach it, the responsibility falls to the authorised representative or importer. The EAC logo consists of the letters “E”, “A” and “C”; its basic size is at least 5 mm, the letters are rectangular with equal width and height, and it may be displayed in positive or negative form. The marking has to be visible for the product’s entire lifespan and may be placed on the product plate, packaging or accompanying documentation. These rules echo similar CE marking requirements and aim to make the compliance status immediately recognisable.
Relay sockets typically operate at low voltages and switch currents for control purposes. The TR CU 004/2011 “On the safety of low‑voltage equipment” applies to electrical equipment operating between 50 and 1000 V AC or 75 and 1500 V DC. The regulation demands proper insulation to prevent electric shock, protection against overheating and short circuits, and compliance with local electrical safety standards. Manufacturers must perform electrical safety tests at an accredited laboratory and document the results in the technical file or declaration. For relay sockets, this involves verifying creepage distances, dielectric strength, temperature rise and the fire resistance of housings.
Complementing the low‑voltage regulation, TR CU 020/2011 “Electromagnetic compatibility of technical means” governs electromagnetic emission and immunity. It requires that devices do not generate electromagnetic interference that could compromise other equipment and that they are sufficiently immune to external electromagnetic disturbances. Manufacturers must conduct EMC tests following local or international standards and ensure compliance with emission and immunity limits. Relay sockets are often part of control systems; failing EMC tests could lead to disturbances in nearby circuits or remote control lines.
Each regulation has its own list of harmonised standards. For low‑voltage equipment these may mirror EN 60947‑7‑1 or IEC 60947‑1, while the EMC regulation often references CISPR and IEC 61000 series standards. Applying harmonised standards is not mandatory, but doing so can significantly streamline the conformity assessment. Finally, note that the EAC mark should not be used if certification or declaration is incomplete
Key Takeaways
The EAC mark confirms compliance with Customs Union technical regulations and is mandatory for relay sockets sold in Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia.
TR CU 004/2011 covers electrical safety for equipment operating at 50–1000 V AC / 75–1500 V DC and requires accredited laboratory testing.
TR CU 020/2011 governs electromagnetic compatibility; products must neither emit excessive interference nor be overly susceptible.
Properly affixing the EAC logo (minimum 5 mm, visible and permanent) is essential.
Internal link suggestion: Learn more about PCB‑level relay socket specifications in our technical datasheet.
EAC Declaration vs. Certificate – Which Path Fits Your Relay Socket?
When exporting relay sockets, you must choose between obtaining an EAC Declaration of Conformity (DoC) or an EAC Certificate of Conformity (CoC). Both documents confirm that a product meets the requirements of the applicable technical regulations, but they differ in procedure, responsibilities and risk profile.
As explained by the conformity assessment experts at AC Inorms, an EAC approval allows manufacturers to sell their certified products across the Eurasian Economic Union without additional national certificates. The choice between a declaration and a certificate depends on the product’s risk category and the applicable regulation. Products with a lower risk potential often require only a declaration, while higher‑risk items demand a certificate. The EAC declaration is issued by the manufacturer, authorised representative or importer; they conduct or arrange tests (which may be performed internally or at an accredited laboratory) and then register the declaration in the unified EAEU register. Responsibility for compliance rests primarily with the applicant. Declarations are typically easier and less costly to obtain and may be valid for up to five years.
An EAC certificate, on the other hand, involves a more rigorous process. Products subject to certification must be tested for quality and compliance by an accredited testing laboratory located within the EAEU. A certification body then conducts a production audit and reviews the technical documentation. Because the certification body is involved, responsibility for the product’s conformity is shared between the manufacturer and the certification body. Inspection controls and factory audits are often part of the certification scheme. Certificates are issued for a specific period—commonly one, three or five years—or for a defined batch of productsac-inorms.com.
Another notable difference concerns documentation and language. AC Inorms notes that all documents—technical files, test reports, user manuals and the declaration or certificate—must be submitted in Russian or in the official language of the respective EAEU member state. This means that if your relay socket’s instruction manual is originally written in English, it needs a certified translation before submission. Failure to provide Russian‑language documentation is a common reason for delays or rejection.
The complexity of the product also dictates the path. Complex technical products such as industrial machinery or custom control panels usually require certification; simpler products like passive relay sockets may only need a declaration. In practice, export consultants often review the TN VED EAEU code (customs tariff code) and cross‑reference it with the EAEU’s lists of products subject to certification or declaration. If you are uncertain, it is advisable to consult a certification body or authorised representative.
Key Takeaways
An EAC declaration is a self‑declaration by the manufacturer/importer. Tests may be conducted internally or at an accredited lab; responsibility for compliance rests with the applicant.
An EAC certificate involves independent tests by an EAEU‑accredited laboratory and oversight by a certification body; responsibility is shared.
Both approvals are valid for 1–5 years or batch deliveries.
All documentation, including the user manual, must be supplied in Russian or another official EAEU language
Step‑by‑Step Compliance Roadmap for Relay Socket EAC Certification
Achieving EAC compliance for relay sockets involves more than affixing a logo. Manufacturers must prepare a comprehensive compliance dossier, appoint a local representative and ensure that every document meets the EAEU’s technical and linguistic requirements. This section outlines a practical roadmap.
1. Determine applicability and classification
Identify which technical regulations apply to your relay socket. As noted earlier, TR CU 004/2011 covers low‑voltage safety while TR CU 020/2011 covers electromagnetic compatibility. Review the product’s electrical ratings and functions to confirm these regulations. Next, classify the product according to its TN VED EAEU code—the customs tariff code used in the EAEU. This classification hints at whether certification or declaration is required. Export consultants or certification bodies can assist with this step.
2. Appoint a resident applicant (legal representative)
Foreign manufacturers cannot register an EAC declaration or certificate themselves; they must appoint a legal representative within the EAEU. This representative (a company or natural person) is responsible for the product’s compliance and serves as the point of contact with local authorities. The representative ensures that the product remains compliant even after it enters the market. Selecting a reputable representative with experience in electrical equipment is crucial.
3. Compile technical documentation and perform risk assessment
As with CE marking, the EAEU expects detailed technical documentation. Your compliance file should include:
Product description: electrical ratings, intended use, and schematic diagrams.
Component specifications: certificates for materials, flame‑retardant plastics, contact plating and safe distances.
Risk assessment and safety justification: identify potential hazards (electric shock, overheating) and describe design measures to mitigate them (insulation, protective covers). While ISO 12100 risk assessments are not explicitly required, they demonstrate due diligence.
Test protocols: results from electrical safety tests (dielectric strength, temperature rise) conducted at an EAEU‑accredited laboratory; EMC emission and immunity tests according to TR CU 020/2011.
User manual and installation instructions translated into Russian (and possibly Kazakh, Belarusian or Kyrgyz if intended for those markets). The manual should include wiring diagrams, safe installation procedures, maintenance instructions, hazard warnings and disposal information. It must also indicate the warranty period and service life; many EAEU regulations require the manufacturer to declare the service life or shelf life on the label.
All documents should be dated, signed and stored in the compliance dossier. Even after the product is placed on the market, the dossier must be retained—authorities can request it during market surveillance. While the EAEU does not state an explicit retention period, exporters typically keep files for the validity period plus several years (often 10 years) to align with best practices.
4. Choose the conformity assessment module and perform tests
Based on the risk category and classification, decide whether to pursue a declaration or certificate. If a certificate is required, select the appropriate scheme (serial production or batch). For series production you may need periodic factory audits; batch certifications are issued for a single shipment and do not require periodic inspections. Coordinate with the local representative to submit an application to the certification body or register the declaration. Provide the technical dossier and arrange laboratory tests. For declarations you may conduct some tests internally, but using an accredited laboratory still reduces the risk of rejection.
5. Register and affix the EAC mark
After the certification body (for certificates) or registration authority (for declarations) approves the conformity assessment, register the approval in the Unified Register of EAC Approvals. Then affix the EAC mark on each relay socket, on the packaging, and include it in the operating instructions. Remember, the mark must be visible, indelible, not smaller than 5 mm and may be placed on the product plate, packaging or technical passport. Do not use stylised versions or QR codes—authorities can fine you for incorrect use.
6. Maintain compliance and monitor updates
EAC regulations are updated regularly; new versions or amendments may add requirements for specific components (e.g., inclusion of hazardous substances or energy efficiency). Manufacturers should monitor changes via the EAEU’s official portal and update their documentation, tests and marking accordingly. Keep track of your approval’s validity period; plan to renew the declaration or certificate before it expires, and maintain records of any design changes that could affect compliance.
Key Takeaways
Start early: Determine the applicable TR CU regulations and classify your relay socket using its customs code.
Appoint a local representative: A resident applicant is mandatory for registering an EAC declaration or certificate.
Prepare a complete dossier: Include risk assessments, accredited lab test reports and Russian‑language manuals. Keep the dossier for the full validity period and beyond.
Select the right scheme: Choose between declaration and certificate based on risk level; series or batch certification determines whether periodic audits are required.
Affix the EAC mark properly: At least 5 mm, visible, permanent; may be on the product, package or documentation
Common Non‑Conformities and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced exporters can stumble during EAC certification. The following pitfalls repeatedly surface in market surveillance reports and can delay or derail entry into the EAEU:
Neglecting the local representative: Some companies attempt to submit an EAC declaration from abroad without appointing an EAEU resident. Authorities will reject the submission or hold it until a legal representative is appointed.
Using the wrong conformity route: Choosing a declaration when a certificate is required—or vice versa—leads to rejection. Check the product’s classification and applicable TR CU lists. Keep in mind that high‑risk products almost always need a certificate.
Incomplete Russian translation: User manuals, labels and declarations not provided in Russian (or the destination country’s language) are non‑compliant. Ensure your translator is familiar with technical terminology.
Skipping accredited lab tests: Even if the declaration route allows internal testing, authorities frequently query declarations that lack accredited lab reports. Investing in accredited tests speeds up registration and reduces the risk of future disputes.
Incorrect or missing EAC logo: Labels with distorted or undersized EAC logos (less than 5 mm) violate the marking rules and can lead to product withdrawal.
Not monitoring validity periods: Failing to renew a declaration or certificate before it expires can result in customs blocks. Track your approval’s expiry date (1–5 years depending on the scheme) and schedule renewals ahead of time.
Ignoring updates to TR CU regulations: Technical regulations evolve; for instance, new EAEU decisions may broaden the scope or update test standards. Regularly consult official announcements or partner with a certification agency.
By anticipating these issues and integrating them into your compliance plan, you reduce the risk of delays and avoid costly redesigns or repackaging.
Key Takeaways
Appoint a resident representative, choose the correct conformity scheme and use accredited labs to avoid rejections.
Provide complete Russian‑language documentation and ensure the EAC mark meets size and visibility requirements.
Track renewal dates and regulatory changes; EAC approvals are valid for up to five year
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Conclusion & Call to Action
Exporting relay sockets to Russia or other EAEU countries opens up new market opportunities—but only if you navigate the EAC certification landscape properly. By understanding the TR CU 004/2011 and TR CU 020/2011 requirements, choosing between an EAC declaration and an EAC certificate, appointing a local representative and preparing a Russian‑language technical dossier, you can avoid common pitfalls and streamline customs clearance. Remember that the EAC mark is not just a logo—it represents a commitment to safety, electromagnetic compatibility and consumer confidence. Approvals last for up to five years, but only if you stay on top of regulatory updates.
If you’re looking for relay sockets that already meet EAC (TR CU) requirements—or need help navigating the certification process—reach out to our team（CDGKZ Zhejiang Chuangdao Electric Co., LTD）. We offer compliant, CE‑ and EAC‑ready relay sockets and can guide you through the technical regulations, testing and documentation. Let’s get your products safely into the Eurasian market!
