How long should a charger maker keep technical files and test reports?

Main answer · Wecent Editorial Team

Short answer: Keep them for as long as the product is sold and for a comfortable period after, covering warranty claims and any questions from regulators or retailers. Some rules set minimum periods, such as US energy rules that require importers to keep the test data behind a certification, so check each regime with an adviser. In practice, many companies keep files for the product’s life plus several years.

What the rules say

Different regimes set different record periods. For example, the Department of Energy’s importer guidance notes that importers must maintain the test data underlying a certification of compliance, referring to its regulation on records. FCC and Canadian rules also expect records to be available. Because periods differ and change, ask a compliance adviser for the rules that apply to your product.

A practical approach

Choose a single retention rule that is longer than any of the legal minimums you know. A common approach is to keep the file for as long as the model is on sale, plus a number of years afterwards that covers warranty claims, product-liability questions and any regulator or retailer request.

What to keep

• Test reports and certificates, including superseded versions.
• Declarations of conformity and certification grants.
• The bill of materials and critical-component list.
• Drawings, labels and photos of the approved sample.
• Change records and delta reports.
• Energy test data and marking records.
• Production and inspection records by lot.
• Complaint and incident records.

How to organise it

1. One folder per model and version.
2. A cover sheet with the model, dates and contacts.
3. Clear file names and dates.
4. Backups in a second location.
5. Access for the people who need it.

Digital storage

Use a shared drive with a backup. Keep PDF copies of signed documents and the original files where relevant.

When the model ends

Mark the end-of-sale date, and set a review date for deletion. Do not delete files while a claim, recall or investigation is open.

Quick summary

Keep files through the product’s life and a safe margin after, confirm minimum periods with an adviser and keep everything organised by model and version.

Example retention statement

“Technical files for each model are kept for the whole period the model is sold and for a stated number of years afterwards, and are not deleted while any claim or investigation is open.” Write one line like this in your quality manual and review it once a year.

Sources checked on 24 Oct 2026: U.S. Department of Energy: Importer Q&As.

Where this answer says to confirm with Wecent, the detail is not published on the product page and has to come from the datasheet or the factory. General facts come from the regulators, standards bodies or device makers named in the text.