Understanding China Compulsory Certification

CCC – China Compulsory Certification is a certification system like other quality standardization certifications such as the European CE system. However, there are significant differences. Introduced in 2002, the CCC certificate is mandatory for both imported goods and products manufactured in China.

Essentially, it’s like a stamp of approval that ensures the product is safe for consumers to use. Without this ccc certification, the product cannot be legally sold in China.

The CCC certificate was introduced in 2002. The regulatory authorities responsible for overseeing CCC certification in China include the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), which supervises overall market regulation and standards. The Certification and Accreditation Administration of the People’s Republic of China (CNCA) is specifically in charge of setting the rules and procedures for the certification. Additionally, the China Quality Certification Centre (CQC) and the China Certification Centre for Automotive Products (CCAP) are key organizations authorized to conduct the testing and certification processes for various products under the CCC system.

Products Requiring CCC Certification

To sell or use products in China, a CCC certificate must be obtained for items falling under any of the 22 product categories specified in the CCC catalogue like electrical products, automotive, lighting products and tools, Telecommunication Terminal Equipment, medical devices, toys, Vehicle spare parts, Safety glass just to name a few.

Types of CCC Certification

China Compulsory Certification (CCC)

The China Compulsory Certification is a mandatory requirement for certain products entering the Chinese market. This certification involves product testing in accredited Chinese laboratories, an initial audit of the manufacturing facility, and ongoing annual inspections to ensure compliance. Products listed in the CCC catalogue must obtain this certification before they can be legally sold in China.

CCC Self-Declaration Certification

This certification applies to specific categories of products. Manufacturers must obtain a self-declaration certificate, meeting certain requirements and uploading relevant information into a designated regulatory system. Typically, product testing in China is also required as part of this process.

Voluntary Certification (CCAP and CQC)

For products not covered under the mandatory CCC certification or those requiring a CCC Self-Declaration, a voluntary certification option is available. While not legally required, these certifications indicate that a product meets specific quality standards, similar to those of the CCC. Often, end customers or original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) request these voluntary certifications to ensure product quality, prompting manufacturers to seek them even when not mandated by law.

Application Process FOR CCC Approval

The formulation, administration, and implementation rules of the CCC certificate are overseen by three key authorities: the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), the Certification and Accreditation Administration (CNCA), and the China Quality Certification Centre (CQC).

To obtain the CCC mark, applicants must go through a formal application process with the CQC, the designated Chinese certification body. This process typically takes between 60 to 90 days.

The China Compulsory Certification process includes the following steps:

Application – Submit application for China Compulsory Certification (CCC) along with documents like user manuals, CB reports, EMC reports, etc., regulatory labels and other information.

Submit Samples – After receiving a formal Application number from CQC, applicants can send their product samples to China for evaluation and testing.

Product testing in China – Type testing is conducted at a designated testing facility in China as specified by the CNCA.

Factory audit – An Initial Factory Inspection (IFI) is mandatory for manufacturers without a valid CCC Factory Inspection report or those undergoing the CCC certification process for the first time.

Issuance of CCC certificate

Marking with the CCC logo