|
What is the CCC Mark?
The China Compulsory Certification (CCC) mark is a China quality and safety
mark. Since 1989, the People's Republic of China has had a safety licensing
system, which included the CCIB mark (for products in 47 categories) and the
CCEE "Great Wall" mark (for electrical commodities in seven categories). As
the certification system grew through the 1990s, many companies exporting to
China raised concerns about the dual certification systems, redundant
testing, and different treatment of domestic and imported products. The CCC
mark system merges the earlier marks, and it entails many of the same
requirements as the previous certifications. China's Certification and
Accreditation Administration (CNCA) oversees the new standards system, which
was developed in response to the requirements of the country’s accession to
the World Trade Organization.
Which Products Must Have the CCC Mark?
There are 132 types of products that require the CCC mark. For a complete
guide of products call Chris Johnston at the World Trade Center Buffalo
Niagara at 716-852-7160 or via email at
cjohnston@wtcbn.com.
When Do These Requirements Take Effect?
The CCC mark became effective on May 1, 2002. The Chinese government
provided for a one-year transition period during which products requiring
certification could enter China with one of the prior marks. However, as of
May 1, 2003, exporters whose products require certification must bear the
CCC mark.
What is the Typical CCC Mark Application Process?
Step One: Determine Whether Your Products Require CCC Marking
First, examine the CNCA's product catalogue and determine whether your
products, or component parts within your finished goods, require CCC
marking. The product catalogue is a list, divided into broad product
categories, of all the products requiring CCC marking. You can access the
catalogue on the China Quality Certification Center's site:
www.cqc.com.cn/ccc/catalogureeng.pdf.
If the short descriptions in the product catalogue are
not specific enough to determine whether the CCC mark applies to your
product, you have two other options:
-
Review the CNCA's "Implementation Rules" booklets,
described in Step Two below. The 47 booklets each provide a “scope”
section, which in some cases provide a more detailed description of
which products require the CCC mark.
-
Review the CNCA's "Announcement 60," a table
linking HS codes to products that require the CCC mark. The document is
only available in Chinese, but you may be able to locate the HS codes of
your company's products. You may then want to hire a translator to
translate that section. Don't know your HS codes? Call a trade
consultant at the
World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara at 716-852-7160.
-
Be aware that component parts of a manufacturer's
finished products may in some cases require CCC certification. In those
cases, the component manufacturer is generally required to apply for the
CCC mark. Also be aware that spare parts and replacement parts shipments
may in some cases require CCC certification, or application for an
exemption. Your Chinese agent may be able to help clarify these
requirements.
Step Two: Get the Implementing Regulations
The CNCA has published 47 "Implementation Rules for Compulsory
Certification." The booklets list technical application requirements for
each of the product categories. To obtain a copy call Chris Johnston at
the World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara at 716-852-7160. The rules cite
numerous "GB Standards," which are mandatory national standards.
Information on mandatory standards is available from the following
agency:
WTO/TBT National Enquiry Point
Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine
People's Republic of China
Tel: +86-10-856-22885
Fax: +86-10-856-22884
E-mail: tbt@aqsiq.gov.cn
Step Three: Consider Your Options for Applying
Some companies use agents or consultants to manage their CCC mark
applications. Other companies apply on their own, or rely on their
importers or distributors. Check with your Chinese partners,
distributors, or your export managers. They may have experience with the
CCC mark and can point you to other resources.
If you elect to use a consultant, several U.S.
firms can help you apply and manage your applications for CCC
certification. Please contact Chris Johnston at the World Trade Center
Buffalo Niagara for more information.
Step Four: Apply
If your company elects to handle the application process, your first
step should be to visit the Web site of the China Quality Certification
Center (CQC):
http://www.cqc.com.cn/English/Index.asp. At this site, click on the
"CCC Application On-line Guide," a document with step-by-step
instructions on how to apply for the CCC mark. Application is a
five-step process:
| 1. |
Application. This means
submission of an application and supporting materials, including
user guides, CB reports, EMC (electro-magnetic compatibility)
reports, regulatory labels, and other information.
|
| 2. |
Type testing. A CNCA-designated
test laboratory in China will test product samples.
|
| 3. |
Factory inspection. The CQC
will send representatives to inspect the manufacturing
facilities of your product. They will inspect each factory
producing your product. For example, if your company
manufactures Product Z in five separate factories, all of which
ship product to China, you will need to have five separate
factory inspections. Please note that Chinese inspectors will
need U.S. visas to visit U.S.-based facilities. The U.S. State
Department is now subjecting visa applications to a greater
degree of scrutiny than in the past, and visa applicants are
being advised to expect delays. These visa delays may slow your
CCC application.
|
| 4. |
Evaluation of certification
results, followed by approval (or failure or retesting).
|
| 5. |
Follow-up factory inspection.
Chinese officials will re-inspect the product’s manufacturing
facilities every 12–18 months. |
How Long is the Certification Process?
The application process for the CCC mark typically takes 90 to 120 days, but
it may be longer.
Are There Other License Requirements with which I
Must Comply?
China has multiple certification schemes. Though the CCC mark is the
widest-ranging certification requirement, your product may have to meet
other requirements as well. For example, China’s Ministry of Information
Industry regulates telecommunications and Internet equipment, and for
certain equipment it requires manufacturers to obtain a “network access
license” and “network access identifier mark,” which includes requirements
for testing in Chinese laboratories. Similarly, China's State Drug
Administration requires product registration for certain medical devices.
If your company encounters difficulties with the CCC
system or has trade policy concerns, contact:
Chris Johnston
President
World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara
716-852-7160
cjohnston@wtcbn.com
Where Can I Find Additional Assistance?
For help with any trade related question, please contact the World Trade
Center Buffalo Niagara at (716)852-7160 or toll-free at 1-877-WTC-INTL. You
can also send us an email at
cjohnston@wtcbn.com.
|
