PRC Standards System: Introduction
China's standardization system is a comprehensive framework designed to unify technical specifications, management practices, and quality requirements across industries, supporting product safety, technological innovation, and sustainable development.
Below is an overview of its key components and characteristics:
LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK
- Primary Laws and Regulations
- Standardization Law of China (2017 Revision): enacted in 1988 and revised in 2017, this law establishes the legal basis for standardization.
It outlines the hierarchical structure of standards, emphasizes scientific rigor and public participation in standard-setting, and strengthens enforcement mechanisms.
REGULATORY BODIES AND ROLES
- State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR): oversees the entire standardization system and market surveillance.
- Standardization Administration of China (SAC): composed of two departments under SAMR – the Department of Standards Technology Management and the Department of Standards Innovation Management, SAC is responsible for national standardization policies and overall coordination.
- Sectoral Authorities: other ministries (e.g., MIIT for industry and information technology, MOT for transportation) oversee industry standards, except for the National Health Commission (NHC), Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE), and Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development (MOHURD) which also develop national standards in the fields of food safety, environmental protection, and building and infrastructure construction.
- Local Governments: manage regional and local standards tailored to local needs.
VISIT SAMR WEBSITE (IN CHINESE ONLY)
VISIT SAC WEBSITE (IN CHINESE ONLY)
CATEGORIES OF STANDARDS
China’s standardization system operates across five levels, balancing government oversight and market-driven elements:
| Level |
Scope |
Examples |
| National Standards |
Mandatory (GB) or recommended (GB/T), covering health, safety, environment, and public interest. |
GB 4806 (food safety), GB/T 19001 (quality management). |
| Industry Standards |
Sector-specific technical requirements set by ministries. |
YY (medicine and pharmaceuticals), JB (machinery). |
| Local Standards |
Address regional needs (e.g., agriculture, eco-protection). |
DB 11 (Beijing), DB 31 (Shanghai), DB 44 (Guangdong Province), DB 51 (Sichuan Province) |
| Association Standards |
Developed by associations or consortia to fill gaps in fast-evolving fields. |
AI, blockchain, or IoT standards such as those developed by Internet Society of China (ISC), and Telecommunication Terminal Industry Forum Association (TAF). |
| Enterprise Standards |
Self-declared by companies, often exceeding national/industry benchmarks. |
Tech companies’ proprietary technical specs. |
IMPLEMENTATION AND COMPLIANCE
- Certification Systems:
- CCC Mark (China Compulsory Certification): Mandatory for 17 product categories (e.g., electronics appliances, electric vehicle charging equipment).
- Voluntary Certifications: Support branding and quality assurance (e.g., energy efficiency labels).
- Enforcement:
- Market surveillance by SAMR and local authorities.
- Penalties for non-compliance with mandatory standards.
- Transparency: enterprises must publicly disclose product/service standards.
INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENT AND STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
- Global Standardization: China actively participates in international standards-setting organizations such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), among others. SAC represents China in ISO, IEC, the Pacific Area Standards Congress (PASC), and other international and regional standardization organizations.
SAC is also responsible for organizing the activities of Chinese national technical committees (mirror committees) for ISO and IEC.
- Focus Areas:
- Emerging technologies, such as AI, quantum computing, and big data.
- Green development, such as carbon neutrality, and circular economy.
- Social governance, such as smart cities, and elderly care services.
GOALS OF DOMESTIC STANDARDIZATION REFORMS
Streamline mandatory national standards, expand market-driven association standards, and enhance participation in global standardization.
PRC Standards System: Key organizations
