PRC Conformity Assessment System: Introduction
Conformity assessment is a term used to describe steps taken by both manufacturers and independent third parties to evaluate whether
products, processes, systems, services or personnel adhere to the requirements identified in a specified standard. Conformity assessment activities
such as testing, certification, and accreditation are closely associated with standards and provide the consumer or end user with a measure of
confidence in the products and services being purchased. For this reason, conformity assessment has become a critically important aspect of
conducting business in the global marketplace and is often made visible through product marking or other marketing and promotional efforts.
The Chinese quality and safety mark and the conformity assessment system is formally administered by
the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ).
AQSIQ authorizes the
Certification and Accreditation Administrationof the People’s Republic of China (CNCA)to fulfill the CA duties. CNCAis the primary government
agency responsible for supervision of all certification and accreditation activities throughout China, including oversight of
the China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment
(CNAS) and the primary safety and quality mark, the CCC mark.
CNAS is the national accreditation body of China who is solely responsible for the accreditation of certification bodies, laboratories, and inspection
facilities. CNAS represents China in the International Accreditation Forum (IAF).
CNAS is also a Chinese member to ILAC.
Key Organization
