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.
China’s conformity assessment system ensures that products, services, and processes comply with national standards, technical regulations, and safety requirements. Governed by a mix of mandatory and voluntary mechanisms, this system plays a vital role in safeguarding consumer rights, facilitating trade, and promoting industrial quality.
Below is a structured overview:
LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK
- Primary Laws and Regulations
- Key Policies
- China Compulsory Certification (CCC): a mandatory certification system for products impacting health, safety, and the environment (e.g., electronics, automotive parts).
- Voluntary Certifications: schemes like the China Quality Certification (CQC) mark for energy efficiency or environmental performance.
REGULATORY BODIES AND ROLES
- State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR): oversees the entire conformity assessment system, including certification, accreditation, and market surveillance.
- Certification and Accreditation Administration of China (CNCA): composed by two departments under SAMR – the Department of Certification Supervision and Management and the Department of Accreditation,
Inspection, and Testing Supervision and Management,
CNCA implements the CCC scheme, accredits certification bodies, and negotiates international mutual recognition agreements (for example, with the EU or ASEAN countries).
- Local Market Regulatory Bureaus: enforce standards, conduct inspections, and handle non-compliance penalties.
VISIT SAMR WEBSITE (IN CHINESE ONLY)
VISIT CNCA WEBSITE (IN CHINESE ONLY)
KEY COMPONENTS OF THE SYSTEM
- Certification:
- China Compulsory Certification (CCC): managed by the Certification and Accreditation Administration of China (CNCA) under SAMR, the CCC covers 17 product categories, such as household appliances,
IT equipment, electric vehicle power supply equipment, etc. It requires testing by accredited labs and factory inspections.
- Voluntary Certifications with examples such as the CQC Mark, Green Product Certification, and Organic Food Certification, they aim at enhancing competitiveness in the market and product sustainability.
- Accreditation: the China National Accreditation Service (CNAS) accredits certification bodies, labs, and inspectors to ensure international competence (aligned with ISO/IEC standards).
- Inspection and Testing:
- Product Testing: conducted by accredited labs (such as China National Institute of Standardization) to verify compliance with national (GB) standards.
- Market Surveillance: SAMR and its local offices conduct random inspections of products sold in China, particularly targeting e-commerce platforms and imported goods.
- Customs Inspections import/export goods undergo safety, quality, and compliance checks at ports.
Key Organizations
