Key Information: technical requirements
What technical requirements must my product meet to enter and compete in the Chinese market?
Companies doing business in China need to consider the following technical requirements for the Chinese market:
Standards (Including Mandatory and Voluntary)
Chinese Standards can be either mandatory (i.e. compulsory, required by the Chinese government), or voluntary (encouraged or recommended, but not required by the Chinese government).
Products sold in the Chinese market are generally required to have a label indicating which standard(s) have been followed.
The most widely implemented standards in China are National Standards (often referred to as “GB Standards).
In addition to national standards, companies may also need to follow Professional Standards (often referred to as “Industry Standards”), Local Standards (often referred to as “Provincial Standards”), and/or Enterprise Standards. There is no centralized directory to search for or purchase these standards. Companies can to consult with their importer or distributor, or with the relevant Chinese trade association to identify which standards need to be followed for a given product or service, and to obtain copies of these standards.
Technical Regulations
In addition to voluntary and mandatory standards, many Chinese regulatory agencies also issue technical regulations for products and services in the Chinese market.
View a list of Chinese ministries that issue technical regulations affecting products and services in China
There is no centralized directory to search or purchase these technical regulations. Companies can consult with their importer or distributor, with the relevant Chinese trade association, or with their test lab or certification body to identify which technical regulations need to be followed for a given product or service, and to obtain copies of these requirements. Alternatively, companies may submit an enquiry through their national WTO Enquiry Point.
Demonstrating Compliance to Standards and Regulations
Once the relevant standards and technical regulations for a given product or service have been identified, the next step is to determine what (if any) measures are required to demonstrate conformance with those requirements.
The most prominent Chinese mandatory certification is the “China Compulsory Certification” scheme (or “CCC scheme”).
The CCC is a unified national certification and marking scheme that covers several product areas, including toys, electrical products, auto components, medical devises, etc.
Outside of the CCC scheme, there are may be other product- and industry sector-specific mandatory testing and certification schemes
that may be required in China. Companies can to consult with their importer or distributor, with the relevant Chinese trade association,
or with their test lab or certification body, to identify which technical regulations need to be followed for a given product or service,
and to obtain copies of these requirements.
Alternatively, companies may submit an enquiry through their national WTO Enquiry Point.
PRC Standards System: Introduction
