CCC Mark - China

Intertek can assist you with fast CCC Mark Certification for the market of China, from documentation preparation and technical consultancy to complete project management.

China has merged its two compulsory inspection systems, one to check the contents of products for import and export, and the other for quality control, into a single procedure as part of its commitment to entry into the World Trade Organization. After the initial 12-month transition period - starting on May 1, 2002, and ending on April 30, 2003 - consumers in China will no longer see the symbols 'CCIB' and 'CCEE' on products. They will now be replaced by 'CCC'.

What is the CCC Mark?

CCC, which stands for China Compulsory Certification, is the new compulsory safety and quality mark for many products sold on the Chinese market. CCC became effective on May 1, 2002. The two old systems (CCIB and CCEE or Great Wall) carry different national quality standards, which have caused a great deal of inconvenience for enterprises dealing in both domestic and foreign trade. With CCC as a single procedure, this burden will be lifted, providing faster, more cost-effective access to the Chinese market.

What products require the CCC Mark?

A wide range of products in China require the CCC Mark, including:

• Electrical Wires and Cables
• Switches for Circuits, Installation of Protective and Connection Devices
• Low-voltage Electrical Apparatus
• Small Power Motors
• Electric Tools
• Welding Machines
• Household and Similar Electrical Appliances
• Household refrigerators and food freezers
• Electric fans
• Air-conditioners
• Motor-compressors (input power should be under 5000W)
• Household washing machines
• Storage water heaters
• Room heaters
• Vacuum cleaners
• Appliances for skin and hair care
• Electric irons
• Electromagnetic cookers
• Roasters
• Electric food processors
• Microwave ovens
• Cooking ranges, hobs, ovens and similar appliances
• Range hoods
• Appliances for heating liquids and Water dispensers
• Electric rice cookers
• Audio and Video Apparatus
• Information Technology Equipment (IT)
• Lighting apparatus
• Telecommunication Terminal Equipment
• Fixed telephone terminal
• Cordless telephone terminal
• Key-Phone system
• Facsimile machine
• Modem
• Mobile Terminal
• ISDN Terminal
• Data Terminal
• Multimedia Terminal
• Motor vehicles, Motor Cycles and Safety Parts
• Motor vehicle Tires
• Safety Glass
• Agricultural Machinery (Equipment for Crop Protection)
• Latex Products (Condoms)
• Medical Devices
• Fire Fighting Equipment
• Detectors for Intruder Alarm Systems
   

When will the new system be implemented, and when will the old system be decommissioned?

The new CCC system was implemented on May 1, 2002, and the old system was decommissioned on May 1, 2003. Beginning May 1, 2003, any domestic or imported products must obtain the certificate for compulsory product certification and bear the new China Compulsory Certification (CCC) Mark. Also beginning on May 1, 2003, sales outlets and importers are not permitted to purchase, import or sell products that do not have the new certificate and bear the new CCC mark.

Guide for Exporters

The new system requires manufacturers in 132 product categories to obtain the China Compulsory Certification (CCC) mark before exporting to or selling in the Chinese market. The new system, implemented on May 1, 2002, and fully effective on May 1, 2003, will impact many U.S. exporters, across a wide range of industries. Products not meeting CCC requirements may be held at the border by Chinese Customs and will be subject to other penalties.

There are a number of details exporters should be aware of when applying for the CCC Mark. The application process can:

• Take sixty to ninety days or longer
• Require testing at accredited laboratories in China
• Generally not permit self-certification or third-party testing result
• Require submission of numerous technical documents
• Require submission of a product sample to the accredited Chinese testing laboratory
• Require a factory inspection by Chinese officials at the applicant's expense
• Require follow-up inspections every 12 to 18 months

When China negotiated the terms of its World Trade Organization (WTO) membership in the late 1990s and through 2001, it acknowledged some of the problems inherent in its existing system, and agreed to merge its two certification regimes into a single unified system, with equal treatment for domestic products and imports.

The CCC Mark is administered by the Chinese government agency Certification and Accreditation Administration (CNCA). Following are the steps involved in processing CCC mark applications:

• Determine whether your products require CCC Marking
• Get the implementing regulations
• Consider your options for applying
• Apply
• Note other Chinese licensing requirements  

Choose Intertek to issue and manage your CCC mark

Many companies use agents or consultants to manage their CCC mark applications. So why choose Intertek? Simply stated, Intertek can provide you with speedy, high quality services and help you obtain the certifications you need to enter China sooner. When you work with Intertek you'll realize a number of key advantages including:

• Fast turnaround time with professional and consultancy services
• Expert local resources including 3 labs and 211 trained engineers
• Complete solutions to speed CCC certification, from documentation preparation and technical consultancy to product modifications and factory audits
• Thorough knowledge of the CCC system and the Chinese market
• Ability to offer local services and local languages through global market access services
• Enthusiastic attitude and the drive to deliver responsive, customer-focused service
• Local Asian accreditations including CNACL of China, Hong Kong Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (HOKLAS), Spring of Singapore
• Concurrent safety and EMC testing in local Chinese laboratories