Over the years,
China has been one of the major world exporters of goods ranging from textile apparel
to electronic products. And over the most recent years, it has also expanded
its’ market for international businesses to import their commodities to China.
Whether you
are exporting or importing any products, there are quite a few legalities
involved that businesses need to be wary of.
About the CCC Mark
The Chinese
Compulsory Certificate or CCC mark is a conformance requirement for some of the
products sold or imported in China.
It was
created on May 1, 2002 and was fully enforced on August 1, 2003. A Chinese
governing body Certification and
Accreditation Administration (CNCA) provides this certification according
to set guidelines.
They have assigned
two institutions China Quality
Certification Center (CQC) and China
Certification Center for Automotive Products (CCAP) to determine product
categories that require CCC mark and process applications.
As a
company looking to expand to China, you might have certain questions regarding
CCC mark. Here are some common frequently asked questions, answered:
Typically,
how long does it take to Obtain CCC Mark?
CCC
applications can take around 8 to 10 weeks to be completed. However, there are
other factors that might come into play.
For
instance, if the company has not been verified by CQC/CCAP, an Initial Factory
Inspection (IFI) can be conducted before the approval. This might take an
additional month.
Is
the CCC mark required for Every Automotive Part?
No, the CCC
mark is not required for every automotive part. Some of the product categories
that require the CCC mark include electric wires and cables, low-voltage
electrical appliances, welding machines, audio and video apparatus, etc.
What
Are the Benefits of Obtaining the CCC Mark?
Apart from
meeting the regulatory requirements, there are other advantages to obtaining
the CCC mark.
The
certified product has various marketing advantages over uncertified products.
Also, since you have been certified once, subsequent certifications can become
simpler and less expensive.
Does
the CCC Mark Expire? If Yes, When?
The CCC mark
expires 5 years after the issuance date. Additionally, there are annual audits conducted
by the regulatory authorities.
After 5
years, the CCC marks can be renewed if the parts have not been changed or
modified. It will require additional fees.
Can
Testing for CCC Marking be done Outside of China?
No, CCC
testing must always be carried out in Chinese laboratories approved and
accredited by CNCA.
Operating
in Beijing since 2004, G&M Compliance can help US automotive companies
obtain CCC certification.
Over the years, they have acquired close relationships with custom agencies,
certification bodies and testing laboratories in the country. They have also devised
an efficient process that helps clients get certified in a timely and
cost-effective way.