CCC certification
CCC certification is a comprehensive system for product approval and a prerequisite for access to the Chinese market. This complex area requires thorough process planning, careful handling of Chinese documentation and strict adherence to workflows. You can find more information about CCC certification on the following pages, or contact us directly. We would be happy to discuss your individual needs regarding the CCC certification of your products.
What is CCC certification?
China is the world’s second-largest importer after the United States and by far the most important buyer of German goods in Asia. For numerous sectors, such as mechanical engineering or the automotive and chemical industries, China has become one of the world’s most important sales markets. Uniform standards and regulations have replaced the previous multitude of certificates and licenses.
The Chinese mandatory certification system, known as China Compulsory Certification (CCC or 3C), is designed to standardize quality. This CCC system came into effect on May 1, 2002. It applies to imported goods as well as Chinese products, and is comparable to the European CE system. The CCC regulations are subject to ongoing changes and violations may result in customs issues, loss of goods, fines, or legal action.
Our consulting firm – SinoCert – specializes in CCC certification, with a particular focus on the complex automotive industry. As a competent and experienced partner, we support your company from the CCC application to the final certificate. With well-structured processes, smart handling of Chinese forms, and strict adherence to procedures, we help pave the way for your market success in China.
Further information on CCC certification
CCC logo
A CCC logo affixed to the product prior to export acts as an external sign that CCC certification has been successfully completed. You have the following options for CCC marking:
- Injection molding (incorporated in the tool)
- Laser
- Labels (self-printed)
- Embossing (directly on the component)
- Engraving
The following products are (for example) subject to CCC certification:
- Electric wires and cables
- Switchgear and electrical equipment to protect or connect circuits
- Low-voltage devices and components
- Household appliances and similar devices
- Electronic products and safety accessories
- Lighting devices
- Vehicles and safety-related accessories
- Building material products
- Toys
- Explosion-protected electrical equipment
- Gas burners and the associated safety equipment
- Charging equipment for electric vehicles
Is intellectual property at risk during the certification process?
Do I need CCC certification for a one-off shipment to China?
Do I need any additional certifications for CCC?
How long does the certification process take?
Do the product tests have to be carried out in China?
How significant are the synergy effects in CCC certification?
Do I still need a CCC factory audit if I already have ISO/TS 16949 certification?
Do I also need a CCC certificate if I only want to export components?
How long is my certificate valid?
The certificate becomes invalid after five years. Then you will receive a new version. However, regular annual follow-up audits are required to maintain validity.
How much does certification cost?
What can cause certification to fail?
What is SDoC certification?
For certain product groups, the Chinese certification authority CNCA (Certification and Accreditation Administration of the People’s Republic of China) has introduced CCC Self-Declaration as a new certification method to replace the previous CCC certification procedure.
Only after successful CCC certification with the issue of the SDoC (Supplier Declaration of Conformity) is it permitted to use the products in question in China or to sell them on the Chinese market.
With this self-declaration, the manufacturer confirms that its products comply with GB (Guo Biao or national safety) standards and permanently conform with Chinese regulations.
A CCC SDoC can only be applied for by a Chinese company, which must be a subsidiary, trader, importer or qualified third party (“Authorized Legal Representative”).
In addition to the product-specific implementation rules, which still apply, the CCC SDoC is subject to the CNCA Implementation Rule CNCA-00C-008: 2018.
Further information on SDoC certification
How does a CCC SDoC process work?
The CCC self-declaration process begins with the submission of the certification application by the authorized representative in the CNCA system, including all required documents. Subsequently, product tests are carried out in accredited Chinese laboratories, for which the corresponding samples must be sent to China. At the same time, an internal factory inspection is carried out and documented as a self-assessment. The test results and the self-inspection report are reviewed by the CNCA. After successful verification, the self-declaration certificate is issued in the CNCA system and must be signed and confirmed by the authorized representative as well as the responsible employee at the factory. With the certificate, the products may be labeled with the CCC logo and sold.
For which products is CCC SDoC required?
The CCC Self-Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) is required for products subject to mandatory China Compulsory Certification (CCC) for which a self-declaration of conformity is sufficient. This regulation has been in effect since October 17, 2019, for specific product groups designated by the Chinese authority CNCA. Two categories are distinguished: For Type A, product testing can be carried out in laboratories of your choice, in either in-house or in third-party laboratories certified to ISO 17025. For Type B, product testing must be carried out in designated, accredited laboratories in China. Typical products subject to SDoC certification include certain vehicle parts and safety accessories, electronic devices, as well as audio and video equipment. The SDoC certification allows manufacturers to self-declare compliance with Chinese safety standards, thereby simplifying the certification process.
Fragen zu CCC oder SDoC?
Ob Anforderungen, Zuständigkeiten, Abläufe oder typische Fehler – wir geben Ihnen kompakte, verständliche Antworten auf häufige Fragen zur CCC-Zertifizierung und SDoC-Erklärung.
CCC certification for automotive
According to the certification standard CNCA-C11-01, issued by the China National Certification and Accreditation Administration (CNCA), automobile manufacturers are required – based on safety and certification risks – to fully implement the regulations and standards published by the Chinese government pertaining to vehicle safety, environmental protection, energy efficiency, and theft prevention. The aim is to ensure that certified vehicles always comply with legal, regulatory, and normative requirements.
Since October 2019, certain vehicle parts and safety accessories have been included in the CCC self-declaration category: Manufacturers must carry out a self-assessment in accordance with the requirements of regulation CNCA-00C-008. A certification application must first be submitted by an Authorized Representative. This is followed by laboratory testing in China according to the applicable GB (Guo Biao – national safety standards) and an internal audit. Only after final approval by the CNCA may the CCC logo be affixed to the certified product.
You can also apply for a CAV certificate for your products, which is increasingly recognized as an industry-wide mark of quality.
CCC certification for vehicles and vehicle parts is complex and requires extensive experience. SinoCert has specialized in the dynamic field of automotive, among others. Our competent German-Chinese team supports you with reliability and cultural expertise. We assess whether your product is subject to certification, support you throughout the certification process, and estimate the associated costs for you.
CCC certification for toys
CCC certification is a mandatory certification system introduced by the Chinese government to ensure consumer safety, protect the environment, and strengthen product quality control.
To ensure the safety and quality of children’s toys and protect children’s health, toys have been included in the scope of CCC certification. All toys sold in China must obtain CCC certification in order to be legally placed on the market.
CCC certification for children’s toys includes specific requirements regarding toy safety, mechanical and physical properties, chemical safety, and flammability. The aim is to prevent potential hazards to children from toys.
Safety standards for children’s toys
To obtain CCC certification, children’s toys must comply with a number of Chinese national standards. The most important standards are:
Basic certification standards
GB 6675.1-2014: Toys safety – Part 1: Basic code
GB 6675.2-2014: Safety of toys – Part 2: Mechanical and physical properties
GB 6675.3-2014: Safety of toys – Part 3: Flammability
GB 6675.4-2014: Safety of toys – Part 4: Migration of certain elements
GB 19865-2005: Electric toys – Safety
CCC for electrical products
The following products are, for example, subject to CCC certification:
Electronics and safety accessories (test standards GB 4943.1, GB 17625.1, GB/T 9254.1, GB31241)
Small computers, laptops, monitors and printers for connection to the computer, scanners, audio and video equipment, power banks, lithium-ion batteries, etc.
Household appliances (test standards GB4706, GB4343.1, GB 17625.1)
Household refrigerators and freezers, fans, air conditioner units, household washing machines, electric water heaters, space heaters, vacuum cleaners, skin and hair care devices, electric irons, induction cooktops, electric ovens, microwave ovens, extractor hoods, electric rice cookers, electric blankets, as well as hot and cold water dispensers etc.
Lighting systems (test standards GB7000, GB19510, GB17743, GB17625.1)
integrated lights, aquarium lights, plug-in night lights, floor lights, portable lights for children, ballasts for fluorescent lamps, electronic controllers (DC/AC) for LED modules, etc.
What happens if a certified product is changed?
When the Chinese authorities grant a CCC certificate, this reflects the status at a given time. If, for example, there are changes to your previously certified product or to your company information, you are required to notify the Chinese authorities of these changes without being asked. The required change requests must be submitted in good time prior to implementing a change.
We support you and accelerate the approval of your change request
If a product- or company-related change is pending, it must first be checked what needs to be done. If necessary, the change request must be submitted to the Chinese authority prior to implementation and “Modification Approval” must be granted.
In such cases, please contact us immediately.
Proven certification process – step by step
Certification involves a number of individual steps. From importing the test samples to conducting factory audits, everything must be carefully planned and prepared. We offer you end-to-end, expert guidance and process oversight every step of the way, so your CCC certification is successful.
Receive advice without obligation – personally and competently
Whether you have initial questions or a specific project in mind, we take the time to understand your needs and show you how SinoCert can support you efficiently and reliably in certifying your products for the Chinese market. Put your trust in our many years of experience and benefit from a tailor-made solution precisely aligned with your requirements.
