A project funded by the European Union

WELCOME TO THE EU SME CENTRE EUROPEAN SME WEEK WEBINAR SERIES

November 25 – 29 2013

25. November Selling Online in China 26. November Avoiding Common Scams when Doing Business in China 27. November Marketing your Products in China 28. November Finding an Agent/Distributor in China 29. November Applying for the CCC Mark in China

All webinars will take place from 10 – 10:45am Central European Time and 5 – 5:45pm China Standard Time.

www.eusmecentre.org.cn info@eusmecentre.org.cn

Please continue to submit your text questions and comments using the Questions Panel

A project funded by the European Union

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE CCC MARK IN CHINA

NOVEMBER 29TH 2013

• Over 15 years professional industry and consulting experience in Europe and China across different industry sectors including automotive, mechanical engineering, ICT, chemical/pharmaceutical and electric/electronics.

• Worked for leading international companies and European SMEs focussing on Quality and Supply Chain Management, CCC conformity, homologation, and IPR protection.

• Contributed to a number of EU-China cooperation projects with AQSIQ, CNCA, and various European organisations and governments on New Energy Vehicle Standards and Conformity, environmental standards, ICT, and trade secrecy related issues.

• Currently heading up the standards and conformity assessment team in the EU SME Centre, Martina advises European SMEs on their market access to China.

Our Speaker – Martina Gerst

In Today’s Webinar

Market Access in China 1

2 China Compulsory Certification (CCC) – an Overview

3 How to Apply for the CCC Mark?

Market Access in China

Market Access in China – Many Certification Schemes

China Pre-Market and Post-Market Control

Pre-market

Joint responsibility of government and economic operators

• Compulsory licences for many product categories

• Labelling requirements

• CCC is the main tool

• Government entities: AQSIQ, SAIC, Ministries

• Execution by provinces for domestic products, by central authorities for imports

Post-market

Sole responsibility of provinces and municipalities

• Compliance with compulsory standards

• Coordination on national level by AQSIQ and SAIC

• International cooperation (e.g. link to RAPEX / RASFF)

• Testing in approved testing labs appointed by government

• Special feature: China export controls

The Path to the China Market

EU Manufacturer

Chinese Market Access Scheme

Compulsory Certification /Registration

Identify Chinese

Standards

Commodity Inspection

Conformity Assessment /

Testing

CHINA

CCC – An Overview

China Compulsory Certification (CCC)

• The China Compulsory Certificate (also known as CCC or "3C" certificate) is implemented since 2003, established to comply with WTO/TBT requirements

• If a product is falling under the CCC catalogue, the certificate is compulsory for imported and domestic products

• Manufacturers and importers must understand CCC requirements

• Rules • Catalogues for CCC (main) • CCC implementation rules –

around 70 (main) • Other rules

• Regulations • Regulations for CCC (main) • Regulations on certification and

accreditation • Laws

• Law on Product Quality (main) • Law on Import and Export

Commodity Inspection • Standardisation Law

Legislation

Four Levels of Standards

Standards Administration (SAC)

Ministries

China Inspection and Quarantine Services (CIQ)

Local companies

Voluntary GB standards

22,931 Mandatory GB standards

3,111

Different authorities!

National

Professional

Local

Enterprise

• Labs: • Recognised labs to evaluate

products and conduct testing • Such as local CIQ1 labs and etc.

• Certification bodies: • Document evaluation • Factory inspection • Certificate issuance • Example: CQC2, etc.

• Accreditation bodies • Certification body accreditation • Lab recognition and domination • Regulation publication and

update • Example: CNCA3

1 CIQ: China Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau 2 CQC: China Quality Certification Center 3 CNCA: China National Certification and Accreditation Administration

Implementation

Catalogue for CCC

1. Electrical wires and cables (total 4 categories) 2. Switches for circuits, installation protective and connection

devices (6 categories) 3. Low-voltage electrical apparatus (9 categories) 4. Small power motors (1 category) 5. Electric tools (16 categories) 6. Welding machines (15 categories) 7. Household and similar electrical appliances

(18 categories)

The CCC Catalogue (1)

The CCC Catalogue (2)

Catalogue for CCC (continued)

8. Audio and video apparatus (12 categories) (excluding the acoustics apparatus for broadcasting service and automobiles)

9. Information technology equipment (11 categories) 10. Lighting apparatus (2 categories)

(excluding the lighting apparatus with the voltage lower than 36V) 11. Telecommunication terminal equipment (9 categories) 12. Motor vehicles and safety parts (16 categories) 13. Motor vehicle tyres (3 categories) 14. Safety glasses (3 categories) 15. Agricultural machinery (2 category)

Catalogue for CCC (continued)

16. Fire fighting equipment (7 categories) 17. Detectors for intruder alarm systems (5 category) 18. Decoration products (3 categories) 19. Toy products (6 categories)

The CCC Catalogue (3)

How to apply for the CCC mark?

When Does the Mark Apply?

Determine whether your product requires CCC marking • Search HS code in the Chinese Customs Handbook

• Market Access Database allowing European companies to search tariff and

import requirements for China, including CCC, using HS codes: www.madb.europa.eu

• The CCC system is based on GB standards, identify Chinese national

standards (known as GB standards)

• If the GB standards that apply to your product are mandatory it is a good indication that your product will require the CCC mark (in some cases other marks are required depending on product category)

How to Apply for CCC? Step-by-Step Overview

Application Documentation

Sample/parts submission and testing

Factory inspection Evaluation CCC mark and

labelling Annual follow-

up factory inspection

Application Documentation

Application Documentation

Sample/parts submission and testing

Factory inspection Evaluation CCC mark and

labelling Annual follow-

up factory inspection

• CCC application form (in English and Chinese)

• Product description including • Production flow chart • Product photos • Copy of trademark registration

in China and overseas • Material list • Etc.

• Original declaration of conformity • Copy of CB report (incl. power supply) • Copy of business licence for applicant,

manufacturer, factory • Product name, labels, user manual,

etc. translated into Chinese • Organisation chart of manufacturing

facility

Sample/Parts Submission & Testing

Application Documentation

Sample/parts submission and testing

Factory inspection Evaluation CCC mark and

labelling Annual follow-

up factory inspection

• Product testing takes place in an accredited test laboratory in China

• Having received the sample, the laboratory will notify the CQC and start carrying out investigations into the product’s conformity to Chinese standards and implementation regulations

• Once the evaluation and testing is completed, the laboratory will submit a test report to the CQC for review and approval

Factory Inspection

Application Documentation

Sample/parts submission and testing

Factory inspection Evaluation CCC mark and

labelling Annual follow-

up factory inspection

• Initial Factory Inspection (IFI) performed by two Chinese inspectors and may take up to a week. However, this may vary according to the number of locations that need to be certified

• The purpose of the audit is to confirm that the manufacturing facility lives up to Chinese standards for quality management and that the relevant CCC regulations are followed

• The applicant pays all costs of the CQC designated inspectors

• The inspectors go through a checklist (similar to other international quality management audits)

• Quality Management (QM) has to fulfil requirements of the CNCA

• Products to be certified must be the same as the products sent to the test lab

• Documentation of CCC marking process • Factory must have test equipment • Daily functional check is to be performed/records

maintained • Staff working in the area of QM must have appropriate

qualifications to perform their daily tasks • Documented procedure that ensures the appropriate

maintenance and application of the CCC mark

Evaluation

Application Documentation

Sample/parts submission and testing

Factory inspection Evaluation CCC mark and

labelling Annual follow-

up factory inspection

• The factory inspection report, together with the sample test, is submitted to the certification body (e.g. CQC) for final review and evaluation

• On the basis of both reports, the certification body will sign and approve the CCC certificate

Example of CCC Certificate

CCC Mark and Labelling

Application Documentation

Sample/parts submission and testing

Factory inspection Evaluation CCC mark and

labelling Annual follow-

up factory inspection

• After the approval for CCC certification, the product must be marked

• The manufacturer is free to use original authorised CCC stickers purchased directly from CNCA or may submit its own drawings for approval

• There are 4 designs of the CCC mark depending on type and qualities of the product

• If it is not appropriate to apply the CCC mark directly to the body of the product, it can be affixed to the product package

The Four Different Types of CCC Marks

The Certification Mark

• The certification mark: CCC mark + safety category

• There are 2 options to show CCC mark upon receipt of CCC certificate:

• Order CCC black/white stickers (5 dimensions) from CNCA A = 8mm, 15mm, 30mm, 45mm, 60mm

• Or apply for mark permission to impose CCC mark on nameplate/rating label by submitting application to CNCA

• S, S&E, F stand for different safety categories:

S = Safety S&E = Safety and EMC F = Fire fighting

Example Certification Mark Permission

Annual Follow-Up Factory Inspection

Application Documentation

Sample/parts submission and testing

Factory inspection Evaluation CCC mark and

labelling Annual follow-

up factory inspection

• The follow-up inspection is normally carried out every 12 to 18 months

• Follow-up inspections validate the manufacturer’s quality assurance system

• For the normal follow-up inspection, CQC will notify the manufacturer in advance

• Follow-up factory inspections are carried out according to the same guidelines as the IFI inspection

• The final assessment report is submitted to the CQC together with results from the product sample. CQC will review and evaluate, and, if no discrepancies are found, the CCC licence will be continued

• The CCC mark is valid for 5 years. The manufacturer should re-submit the application 90 days before the CCC certificate expires

CCC Related Costs

CCC cost Inspection fees

Test fees

Application fees and

superior costs

Consulting and translation costs for

service agent

CNCA marking fee

Travel fees and accommodation for testing staff

Exemptions (1)

• Products used at exhibitions

• Special purpose products (e.g. military use)

• Personal belongings

• Products imported for R&D or testing purposes

Exemptions (2)

• The products in the CCC catalogue can be exempted from CCC certificate, if:

• R&D and testing purpose for upcoming similar product production

• The spare parts imported for assessment of the technology acquisition in production line

• Maintenance service directly for end-user

• The facilities/accessories imported for the factory/complete production line, excluding office equipment

• Commercial display only, not for sale

• Imported temporarily and returned thereafter, including exhibits

• Spare parts imported for whole units exported with the sales contract

• Spare parts imported for whole units exported with outsourcing materials

• Exemption confirmation is required by local China Entry-Exit Commodity Inspection and Quarantine Bureau (CIQ)

• Testing is required

Customs

• To pass customs, for samples special documentation is requested

• Once the CCC is obtained, products have to bear the mark on the product and/or the packaging

• Accompanying product documentation has to include all information about CCC licence

• Products not meeting CCC requirements may be held at the border by Chinese Customs and will be subject to penalties

Final Remarks

• Getting into the Chinese market for the first time is a very

complex and cumbersome administrative process – but it is not impossible

• Make sure to have an employee dedicated to the CCC project

• First-time applicants should get assistance from professional service providers

• Language is one of the main barriers to product certification

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Purpose

• The EU SME Centre in Beijing is a project funded by the European Union

• To assist European SMEs to export to China and establish, develop and maintain commercial activities in the Chinese market

• Free, confidential information and advice, and practical support services

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