Comments on the Chinese Compulsory Certification (CCC) scheme

When China joined the WTO in December 2001 it had to reform its certification system, and introduced the Chinese Compulsory Certification scheme (CCC - marking) on 1 August 2003. The Chinese AQSIQ (State General Administration for Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine) and more specifically the CNCA (Certification and Accreditation Administration) and CQC (China Quality Certification Centre) are in charge of the implementation and administration of the certification procedure. As the CCC applies to both domestic and imported goods, it is by definition in conformity with WTO requirements.

Since then, European industry has experienced problems with the system and has been suffering under serious financial and administrative burdens. The two main complaints about the CCC are that it is too expensive, and time-consuming. Annual factory inspections, which are carried out by experts sent from China, are extremely costly and a major cause of delay.

A simplification of the procedures would be extremely helpful for industry. Industry would like to see the system streamlined and improved, through, for example, testing being permitted in Europe, and European bodies carrying out the factory inspections. Chinese Authorities could establish competent contact points in Europe, which would be especially useful for SMEs that do not have a representation in China.

Orgalime very much welcomes the co-operation and support of the European Commission on this issue. Meetings involving CQC, CNCA and Orgalime representatives have been arranged by the Commission for 27 July and 9 September 2004.