CCC (China Compulsory Certification)

Start by determining the product’s scope in China

Hello everyone. China Compulsory Certification (CCC) is China’s mandatory conformity assessment system for specified products. It is also known as “3C.” Domestic and imported products within its scope must meet the applicable certification and marking requirements when placed on the market. The system began operating in 2002. Among international market requirements, CCC is specific to China; it does not mean that every electrical or industrial device follows the same requirements.

A fixed product list is insufficient

Determine scope using the official CCC product catalogue, product definitions and current implementation rules together. CNCA’s summary updated in August 2026 lists 17 main categories and 106 product types. These figures describe a dated summary; they do not establish whether a particular product is covered. Groups such as cables, low-voltage components, certain motors, household appliances and electric vehicle supply equipment have their own scope limits.

In automation, installing a contactor, electric motor, PLC or motor drive in the same panel does not place them in the same certification category. Assess the product’s function, intended application and electrical ratings. When working with industrial standards, start by matching the catalogue definition to the technical documentation. Do not decide from the product name or customs tariff code alone.

Which standard and which assessment body?

The implementation rule identifies the relevant Chinese national standards and technical requirements. Similarities between GB standards and IEC standards do not establish that every clause and edition is identical. For example, a power supply’s IEC conformity must be assessed separately against its intended use in China and applicable category requirements. Clearly identify the full standard designation, edition and product variants in the test plan.

CCC activities are performed by officially designated certification bodies and laboratories for the relevant scope. ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation is an important reference for laboratory competence, but it does not by itself establish CCC designation. Before applying, check the body’s authorization for the product category and testing standard.

Certification and production surveillance

Under the third-party certification route, application and technical documentation review are followed by type testing, factory inspection as required by the applicable rule, and a certification decision. Factory inspection assesses quality assurance arrangements and consistency between production and the tested samples. Follow-up surveillance continues after certification; its details and inspection arrangements depend on the product rule.

The technical file should clearly identify models, electrical diagrams, critical components and user information. Changes to the production site, design or safety-critical parts may require certificate updates. When purchasing, match the exact model, manufacturer, factory and certificate status; a copy of a certificate for a different model is insufficient.

Read self-declarations carefully during the 2026–2027 transition

SAMR Announcement No. 57 of 2025 moves specified fuse elements, small-power motors and other products in the catalogue from self-declaration to third-party CCC certification. Applications are accepted from 1 July 2026, and the relevant certificate conversions must be completed by 31 December 2026. The new certification requirement applies to these products from 1 January 2027. The announcement also contains a stock provision for products already released from the factory during a valid self-declaration period and no longer manufactured.

Do not extend this change to every product. CNCA’s August 2026 summary separately identifies self-declaration procedure B for low-voltage switchgear assemblies and motor-compressors. A component’s documentation therefore does not determine the conformity assessment route for an entire panel. Check the product category and transition dates together.

Distinguishing CCC, CQC and other evidence

CQC may appear as the name of a certification body, while voluntary CQC mark certification is a separate service from CCC. Holding a CQC certificate does not automatically demonstrate that a product meets mandatory CCC requirements. Check the scheme under which the document was issued.

IECEE CB Scheme documents, CE marking or UL certification do not automatically replace CCC either. Clarify with the authorized body whether existing reports can be used. Substance restrictions such as RoHS also require a separate assessment; the CCC mark alone does not demonstrate compliance with every environmental or chemical obligation.

Editor's note: A common mistake is assuming that certified components make the entire panel certified. Determine the scope of components and complete equipment separately. Check whether the certificate has been suspended or cancelled, as well as its stated expiry date.