3C certification, or China Compulsory Certification, is abbreviated as "CCC". It is a product conformity assessment system implemented by the Chinese government in accordance with laws and regulations to protect the personal safety of consumers and national security and strengthen product quality management. For imported goods, obtaining 3C certification is one of the important prerequisites for entering the Chinese market. Let's take a look at how to apply for 3C certification for imported goods and what issues need to be paid attention to.

1. 3C Certification Process

Confirm whether the product requires 3C certification

Enterprises can carefully check the "Description and Definition Table of Compulsory Product Certification Catalog" on the official website of the Certification and Accreditation Administration of the People's Republic of China (CNCA) to determine whether the product is within the mandatory scope of 3C certification. You can also use the HS code of the product to query its inspection and quarantine category in the customs-related system. If the category contains "L", it means that the product may need 3C certification. If you still have doubts about whether the product needs certification, you can verify it through the website of the China Certification and Accreditation Administration or consult a professional certification agency.

Preparation before application

• Certification application form: It needs to be stamped with the official seal of the applicant company, and the content should include basic information of the company, product information, etc. to ensure that the information is accurate.
• Copies of the business license and organization code certificate of the applicant, manufacturer and production plant: used to prove the legal operating identity of the enterprise.
• Product manual: It should elaborate on the product's functions, characteristics, usage methods, technical parameters, etc., and must include the warnings specified in 7.12 of General Standard GB4706.1 and Special Standard GB4706.XX.
• Product assembly drawing, electrical schematic diagram, circuit diagram, etc.
• A list of key components and main raw materials, indicating their models, specifications, suppliers and other information.
• Description of the differences between various models of products within the same application unit: If the product applied for certification has multiple models, the specific differences between the models must be described in detail. Vague descriptions such as different appearance or different control panel cannot be used.
• Chinese nameplate and warning mark of the product (in duplicate): The nameplate should contain important information such as product name, model, manufacturer, production date, rated voltage, rated power, etc. The warning mark must comply with relevant standard requirements.
• Factory Inspection Questionnaire (for the first application and when the enterprise applies for certification for other categories of products other than those that have obtained certificates) or the most recent valid Factory Inspection Report: This document is used by the certification body to understand the production conditions and quality control of the factory.
• Other information that may be required: such as CB test report (if any), trademark registration certificate or trademark authorization (if the trademark is not held by the applicant company), etc.

Formal Application

• Enterprises can submit certification applications through the official website of China Quality Certification Center (CQC) or offline service windows. Enter the application information step by step according to the system prompts, and upload the electronic documents of relevant materials. After submitting the application, you need to pay the corresponding certification fee, which depends on the product category and certification mode. During the application process, you need to fill in the product information accurately.
• After receiving the application, CQC will review the submitted materials. During the review process, if the materials are found to be incomplete or problematic, CQC will contact the applicant in a timely manner to request additional or revised materials. Applicants should pay close attention to the progress of the application and respond in a timely manner to ensure a smooth review.

Product Testing

• The certification body will send the samples to the designated laboratory for testing. The laboratory is equipped with professional testing equipment and technicians, and can conduct comprehensive testing of products in accordance with relevant national standards and technical specifications. Testing items include but are not limited to product safety performance (such as electrical safety, mechanical safety), electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), environmental adaptability, etc.
• If the test results do not meet the standards, the company needs to rectify the product and then re-send the sample for testing until the product meets the requirements.

Factory inspection (necessary in some cases)

• For some products with higher risks or when the certification body deems it necessary, the manufacturer will be subject to a factory inspection, which will include the factory's quality assurance system, production equipment, inspection equipment, personnel qualifications, production process control, product consistency and other aspects.
• During the factory inspection process, enterprises should actively cooperate with the inspectors, provide relevant documents and information truthfully, and promptly answer and rectify questions raised by inspectors.

Certification result assessment and certificate issuance

• The certification body will conduct a comprehensive assessment based on the product test results and factory inspection (if any). After passing the assessment, CQC will issue a 3C certification certificate.
• After receiving the certificate, the applicant should carefully check the information on the certificate, including product name, model, manufacturer, certificate validity period, etc., to ensure that the information is accurate and keep the certificate properly. In addition, the validity period of the 3C certification certificate is usually 5 years. During the validity period, the enterprise must accept the supervision and inspection of the certification body. If the certificate expires, the enterprise must apply for renewal of the certificate within the specified time.

2. Precautions

Certification cycle planning

• The 3C certification cycle varies depending on factors such as the complexity of the product, the number of test items, whether a factory inspection is required, etc. Generally speaking, a simple product may take several months, and a complex product may take half a year or even longer.
• Enterprises should plan import time in advance and consider the certification cycle to avoid economic losses caused by products failing to enter the market on time due to incomplete certification.

Certification body selection

• It is very important to choose a qualified certification body. In China, certification bodies need to be approved and authorized by the Certification and Accreditation Administration of the People’s Republic of China (CNCA).
• You can check the certification body’s qualification certificate, business scope, word-of-mouth evaluation and other information to choose a suitable agency.

Product consistency

• After imported goods obtain 3C certification, the actual imported products must be consistent with the certified samples. The product model, specifications, key components, etc. cannot be changed at will.
• If the product needs to be changed, the company needs to apply to the certification body for change of certification in advance. Production and import can only be carried out after approval. Otherwise, the product will be deemed to be non-compliant with the certification requirements.

Post-certification supervision

• Obtaining 3C certification does not mean a one-time thing. The certification body will conduct regular or irregular supervision and inspection of certified companies and products.
• Enterprises need to cooperate with the supervision and inspection of the certification body, such as providing product sales records, quality feedback information, etc. If the product is found not to meet the certification requirements during the supervision and inspection, the certification body has the right to suspend or revoke the certification certificate.

Exemptions from compulsory product certification

• Products required for scientific research and testing. Products that are only used for scientific research and testing and are not put on the market can apply for exemption from 3C certification.
• Introducing parts needed for production lines for technology evaluation. When an enterprise introduces key parts needed for production lines for technology evaluation in order to improve production technology, it can be exempted from the process if it complies with relevant regulations.
• Directly repair the required products for end users.
• Equipment/components required for factory production lines/complete production lines (excluding office supplies). These equipment and components are mainly used in the production process and are not directly for consumers. They can be exempted from certification under certain conditions.
• Products that are used only for commercial display but not for sale.
• Products (including exhibits) that need to be returned after temporary import. Some products that are temporarily imported for specific activities, such as exhibits for exhibitions, need to be returned abroad after the event. If they meet the requirements, they can be exempted from certification.
• Parts imported through general trade for the purpose of exporting the entire aircraft.

Conclusion

As an important threshold for imported goods to enter the Chinese market, the importance of 3C certification is self-evident. It is not only a strong guarantee for consumer rights, but also a key measure to maintain market order and promote product quality improvement. It is hoped that enterprises will strictly follow the relevant requirements to apply for 3C certification when importing goods. Only by operating in compliance can we move forward steadily in the fierce market competition and win the trust of consumers and the recognition of the market.