CCC for Ex products mandatory starting October 1, 2020
Starting on October 1, 2020, all products used in hazardous locations (or explosion protected products, Ex products hereafter) in China will be mandated by law to be adhere to the China Compulsory Certification (CCC), a mandatory conformity assessment system for products imported and sold in China.
CCC was first implemented in 2002 by the China Certification and Accreditation Administration (CNCA) to ensure standardization of product quality and safety. This certification program will be expanded to cover Ex products effective from October 1, 2020 onwards. In order to help companies who export Ex products to China adhere to these new requirements, applications for CCC will be accepted starting on October 1, 2019.
Applications for CCC for Ex products effective starting October 1, 2019
Application for CCC is processed by CNCA-authorized certification bodies. CNEx (or Nanyang Explosion Protected Electrical Apparatus Research Institute) is an authorized independent CCC Ex product certification body and CCC Ex product test laboratory. It is one of the first independent organization authorized to test and certify CCC markings for Ex products.
Why should Ex product manufacturers apply for the CCC?
The new regulation requires all Ex products sold in China to be CCC-certified, irrespective of where the products were manufactured (contact us for more information). Imported products are inspected by customs authorities for CCC compliance and proper labeling, for which fines and detainment of goods could apply in the case of non-compliance. As such, manufacturers for Ex products are recommended to apply as soon as possible to ensure that their products are successfully and promptly certified to enter or return to the Chinese market. For manufacturers that already have a valid CNEx Certificate, the Certificate could be accepted as the Ex-type test report, serving as part of the application material for the new CCC certificate.
What is the certification process for CCC?
The CCC certification process includes three main parts:
- Type test which entails product evaluation, testing and certification at the CNEx laboratories;
- Initial factory inspection of the manufacturer’s facilities by CCC Ex-auditors appointed by the certification body; and
- Post-certification supervision, which informs renewal of the CCC certificate.
When a product goes through the certification process for the first time, CNEx conducts a final comprehensive review of results from part (1) the type test and part (2) the initial factory inspection, and draws a conclusion of either CCC issuance or termination (for which reasons will be provided for improvement and opportunity to re-apply). An initial certificate is valid for up to five years, and can be renewed through post-certification supervision.
How long does the CCC application process take?
It usually takes 90 days from the acceptance of application to the issuance of the certificate, pending the previously mentioned review process. Once the application is accepted, CNEx will provide an estimated timeline for each step of the certification process. Applicants are expected to follow the timeline and provide active cooperation in order to facilitate a successful issuance of the certificate.
Do not delay the CCC application for your Ex products, contact us today to work with our specialists in obtain the CCC Mark for your Ex products for the Chinese market.
