In a move to strengthen product quality supervision and consumer protection, China's State Administration for Market Regulation has announced the inclusion of seven additional product categories under its compulsory certification system (CCC certification). The new regulation, effective in phases throughout 2025, will significantly impact industries ranging from construction to consumer electronics.
Seven Product Categories Added to CCC Certification
The expanded certification requirements will be implemented in two phases:
- Phase One (Effective May 1, 2025): Electric bicycle helmets and explosion-proof lighting equipment must obtain CCC certification before being manufactured, sold, or imported. Certification bodies began accepting applications on May 1, 2024, with existing motorcycle helmet and explosion-proof equipment certification agencies handling the process.
- Phase Two (Effective July 1, 2025): Commercial gas combustion appliances, flame-retardant cables, electronic toilet seats, combustible gas detection alarms, and water-based interior wall coatings will require CCC certification. Applications for these products opened on July 1, 2024.
The inclusion of these products aims to address critical safety concerns across multiple sectors. Commercial kitchen equipment, building materials, and home appliances will now face stricter quality controls, potentially reducing safety incidents in restaurants, construction sites, and households.
Low-Voltage Components Return to Third-Party Evaluation
Concurrently, the administration has reinstated third-party evaluation requirements for low-voltage components, effective November 1, 2024. Manufacturers must transition existing self-declarations to full CCC certificates by this date, with four previously authorized certification agencies regaining their designation for this product category.
This policy shift represents a tightening of quality oversight for electrical components, potentially reducing counterfeit products in the market while increasing compliance burdens for manufacturers.
Implementation Details
Certification bodies must develop detailed implementation rules based on CCC general requirements and product-specific regulations, submitting these to regulatory authorities before beginning certification work. The administration encourages agencies to recognize existing compliance assessments where possible, reducing redundancy for manufacturers.
The announcement includes technical specifications for each newly included product category, providing clear guidance for affected businesses.
Market Implications
Industry analysts anticipate several consequences from the expanded certification requirements:
- Improved product safety standards across multiple consumer and industrial sectors
- Reduced prevalence of non-compliant products in the market
- Potential cost increases for manufacturers needing to upgrade facilities or processes
- Accelerated industry consolidation as smaller producers face higher compliance costs
The policy reflects China's ongoing efforts to modernize its quality control systems while protecting consumer interests. Businesses operating in affected sectors should review product lines and prepare for the phased implementation deadlines.