State Compulsory Product Certification
State compulsory product certification (also known as 3C certification) is a certification system established in China for products that pose a potential risk to public safety. It is a necessary certification required for legal production and marketing of a product in China.
The 3C system is based on a single national standard which requires manufacturers to demonstrate their compliance with safety and quality standards via certification. By setting these standards, the government is protecting both businesses and consumers in China.
3C certification is administered by the Certification and Accreditation Administration (CNCA), which is part of the Chinese public administration system. In order to obtain 3C certification, a manufacturer must demonstrate that the product meets the national safety and quality criteria as described in the applicable standard.
The 3C standards cover a wide range of products. For example, electrical products such as TVs and home appliances, toys, safety equipment, children’s products and automotive products are all subject to 3C certification. Each of these items is assessed against the criteria described in their individual standard. All 3C certified products must display a unique 3C number, which can be obtained from the CNCA. This number is used to track the product and prove its authenticity.
The 3C certification process involves an extensive and detailed testing procedure which includes both initial tests and annual follow-up inspections. The initial tests involve product sampling and evaluation to ensure compliance with the applicable standard. This includes safety tests and product inspections to ensure that the item meets the required safety and quality standards. Once the test results have been evaluated, the CNCA will issue a 3C certificate which is valid for five years.
Annual follow-up inspections are also necessary to ensure that the product still meets the required criteria. During the follow-up inspection, the relevant authority will inspect the product to make sure that no changes have been made and that the product still complies with the applicable standard. The 3C certificate will be renewed if the product meets the safety and quality criteria.
3C certification is a necessary step in the production and marketing of a product in China. This certification system demonstrates the commitment of the Chinese government to public safety by forcing manufacturers to show that their products meet the necessary safety and quality standards. By having the product certified, manufacturers are not only protecting consumers in China but also showing their commitment to providing quality and safe products.
