The China Quality Certification Centre (CQC) is the national certification body (NCB) of China, and is authorized by the Certification and Accreditation Administration of China (CNCA). China’s Voluntary Product Certification began in the 1980s initially covering quality and safety. Certifications also span environmental protection, energy saving, water saving, low carbon, ergonomics, and anti-explosion. There are multiple opportunities for export of green technologies to China.
Product certification covers electronics, electro-mechanics, machinery, motor vehicles, office equipment, building materials, renewable energy sources, light and textile industry, chemical engineering, and metallurgy. Popular Management System certifications include Quality Management Systems Certifications, Environment Management System Certification, Occupational Health and Safety Management System Certification, Energy Management System Certification and Food Safety Management System Certification (CNCA,2021).
The following list provides examples of requirements for sustainability labelling and certifications for exports to China. Some are compulsory and others are voluntary. All products must be labelled in the Chinese language.
A compulsory mark. The CCC certification is for the protection of national security, human health or safety, animal and plant life or health, and environment, and prevention of deceptive practices. Many items of electronic equipment are required to have the CCC marking before sale.
More info: China Compulsory Certification
This is governed by the Administrative Measures for Agricultural GMO. This came into effect May 24, 2004. Vegetable oil produced from crops that are derived from agricultural biotechnology is also subject to AQSIQ Decree 62, the Administrative Measures for the Inspection and Quarantine of Entry-Exit GM Products. Measures require importers to present an Agricultural Biotechnology Safety Certificate (import permit) and a File for Review of Agricultural GMO Label for customs clearance.
More info: China - Labelling/Marking Requirements
A voluntary labelling and certification launched by The China Environmental United Certification Centre (CEC). The CEC is a third party certification organisation approved by the CNCA and authorised by the Ministry of Environmental Protection to perform environmental certification.
The standards are based on ISO standard 14024. There are over 50 categories in the CELP catalogue covering automobile, electrical and electronics, construction, textiles, packaging, printing, chemicals and others. Certified products have preference over non-certified products in government procurement. There are type I labels and type II labels depending on the product and scope.
More info: China Environmental United Certification Type I and Type II environmental label
A voluntary certification issued by The China Environmental United Certification Centre (CEC). It covers certification of low carbon products. This is a new certification with limited information currently on the website. This may include organic products.
More info: Low carbon product - China Environmental United Certification
A voluntary labelling and certification launched by The China Environmental United Certification Centre (CEC). The aim of the CECP program is to promote the purchase of resource efficient products in China. There are over 18 product categories. The catalogue covers both energy and water efficient products including electrical appliances and electronics, lighting appliances and shower sets.
More info: China Environmental United Certification and China Energy Conservation Program
This is a compulsory label under the Energy Label Administration Regulation.
More info: China Energy Label
CQC is a voluntary certification. Products are certified that they meet requirements of the standards of quality, safety, environment, and performance. Its scope involves more than 500 products. The purpose is to protect consumers' personal and property safety and maintain consumers' interests This aims to improve the product quality of domestic enterprises and increase the product competitiveness in the international market, while facilitating smoother access of foreign enterprises' products into the domestic market.
More info: CQC Mark Certification