PSSA Newsletter - March 2019

ISSUE 22 March 2019  | NEWS PSSA Export Advice Thinking of Exporting to China? If your mid to long term export plans include the Chinese market, then the following information may be of help to you when dealing with prospective clients. You may or may not be aware of the certification requirements for products entering the Chinese market. For those of you who are thinking of dipping your toes into this lucrative export market read on. China Compulsory Certification (CCC) is similar to other certification systems across the world for product safety and quality standardisation–such as the European CE system–but there are important differences. The CCC certificate was introduced in 2002 and applies to imported goods as well as to Chinese products. The National Standard is identified as The GB Standard (GB stands for Guobiao, or “National Standard”) and is the basis for testing products that require certification. The general understanding and rule dictates that if there is no corresponding GB Standard for a product, CCC is not required. However, for those products which require certification they may only be imported, sold and/or used in business activities in China, after a China Compulsory Certification has been obtained. Failure to comply with CCC regulations will lead to imported goods being detained at the border or returned to the sender. Likewise, improper use of CCC licenses or printing a CCC-mark on products without certification will also result in fines and penalties. Even if a product does not need China Compulsory Certification, problems may still arise if a customs officer demands a CCC certificate. For this reason, Clearance Certificates are recommended in order to significantly reduce the risk of import-related problems. The CCC replaced the certifications of the “China Import and Export Commodity Inspection Bureau (CCIB)” and the “China Commission for Conformity Certification of Electrical Equipment (CCEE)” thereby significantly simplifying foreign trade with China and creating a “level playing field” for all market participants. However, special certificates for medical products (SFDA) and telecommunication equipment remain in place. The two most important elements of China Compulsory Certification (CCC) certification are product testing (products that are to be certified are sent to test laboratories in China) and factory audits (inspection of the product manufacturers by Chinese auditors). Once a certification is granted, it is valid for several years but must be maintained through annual follow-up audits. The CCC certification process also includes comprehensive application documents, factory preparation and various payments and fees. Manufacturers of products with a CCC obligation are required to apply for the CCC Certification with the responsible certification authority. The process can be a daunting task to undertake particularly if you are trying to acheiev certification from an overseas location. There are a number of testing stations across China. One such organization is EMTEK Laboratories, a publically owned testing facility and the largest within China. To create a smooth transition path to obtain CCC certification EMTEK can take ownership of the entire process on your behalf using their expertise and knowledge to ultimately obtain the CCC mark for your product(s). Typically the testing, inspection and certification process can be completed within 4-5 months; companies who “go it alone” can expect a 6-18 months certification period if all goes well and there are no testing or inspection failures. EMTEK are fully acreddited to ISO 17025 specilizing in the following product areas: V V Electrical & Electronic Safety V V Electromagnectic Compatibility, V V Environmental Reliability, V V Physical and chemical. V V CE Mark Directive Testing V V CB Recognition If you need a further insight into EMTEK Laboratories view the 'Documentary' video at: www.emtek.com.cn For further information contact: MikeWebb on 07867 952116 or if you prefer e-mail mikewebb@elmtreec.co.uk – 11 –