CCC Certification

CCC (China Compulsory Certification), also known as the '3C Mark,' is China's compulsory product certification system introduced in 2002. It replaced the former CCIB and CCEE marks, unifying China's import and domestic product safety requirements under a single certification framework.

The system is managed by the Certification and Accreditation Administration of China (CNCA) and requires manufacturers of listed products to obtain CCC certification before they can be legally imported, sold, or used in China. The certification process involves product testing at designated Chinese laboratories, factory audits, and ongoing surveillance.

CCC certification covers products across 17 major categories including electrical equipment, IT products, automotive parts, safety glass, and fire-fighting equipment. Without this certification, products cannot clear Chinese customs or be sold through legitimate retail channels.

Two kinds of coatings are in the CCC catalogue, under the rules for decoration and renovation products (CNCA-C21-01:2024):

• Solvent-based wood coatings (catalogue code 2101) for indoor furniture and woodwork, such as polyurethane, nitrocellulose and alkyd coatings.
• Water-based interior wall coatings (code 2104).

Both need third-party certification: type testing, a factory check and annual surveillance. From 1 June 2026, certification is to the new limits for hazardous substances in coatings, GB 30981.1-2025 (architectural coatings) and GB 30981.2-2025 (industrial coatings), which replaced GB 18582-2020 and GB 18581-2020. Holders of certificates under the old standards have to convert them.

Other paints, such as exterior, industrial or automotive coatings, are not in the CCC catalogue, but they still have to meet China’s national limits for hazardous substances.

CCC is a legally mandated certification in China. Selling or importing products covered under the CCC catalogue without valid certification is a criminal offense under Chinese law.

• Customs Seizure: Non-compliant goods are blocked at Chinese ports and borders.
• Heavy Fines: Violators face significant financial penalties for non-compliance.
• Criminal Prosecution: Repeated or willful violations may result in criminal charges.
• Market Access: The CCC mark is a prerequisite for listing on major Chinese e-commerce platforms and retail channels.

Beyond legal compliance, the CCC mark is essential for consumer trust in the Chinese market.

For most products, the certification body inspects the factory before the certificate is issued and then every year. The inspectors check that production is consistent with the tested sample: critical components and suppliers, incoming inspection, routine and confirmation tests, calibration, handling of non-conforming products, and use of the CCC mark. Factories with a good record may be inspected less often.

The catalogue currently covers 17 categories and 106 product types (CNCA summary, April 2026), including:

• household appliances, audio-video and IT equipment, lighting, and power tools
• cables, switches, plugs and sockets, low-voltage switchgear, and small motors
• vehicles and parts such as tyres, safety glass, seat belts, lamps and mirrors
• toys, child car seats and some building materials
• fire safety products, security products and telecom terminal equipment

From January 2026, 16 products moved from self-declaration to full third-party certification, among them fuses, small motors, electric drills, angle grinders, arc welders, automotive safety glass, seat belts and vehicle lamps. Check the HS code and the catalogue description together before you ship.

A typical project takes three to four months: one to two weeks for the application and documents, four to eight weeks for type testing at a designated lab in China, one to two weeks for the factory inspection, and one to two weeks for the decision. The cost is made up of the application and certification fees of the certification body, type testing at the designated lab, the inspectors’ fees and travel for the factory inspection, and annual surveillance. We quote all of them for your product before you start.