China has adopted a new compulsory product certification mark called the China Compulsory Certification. The new regulation covers a total of 132 products. Stemming from China’s WTO commitment on technical barriers to trade, the scheme will standardize technical requirements, certification marks and fee schedules for both domestic and imported products. Effective May 01, 2003, listed products will need to obtain the compulsory CCC mark before being imported, or exported from China.

The impact on the Agriculture and Agri-food sector should be minimal. Products related to agriculture machinery: equipment for crop protection; household appliances (freezers, fridge, cookers); appliances for heating liquids and water dispensers; electrical wires and cables; and low voltage electrical apparatus may be affected. Canadian companies are advised to prepare for the new system and take the necessary action to achieve certification.

Further information on the process, and the initial application form can be found at the China Quality Certification Centre (CQCC) at http://www.cqc.com.cn.