What is CCC Automotive Certification?
CCC is short for China Compulsory Certification scheme which requires manufacturers of automotive components to obtain approval for their parts before incorporating them into vehicles being sold into China. Similarly Vehicle manufactures must have entire vehicles CCC certified before sending them to China for sale. CCC Automotive requirements were implemented on May 1, 2002 and became fully effective on August 1, 2003. CCC Auto certification programs focus mostly on safety aspects of components as well as the overall vehicle. For more information on the services we provide for this certification, please see CCC Automotive Certification Services.
As of October 2019 there have been some significant changes to CCC rules that affect automotive component categories. The transfer of some components from CCC to certification body scheme, and implementation of a self-declaration scheme have caused some confusion. The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) published an announcement including two Annexes relating to changes in the certification scheme of automotive components. Annex 1 components no longer fall within the CCC certification scheme, but can be transferred to either CCAP or CQC certification body schemes. Annex 2 components now fall under a new self declaration scheme within CCC certification (SDoC). For detailed information on the SDoC procedure see: What is CCC SDoC. The list below indicates the current status of automotive components and where they fall with the new CCC rules:
Unchanged:
- Motor Vehicle
- Motorcycle
- Engines for Motorcycle
Annex 1
- Fuel Tanks
- Brake Hoses
- Interior Trim
- Door Locks & Retention Devices
- Horns
- Vehicle Theft Alarm Systems
- Safety Glass (Railway Vehicles)
Annex 2
- Seat Belts
- Exterior Lighting and Light Signal Devices
- Seats & Headrests
- Indirect Vision Devices
- Dashcams
- Reflector Strips
- Safety Glass (Vehicles)
Products under Annex 1 no longer fall under the CCC scheme requirements, but can be transitioned to a certification body scheme. The overall type of scheme for Annex 1, which covers products other than just automotive components is now referred to as “Voluntary” by Chinese authorities. This term can be misleading in that, testing of these components will still be required either as part of the voluntary certification scheme, or as part of vehicle certification testing. As a result, many vehicle manufacturers are requiring that these components maintain a CCAP or CQC voluntary certification. The switch from CCC to CQC or CCAP certification can be performed without any additional testing or agency cost. The transition is simply a documentation process.
Products under Annex 2 now have a new route to conformity under the Supplier Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) scheme to comply with CCC certification. The transition from traditional CCC to SDoC must take place by November 1st, 2020. New components will be required to certify under the SDoC scheme after Jan. 1st, 2020. For more information on SDoC, see: What is CCC SDoC
Traditional CCC certifications can only be issued by certification bodies that have been approved by the CNCA (Certification and Accreditation Administration). CNCA has accredited two main Certification Bodies for automobiles and automotive components. These are CCAP, who specializes in only automotive certifications, and CQC, who covers a broad range of product certifications. CNCA is adjusting the certification bodies regularly so more certification bodies may be added in the future.
General CCC certification process include type testing, factory inspection and follow up inspection. Type testing can be conducted by CNCA accredited test labs in China. All the test labs located in China can apply to become a CCC lab but need to meet the CNCA requirements.
Factory inspection is required for CCC certification to ensure the product consistency and quality control program. Factory inspections are carried out by the certification body. The certification process usually takes between 4–8 weeks not including an initial factory inspection. Initial Factory inspections are required for factories producing CCC products for the first time. Generally factory inspections are scheduled in batches, so auditors from China can audit multiple factories in one visit. For automotive CCC, initial inspection is still required before issuing a CCC certificate.