In 2026, two major CCC certification developments are unavoidable. One is the traceability QR code pilot – from 1 March 2026, new certified models in three categories (power banks, e‑bikes and safety accessories, and gas combustion appliances) must have a traceability QR code printed to the right of the CCC mark – scanning it shows certification status, manufacturer name, model, and issuing body. From 1 March 2027, this becomes fully mandatory – all new production models in these categories must be coded.

The other is 16 product categories returning to third‑party certification – power tools, welding machines, automotive safety glass, seat belts – previously under self‑declaration – from 1 July 2026, third‑party certification applications can be accepted – from 1 January 2027, products must hold CCC certificates to be placed on the market.

One key detail: products manufactured before 1 January 2027 – holding valid self‑declarations – can continue circulating – no certificate conversion required. There is no "mandatory cut‑off by 31 December" – don't be misled by online rumours.

Another trend in 2026: portable outdoor power stations and similar categories have been in the CCC catalogue for some time – they are not new in 2026. The rumoured "12 new categories added in 2026" is not an official announcement – check CNCA's website – no such notice exists. The only criterion for determining whether a product needs CCC: check the base product category against the catalogue's definition table – you cannot decide based solely on "has Wi‑Fi" or "has Bluetooth."

一、CCC Certification Process and Documentation

Step 1: Confirm if your product is in the catalogue

Go to CNCA's website – check the CCC Catalogue Description and Definition Table – assess against three dimensions: functional purpose, working principle, and structural characteristics.

Confirm three things:

·Is the category in the catalogue?

·Which implementation rules apply?

·Which GB national standard version is applicable?

If it's not in the catalogue – no CCC required. But some borderline products are hard to call. For example, if the catalogue says "audio‑video equipment" – and your product has both audio‑video and information‑processing functions – both sets of standards may apply. If in doubt – get a product‑classification determination from a certification body – don't guess.

Exemptions: not something you can just claim. Export‑only products not sold domestically, R&D samples, and spare parts for repair – can apply for exemption – but must go through formal procedures. If an export‑only product is also sold domestically – exemption no longer applies.

Standard versions: check carefully.

·IT and AV products: GB 4943.1-2022 – old‑version certificate conversion deadline was 31 July 2024 – overdue certificates have been suspended or revoked.

·Household appliances: GB/T 4706.1-2024 and GB 4343.1-2024 – effective 1 August 2026 and 1 June 2026 respectively – new applications use the new standards directly – existing certificates must be converted per certification body requirements.

Step 2: Define certification units

One brand, one model, one factory = one certification unit. Series models require difference descriptions – the main model's testing covers sub‑models.

Unit division: don't try to bundle unrelated products into one unit. Look at three dimensions:

·Is the structural design the same platform?

·Are critical safety components the same model?

·Is the power‑supply solution consistent?

If the structure changes, motor changes, power supply changes, or critical component supplier changes – you must file a change application or open a new unit. Forcing everything into one unit – the review will split them anyway – and you'll waste more time.

Step 3: Prepare full documentation

Corporate qualifications: business licence (tax registration now merged – no separate document), production licence (if applicable), trademark certificate, factory address proof. Overseas manufacturers need to appoint a domestic certification client – the client bears legal responsibility – not just a customs agent.

Product technical documents: user manual, schematics, PCB layout, product spec sheet, nameplate artwork. Nameplate must reserve space for the CCC mark – if the product is in the QR‑code pilot scope – reserve space for the QR code. BOM: list critical components – model, specification, supplier – critical‑component certificates and reports are attached as annexes – you don't need to fill every certificate number into the table cells. Series difference description – separate document.

Factory side: quality‑system documentation – ISO 9001 preferred – or a system meeting CNCA‑00C‑005 requirements. Test equipment calibration certificates, production process flow documentation.

Step 4: Submit the application

Choose a certification body:

·CQC (China Quality Certification Centre) – broadest coverage.

·CQM (China Quality Mark Certification Group).

·CCAP (China Certification Centre for Automotive Products) – automotive focus.

·SEARI (Shanghai Electrical Apparatus Research Institute) – household appliances.

Choose one with experience in your product category – efficiency will be higher.

Register on the certification body's website – fill in the CCC application form – upload all documents. Review: 1–3 working days – then a sample‑submission notice is issued.

Note: switching certification bodies mid‑way is very disruptive – spend the time upfront to confirm that the body has certification authority for your product category.

Step 5: Type testing

Sample quantity: generally 3–6 units – samples must match mass‑production configuration. Type‑test samples do not need the traceability QR code printed – QR codes are issued by the certification body after certification for use on mass‑production nameplates.

Sample submission can be self‑submitted or on‑site sampled. Not all lithium‑battery products require mandatory on‑site sampling – it's determined by the certification body based on risk assessment. Testing is performed at CNAS‑accredited CCC labs – covering:

·Safety tests: electric shock protection, fire prevention, over‑temperature protection, mechanical hazard protection.

·EMC tests: radiated emissions, conducted emissions, immunity.

·Some products also require RF testing.

Test cycle: 2–4 weeks. Non‑conformities: 15 working days to submit remediation plans – then retesting. Serious non‑conformities: start over.

Step 6: Factory inspection

First‑time certification requires factory inspection. Auditors check three things on‑site:

·Quality system: has it been operated and documented? Raw material procurement, in‑process inspection, final inspection – no records = no evidence.

·Product consistency: does mass‑production match the tested sample? Have critical components been swapped? Has the process changed?

·Critical component control: all safety components must have valid certification reports – inventory must be clear.

Production‑line mandatory inspection equipment: withstand‑voltage tester, insulation‑resistance tester, ground‑resistance tester – daily test records must be maintained.

Unannounced inspections: not a new 2026 rule – they've always been a continuous regulatory mechanism – the trend is tightening.

Non‑conformities must be remediated within the specified timeframe – only then can certification proceed.

Step 7: Review, certification, and ongoing

After type testing and factory inspection pass – the certification body conducts final review – upon approval, the CCC certificate is issued – valid for 5 years.

Renewal: no panic. If the product is unchanged, standards haven't changed, and factory surveillance records are clean – type testing may be waived – factory inspection may be simplified – it's not mandatory to repeat sampling and full inspection. Renewal application: submit 90 days before expiry – this is a recommended advance period – not a statutory requirement.

Product changes – classified:

·Filing only: company name change, trademark change, address change (same location).

·Major changes: critical safety component replacement, product structure or electrical scheme change, new or changed contract manufacturer.

·Contract manufacturer change: even if hardware is unchanged – generally requires re‑inspection.

·Some critical component changes may only require difference testing – not full retesting – refer to the implementation rules.

  二、2026 Key Dates

Date                                      Event  

1 March 2026            CCC traceability QR code pilot starts

1 July 202616            product categories begin accepting third‑party certification applications

1 January 2027         16 product categories – CCC certificate becomes mandatory

1 March 2027           Pilot products – full QR‑code mandatory

1 April 2027              Battery new standard GB 47372-2026 fully effective

Different products have different timelines – check your product's specific schedule – don't wait until the deadline.

For CCC certification, contact BlueAsia at 13534225140 (King) or email king.guo@cblueasia.com.