Product Compliance Consulting

Export certificationserves as a trade credibility endorsement. For many foreign trade practitioners, product export certification is as complex and variable as the current international trade environment. Different target markets and product categories require different certifications and standards.

International Certifications

01 IECEE-CB

The IECEE-CB scheme refers to the "Scheme for the Mutual Recognition of Test Certificates for Electrical Equipment." It is a system where members recognize each other’s test results (mutual bilateral acceptance) to obtain national certification or approval, thereby facilitating international trade. Currently, 54 member countries and over 60 national certification bodies participate in the CB scheme.

02 ISO9000

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is the world's largest non-governmental standardization body and plays a leading role in international standardization. The ISO 9000 series standards are issued by ISO, implemented under GB/T19000, and used to carry out quality certification, coordinate global standardization efforts, exchange technical information, and cooperate with other international organizations on standardization issues.

03 GMP

GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) emphasizes managing food hygiene and safety during production. It requires food manufacturers to have good production equipment, reasonable processes, complete quality management, and rigorous testing systems to ensure the final product meets regulatory requirements. GMP sets the basic conditions that food processing enterprises must meet.

04 HACCP

The HACCP system is considered the most effective management system for controlling food safety and quality. China's national standard GB/T15091-1994 defines HACCP as a means to control the safety of food production. It analyzes raw materials, key production processes, and human factors, identifies critical control points, establishes monitoring procedures and standards, and takes corrective actions. International standard CAC/RCP-1 defines HACCP as a system to identify, assess, and control hazards critical to food safety.

05 EMC

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) is a crucial quality indicator for electronic and electrical products. It affects product reliability and safety and can interfere with the normal operation of other devices and systems, raising concerns about electromagnetic environment protection.

From January 1, 1996, the EU required all electronic and electrical products to pass emc certification and bear the CE mark before being sold in the EU market. This regulation has influenced global markets, prompting other countries to implement mandatory EMC requirements (e.g., EU Directive 89/336/EEC).

06 IPPC

In March 2002, the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) published ISPM No.15: "Regulation of Wood Packaging Material in International Trade." The IPPC mark identifies wood packaging that meets quarantine treatment standards.

European Certifications

01 CE

CE stands for "Conformité Européenne" (European Conformity). It is a safety certification mark and acts as a passport for manufacturers to enter the European market. Products with the CE mark can be freely circulated within the EU.

Products requiring CE marking include:

1. Electrical products

2. Machinery

3. Toys

4. Radio and telecom terminal equipment

5. Refrigeration equipment

6. Personal protective equipment

7. Simple pressure vessels

8. Hot water boilers

9. Pressure equipment

10. Recreational boats

11. Construction products

12. In-vitro diagnostic medical devices

13. Implantable medical devices

14. Medical electrical equipment

15. Lifts

16. Gas appliances

17. Non-automatic weighing instruments

02 ROHS certification (EU Electronics)

RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) is a mandatory EU standard implemented on July 1, 2006. It regulates the use of materials and processes in electronic and electrical products to protect human health and the environment.

Applicable regions: 27 EU countries (note: UK left the EU in 2020)

Covered products(rated under AC 1000V or DC 1500V):

1. Large household appliances (e.g., refrigerators, washing machines)

2. Small appliances (e.g., vacuum cleaners, hairdryers)

3. IT and telecom devices (e.g., computers, phones)

4. Consumer equipment (e.g., TVs, radios)

5. Lighting (non-household fluorescent lamps, lighting controls)

6. Power tools

7. Toys, leisure, sports equipment

8. Medical devices

9. Monitoring/control instruments

10. Vending machines

11. Semiconductor devices

03 ukca (UK)

UKCA stands for UK Conformity Assessed. Introduced in 2019 for post-Brexit trade, the UKCA mark ensures that products meet UK safety and technical requirements.

Most products that previously required CE marking will need UKCA marking to be sold in England, Wales, and Scotland. UKCA is not applicable in Northern Ireland.

04 GS (Germany)

GS stands for "Geprüfte Sicherheit" (Tested Safety), a voluntary safety certification authorized by the German Ministry of Labor and issued by bodies such as TÜV and VDE. Products with GS marks are generally higher-priced and sell better.

Applicable products include:

1. Home appliances

2. Household machinery

3. Sports equipment

4. Consumer electronics

5. Office equipment

6. Industrial and lab equipment

7. Safety-related items (e.g., bikes, helmets, ladders)

05 TÜV (Germany)

The TÜV mark is a safety certification for components widely accepted in Germany and Europe. TÜV also offers cb certificates and recommends certified products to buyers. Certified components are exempt from inspection during system-level certification.

06 VDE (Germany)

VDE is a respected certification body for electronic devices and components. It evaluates products like household appliances, computers, medical equipment, installation materials, cables, etc.

Covered products:

1. Electronics, machinery

2. Toys

3. Items in contact with skin

4. Optical devices (e.g., sunglasses, VR)

5. Health-related products

6. Bluetooth devices

7. Cultural goods (CDs, books)

American Certifications

01 FCC (USA)

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates communications by radio, TV, satellite, cable, and telecom across all US states and territories.

Mandatory certification for electronic and electrical products exported to the US.

Common products: home appliances, lighting, audio, IT, toys, security, machinery.

Validity: Long-term.

02 FDA (USA)

The Food and Drug Administration ensures the safety of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, and radiation products in the US.

Mandatory certification for products exported to the US.

Common products: food, medical devices, cosmetics, laser/radiation devices, supplements.

Validity varies by category.

03 UL (USA)

UL (Underwriters Laboratories) is a reputable US safety testing organization. UL certification focuses on product safety but not EMC performance.

Voluntary certification.

Common products: electronics, household goods, cosmetics, textiles, toys.

Factory inspections: 1–4 times per year.

04 CPC (USA)

CPC (Children's Product Certificate) is similar to a domestic quality inspection report and required for certain products on platforms like Amazon.

Mandatory for children’s products (designed for or primarily used by children under 12).

Validity: at least one annual test if no material changes.

05 DOE (USA)

DOE (Department of Energy) energy efficiency certification for electronics and appliances.

Mandatory for listed products like chargers, power adapters, TVs, refrigerators, air conditioners.

Validity: 1 year; requires re-registration after expiration.

06 DOT (USA)

DOT (Department of Transportation) mandates certification for vehicles and major parts sold in the US under FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards).

07 CSA (Canada)

CSA (Canadian Standards Association) was founded in 1919 and is the largest certification body in Canada.

It certifies electronics and electrical products for the North American market.

08 INMETRO (Brazil)

INMETRO is Brazil’s national accreditation body. It bases standards on IEC and ISO.

Products meeting standards must carry the INMETRO mark and a third-party certification label.

Asian Certifications

01 CCC (China)

china compulsory certification (CCC) is a mandatory safety mark for 22 categories and 149 product types, replacing the old "Great Wall" and "CCIB" marks.

02 CB (China)

In June 1991, China's Electrical Product Certification Committee was approved as a CB scheme certification body by the IECEE. Certified products with CB certificates can be recognized in 30 member countries without re-testing.

03 PSE (Japan)

Japan’s Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law (DENAN) requires pse certification for “Specified” (115 types) and “Non-specified” (338 types) products.

Specified items must be certified by a METI-authorized body and carry the diamond-shaped pse mark.

CQC is China’s only authorized PSE certification body.

04 KC Mark (Korea)

Under Korea’s Electrical Appliances Safety Control Act, KC Mark is mandatory for electronic products.

Mandatory certification: factory inspection + product testing (valid for 5 years).

Voluntary certification: product testing only, no factory audit.

Other Regions

01 C/A-Tick (Australia)

Issued by the Australian Communications Authority (ACA) for telecom products.

Products must comply with ACA technical standards, file a Declaration of Conformity, and label the product accordingly.

Australia’s EMC system has 3 levels. Level 2 and 3 products must be registered with ACA before sale.

02 SAA (Australia)

SAA stands for the Standards Association of Australia. Safety certification is mandatory for all electrical products entering the Australian market. SAA-certified products are also accepted in New Zealand.

Two main marks:

1. Type approval (sample-based)

2. Standard mark (requires factory audit)

Application options: cb test report or direct application. Product plugs and components may also require SAA certificates.

03 SASO (Saudi Arabia)

SASO (Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization) sets national standards for consumer products, including labeling and measurement systems.