The CCC certification system for automotive components and vehicles in China has become increasingly standardized and rigorous with recent years of regulatory development. Applicants and manufacturers must strictly adhere to timelines, submit samples for type testing, and undergo factory audits as required by certification regulations. Moreover, as the automotive industry—particularly the component sector—is constantly evolving, strict compliance with certification bodies' requirements for change control management poses significant challenges for enterprises.
1、Statutory compulsory attribute: the "pass" for automobile sales
According to the "Regulations on Compulsory Product Certification Management" (Order No.16 of the State Administration for Market Regulation), automobiles and key components are classified as CCC-certified products. Vehicles without valid CCC certification and CCC markings are strictly prohibited from being manufactured, imported, or sold. This regulatory framework, established through legislation under the "Regulations on Certification and Accreditation of the People's Republic of China," sets baseline standards for automotive safety. Although the 2025 updated CCC catalog includes seven new categories such as commercial gas appliances, core automotive components—including complete vehicles, engines, and chassis—maintain their mandatory certification requirements to ensure regulatory continuity.
Notably, starting January 1, 2026, China's CCC certification system will officially incorporate GB44495 "Technical Requirements for Automotive Information Security" and GB44496 "Technical Requirements for Automotive Software Upgrades". While vehicles currently in transition can retain existing certifications, new models applying for certification in 2025 must meet information security requirements in advance. This demonstrates the alignment between certification standards and automotive technological advancements.
2. Technical security barrier: full dimension protection from mechanical properties to information security
The core value of automobile CCC certification lies in the construction of multi-layer security defense through the standard system:
1. Basic security
According to GB7258-2017 "Technical Safety Requirements for Motor Vehicle Operation", the certification process covers 34 mandatory indicators. These include critical parameters such as braking distance (passenger vehicles ≤40m at 100km/h), body structure strength (occupant compartment deformation ≤120mm in frontal collisions), and lighting angles. Vehicles failing this certification may pose fatal risks, including brake failure and structural collapse.
2. Electromagnetic compatibility protection
It meets the requirements of GB18387 "Limit value and measurement method of electromagnetic field radiation intensity of electric vehicles", which can avoid the external electromagnetic interference to the vehicle's electronic system (such as autonomous driving controller, on-board radar), and prevent the radiation of the vehicle itself from affecting the surrounding equipment (such as navigation signal, medical instrument).
3. Information security upgrades
The upcoming GB44495 standard mandates that vehicles must implement external connectivity security measures (including Bluetooth/Wi-Fi encryption), data transmission encryption, and software update traceability to address emerging risks such as cyber attacks and privacy breaches. A previous automotive manufacturer's failure to protect in-vehicle system vulnerabilities, which allowed hackers to remotely control vehicles, will be completely eliminated through the new certification requirements.
3.Production consistency control: eliminate "qualified samples, unqualified batches"
CCC certification is not a "lifetime certificate". The certification body will carry out annual inspection and supervision on the certified enterprises every year, focusing on verifying the "consistency between the products produced and the type test samples". The inspection contents include:
Consistency of key components: such as engine model and airbag supplier must be completely consistent with the certification list, and unauthorized replacement will lead to suspension of the certificate;
Production process stability: welding strength, coating thickness and other key processes should maintain the technical parameters of certification;
Inspection capability maintenance: factory inspection equipment (such as brake performance tester) should be calibrated regularly, and inspection records should be kept for at least 5 years.
4. Protection of Consumer Rights and Interests: Visible quality commitment
The CCC logo is not only a compliance symbol, but also an important basis for consumers to safeguard their rights:
1. Authenticity can be checked: Consumers can input the vehicle VIN code on the official website of the National Certification and Accreditation Administration (www.cnca.gov. cn) to check the status of the certification certificate, applicable standards and other information, so as to avoid buying "assembled cars" and "imported cars";
2. Accountability: If the certified vehicle has a general quality problem, the certification body will start the traceability procedure and urge the enterprise to implement the recall;
3. Risk warning: uncertified vehicles are not eligible for the three guarantees service. Once an accident occurs, the insurance company can refuse to settle the claim based on "non-compliance with mandatory standards". A court once ruled that the owner of an uncertified modified car should bear 90% of the responsibility for a collision.
As China's mandatory quality supervision system, CCC certification serves dual roles: acting as both the "stabilizer" for the automotive industry's healthy development and the "guardian" ensuring consumer safety in mobility. With the ongoing transformation towards intelligent and electrified vehicles, this certification framework will continue evolving, providing robust support for China's transition from a major automobile producer to a global automotive powerhouse.
If you want to know more about CCC certification, please feel free to contact Zhongle Certification, we have a professional team to provide you with detailed consultation, certification services!
Tel: 13417442373(Wechat)
E-mail: finny.zhou@zhongletest.com
Teams:nancy.le@zhongletest.com
