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(Last updated: 04 Feb 2008)
The Chinese authorities have differing product certification, labelling and packaging requirements in place for specific imported products. It is important that products comply with the specific product requirements, so that products are not refused or delayed entry into China.
Some of the main challenges that Australian exporters may face include obtaining a clear definition of Chinese laws, the time invested to meet certain standards, and inconsistencies in China’s administration of technical standards.
Product certification
China’s General Administration for Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) administers the product certification, inspection, and quarantine procedures. Some general information can be found on the English translation of the AQSIQ website.
A summary overview of some key certification requirements are as follows:
The China Compulsory Certification (CCC) mark is the Quality and Safety mark that was made fully effective in China on 1 August 2003. This requires manufacturers of particular products to obtain the CCC mark before exporting to, or selling products in the China market. This certification is required for most electrical/electronic products, automotive products and other products related to health and safety. Exporters should be aware that this system requires on-site inspections of manufacturing facilities in Australia in which manufacturers may have to bear the cost. Please refer to China Compulsory Certification for more information on CCC mark and product categories.
Effective from 1 March 2007, the new Restrictions on Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Law, was implemented to restrict and control the use of hazardous and toxic substances in the manufacturing of ‘electronic information products’. Please refer to a translated version of the product categories at Ministry of Information Industry of the PRC.
Exports of cosmetic products to China need to be accompanied by a health certificate from the Chinese Ministry of Health (MOH). This requires international safety assessments and data related to ingredients to be conducted in accordance with the Chinese Cosmetic Hygiene Ordinance.
A Phytosanitary Certificate is required for most plants and plant products imported into China.
Labelling
Specific Chinese labelling is required by the China Entry-Exit Quarantine and Inspection (CIQ) bureau for specific imported goods – most often consumer goods. The Chinese language label has to meet China’s laws, regulations and compulsory standards. Chinese label verification is conducted by CIQ together with product inspection and quarantine. For general information about the China Entry-Exit Quarantine and Inspection bureau, please refer to the AQSIQ website.
What is required?
China’s labelling requirements vary according to the type of imported product. For information on food and beverage labelling requirements for China, please refer to Austrade’s 'Food and beverage to China' profile.
All products must be labelled in the Chinese language (simplified Chinese), and some products require both Chinese and English. It is compulsory for the Chinese label to be printed or fixed on the package prior to shipment arriving into a Chinese port.
Given the challenges of translating and interpreting Chinese labelling regulatory information, and frequent CIQ policy amendments, it is encouraged that exporters reconfirm labelling requirements with their importer or agent prior to dispatch of goods for export.
Processing time?
From 1 April 2006, pre-examination and pre-approval of labels were cancelled. Chinese labels should be applied on the package of food and cosmetics prior to the shipment departure for China. The Quarantine and Inspection Authority at the local port in China will verify the Chinese label as part of the process of quarantine inspection. If the Chinese label is not applied, or the Chinese label does not meet the laws, regulations and standards required, the shipment batch will be defined as unqualified and will be sent to a designated warehouse under supervision of AQSIQ departments for label correction.
How much will it cost?
In China, the costs associated with arranging a Chinese label can vary significantly. This is due to the fact that Chinese regulations are changeable, and also some charges by Chinese Customs are calculated as a percentage of the value of the goods imported. The fee charged by the authorities includes product inspection, quarantine and label verification.
Packaging
All wood packaging material must be treated and certified according to the internationally agreed standard ISPM 15. This regulation was implemented by AQSIQ on 1 June 2005.
In addition, Australia requires a packaging declaration from the supplier/exporter indicating that the wood packaging material is bark-free.
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