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CQC Certification and CCAP Certification
Many products that do not fall under the mandatory CCC certification can obtain a CQC or CCAP certification on a voluntary basis. Voluntary product certifications provide an indication to distributors and/or the end user in China that a certified product meets Chinese quality standards and corresponding GB standards. The voluntary certification increases a product’s competitiveness in the Chinese market. National quality labels have a much greater significance in the People’s Republic of China than similar quality markings in Europe or the US (for example the CE or UL logos).
It is called a “voluntary” certification because the requirement of certification does not come from the Chinese authorities. In most cases, the requirement comes from the end customer or the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer). The voluntary certification is especially common requirement for components in the automotive industry. OEM’s will require that component manufacturers obtain a voluntary CQC certificate or CCAP certificate for their products for homologations of their vehicles. They will also typically ask for a voluntary certification in addition to the mandatory CCC self-declaration to show continued annual compliance to the relevant Chinese standards.
From July 1, 2024 CAV certificates from the Certification Alliance for Vehicle will be issued instead of CQC or CCAP certificates for numerous product areas. The application continues through CCAP and CQC.
The voluntary certification process is similar to the CCC certification. Implementation Rules and GB standards define the requirements. Factory audits and product tests are essential to the voluntary CQC or CCAP Mark certification.
Which Authorities are responsible for the CQC-Certification and CCAP-Certification?
There are several authorities in China that issue voluntary certificates. The two most common and largest authorities for voluntary certification are the China Certification Centre for Automotive Products Co, Ltd. (Chinese: 中汽认证中心有限公司), also known as CCAP, and the China Quality Certification Centre (Chinese: 中国质量认证中心, ) also known as CQC. The voluntary certifications are officially named after the issuing authorities, in each case: CCAP Voluntary Certification or CQC Voluntary Certification.
The CCAP authority specializes in automotive components and certifies automotive products for CCC certification and voluntary CCAP Mark certification. The CQC authority can certify most products requiring CCC certification and offers voluntary CQC certification too. Both authorities can provide the voluntary certification. The voluntary CQC certificates and voluntary CCAP certificates have an equivalent status to CCC as “Voluntary Certification” in China.
All Chinese authorities responsible for vehicle components and the entire vehicle have joined the Certification Alliance for Vehicle (CAV). These authorities include in particular the largest authorities, China Certification Center for Automotive Products Co., Ltd. (CCAP) and the China Quality Certification Center (CQC). These authorities are still responsible for the certification process, but the certificates for many product areas are now issued by CAV.
Initial Certification Process of the CQC-Certification and CCAP-Certification
Application
Issuance of the factory code
Product testing in China
Factory inspection/audit
Issuance of the certificate
Marking with the authority logo (optional)
To maintain the validity of the voluntary certificates, a follow-up inspection must take place annually. In addition, CoP tests (CoP = Conformity of Production) must be conducted.
Voluntary CQC Certification and CCAP Certification Marking
The product may be marked after receipt of the certificate. For CQC approval, a marking permission must also be applied for. CQC and CCAP marking is optional for voluntary certification. Please note CCC and CCC Self-Declaration markings are mandatory for products that require CCC and CCC Self-Declaration.
The voluntary CCAP Mark certification and CQC Mark certification each have their own logo, which may only be applied to the products after receipt of the valid certificate.
There are certain requirements regarding the diameter, size and color of the logo.
In most cases, the end customer or OEM does not want the voluntary certification logo to be marked on the products. We recommend an early coordination with the end customer to clarify all open points regarding the product marking.
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Application preparation and communication with the Chinese authorities and test labs
Performance of a pre-audit
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Advice on the marking of your products
Organization of the annual follow-up audit
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CQC certification and CCAP Certification Overview
Validity of the certificate | usually 5 or 10 years (depending on regulations) (provided that the annual follow-up audit is passed) |
Initial certification timing | For initial certification: approx. 3-4 months For certificate extensions: approx. 8-12 weeks |
Marking | Products can be optionally marked with the CCAP or CQC logo. There is no marking requirement from the Chinese authorities. |
Tests required? | Yes |
Factory audit required? | Yes |
Follow-up process | Requalification audit at factory and CoP testing are required annually. |
CQC certification and CCAP Certification FAQ
Many end customers request CCC certification from their suppliers. However, for many products there is no longer the option to CCC certify the products. If products are no longer listed in the CCC catalogue, it is possible to check if the product can obtain a voluntary CCAP registration or CQC registration instead. Many OEMs (especially automotive OEMs) require their suppliers to obtain a voluntary certification (often in additional to a mandatory CCC Self-Declaration).
It is advisable to first perform a general CCC check and then discuss whether voluntary CCAP or voluntary CQC certification can be offered for the products. We will be happy to support you in the review of your products.
Product testing for CCAP Mark approval and CQC Mark approval is performed according to product-specific GB standards. Many GB standards are similar to the ECE standards. However, it is recommended to review the Chinese product standards and the related Implementation Rules of the certification before starting the process.
The production plant must be audited which conducts the last quality assurance step on the product. A value-add process must occur prior to the final inspection for the location to be qualified. If a product goes through different production steps at several production locations, it is not always clear which plant is responsible for the voluntary CCAP/CQC approval. There are several considerations to consider when determining where the certification will be needed. It is important to correctly make the determination of which location will be certified prior to the application.
The certification duration can vary depending on the product. At the start of the certification process, it is important to have at least some production at the location and to be able to produce the required test samples.
In the automotive sector, an initial certification usually takes approx. 3-4 months.
There is no marking obligation for voluntary CQC or CCAP approval. If marking is required, the product may be marked after receiving the CCAP or CQC certificate. For CQC certification, a marking permission must also be applied for.
Voluntary CCAP and voluntary CQC certification each have their own unique logo: the CCAP logo and CQC logo. Certain requirements apply regarding the diameter, size and color of the logo. Incorrectly marked products may cause problems.
In most cases, the end customer or OEM does not want the logo to be marked on the product. Early coordination with the end customer is recommended here.
There is an expiration period for all certificates, which is usually 5 or 10 years (depending on regulations). Timely renewal should be applied for prior to expiration. We recommend submitting the prolongation application 3 months before.
The certificate remains valid as long as the annual follow-up certification (including audits and COP tests) are successfully completed and product changes are appropriately reported to the Chinese authority. Since annual follow-up audits include a factory audit, it is advisable to start the planning and application as early as possible.
Generally, no additional special training or qualification is required for voluntary the CCAP / CQC registration. The Quality Manager should familiarize him or herself with the requirements according to the Chinese GB standards and corresponding Implementation Rules before the audit. We also can offer CCC training (individually or as a team).
No, the Chinese authority does not see itself as a service provider and therefore does not keep certificate holders informed about regulatory changes or updated requirements to maintain certificate validity. Additionally changes in regulations and requirements are only published in Chinese.
Companies that do not work with a service provider must inform themselves on the website of the authorities and familiarize themselves with the regulations. This is important, because your certificates may be cancelled if required updates are not made due to new regulations.
Products that can obtain voluntary CAV certification in the Automotive Sector
Product Type | Certification Type | Norms | CAV Norms |
Reflectors for motor vehicles | Voluntary | CCAP-GZ-4135:2018 CQC16-491286-2018 | CAV-02-2023 |
Interior trimming | Voluntary | CCAP-GZ-5101:2020 CQC16-491264-2018 | CAV-05-2023 |
Fuel tanks for motor vehicles | Voluntary | CCAP-GZ-1101:2021 CQC16-491285-2018 | CAV-06-2023 |
Door locks and hinges for motor vehicles | Voluntary | CCAP-GZ-6105:2019 CQC16-491289-2018 | CAV-07-2023 |
Brake hoses for motor vehicles | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-3561:2018A CQC16-491284-2018 | CAV-08-2023 |
Motor vehicle horns | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-3721:2018A CQC16-491283-2018 | CAV-09-2023 |
Products that can obtain voluntary CQC/ CCAP certification in the Automotive Sector
Product Type | Certification Type | Norms |
Restraint articles for children occupants of motor vehicles | Voluntary | CCAP-GZ-5830:2021 |
Motor-Vehicles Engine | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-1041-2009A CQC16-431211-2018 |
Car steering wheel | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-3402-2006B CQC13-491276-2010 |
Engine | Voluntary | CCAP-GZ-1000:2021 CQC16-491262-2018 |
Motorcycle engine | Voluntary | CCAP-SBM-1000:2018 CQC16-431211-2018 |
General gas spring for automobiles | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-2930-2003 CQC16-491291-2010 |
Car lighting and light signal device | Voluntary | CCAP-CAMRA-003:2020 |
Auto Windshield Wiper | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-5205-2014B CQC16-491263-2018 |
Auto Windshield Washer | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-5207-2014 CQC16-491263-2018 |
Wheel | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-3101-2012B |
Wheel | Voluntary | CQC16-491292-2018 |
Steering lock with ignition switch | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-3795-2003 CQC16-469222-2010 |
Car alternator | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-3701-2005 CQC16-469121-2010 |
Car starter motor | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-3708-2005 CQC16-469113-2010 |
Lead-acid battery for car start | Voluntary | CQC16-464213-2014 |
Car exhaust muffler | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-1201-2010A CQC16-491293-2010 |
Triangular warning sign | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-3926-2016A CQC16-429991-2020 |
Automotive air conditioning refrigeration unit | Voluntary | CCAP-GZ-8100-2021 |
Refrigeration compressor for automobile air conditioner | Voluntary | CCAP-GZ-8103:2021 |
Automotive air-conditioning (HFC-134a) hoses and hose assemblies | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-8108-2006A |
Automotive air-conditioning (HFC-134a) seals | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-8125-2011 |
Thermal expansion valve for automobile air conditioner (HFC-134a) | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-8106-2003 CQC16-491295-2018 |
Liquid storage dryer for automobile air conditioner (HFC-134a) | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-8109-2003 CQC16-491295-2018 |
Liquid gas separator for automobile air conditioner (HFC-134a) | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-8122-2003 CQC16-491295-2018 |
Air conditioning equipment of Motor Vehicles | Voluntary | CQC16-491295-2018 |
Automobile Brakes | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-3501-2011B CQC16-491265-2018 |
Brake master cylinder | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-3505-2009A CQC16-491266-2018 |
Shock absorber | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-2905-2010A CQC16-491272-2010 |
Automotive connectors | Voluntary | CQC16-471842-2010 |
Automobile universal joint cross shaft assembly | Voluntary | CQC16-491275-2010 |
Automobile hub bearing | Voluntary | CQC16-491274-2010 |
Constant velocity joint for automobile and its assembly | Voluntary | CQC16-491273-2010 |
Vehicle power battery | Voluntary | CCAP-GZ-3703:2020 |
Power Batteries Used in Vehicle | Voluntary | CQC12-464221-2017 |
Battery and charger for electric bicycle | Voluntary | CCAP-GZ-464204:2021 |
Road vehicles and components (ESA) | Voluntary | CQC15-491103-2018 |
Passenger car tire pressure monitoring system | Voluntary | CQC16-491277-2018 |
Car speedometer | Voluntary | CQC16-482643-2018 |
Brake linings for automobiles | Voluntary | CQC16-491278-2019 |
Reflective vest for motor vehicle passengers | Voluntary | CQC16-267111-2021 |
Automotive LiDAR | Voluntary | CQC16-474031-2022 |
DC/DC Converter for Electric Vehicles | Voluntary | CQC16-491279-2022 |
Functional Safety of Road vehicles | Voluntary | CQC11-491104-2022 |
Fuel cell stack for fuel cell electric vehicle | Voluntary | CQC11-464121-2020 |
Electric bicycle non-metallic materials and parts | Voluntary | CCAP-GZ-5561-2019 |
Reflective undershirt for automobile occupants | Voluntary | CCAP-GZ-28225:2021 |
Rubber and plastic sealing strips for automobiles | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-5206-2009A |
Reflector for Bicycle | Voluntary | CCAP-GZ-499420:2020 |
Automotive Covering Parts (Plastic Parts) | Voluntary | CCAP-CAMRA-004:2020 |
Electric bicycle occupant helmet | Voluntary | CCAP-GZ-369711:2021 |
High-strength bolts and nuts for automobiles | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-9001-2012 |
Wire rope assemblies for cranes | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-3907-2018 |
Earthmoving machine dump truck | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-0009-2014 |
Internal Combustion Engine Connecting Rod | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-1004-2011 |
Automobile engine oil pump | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-1011-2003 |
Internal combustion engine valve spring | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-1040-2010 |
Diesel engine fuel injection device | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-1111-2011B |
Truck-mounted crane | Voluntary | CCAP-GZ-43521:2019 |
Emergency and Standby Diesel Generating Set | Voluntary | CCAP-GZ-469120:2021 |
Car reversing alarm | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-3776-2003 |
Automotive Central Electrical Junction Box | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-4016-2004 |
Car signal flasher | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-4136-2003 |
Automotive glass lifter | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-5204-2012C |
Bicycle lighting and light signal device | Voluntary | CCAP-GZ-469130:2020 |
Instruments for automobiles and motorcycles | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-3800-2008A |
Automotive Green Products-Passenger Cars | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-0010-2017 |
Automotive Green Products-Pure Electric Passenger Cars | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-0011-2017 |
Automotive Green Products-Plug-in Hybrid Electric Passenger Cars | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-0012-2017 |
Air filters for automobiles | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-1109-2008B |
Gas Vehicle Special Parts | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-1151-2010A |
Automotive Engine Cooling Water Pump | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-1307-2003 |
Auto Fan and Fan Clutch | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-1308-2008B |
Automotive dry friction clutch | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-1601-2005 |
Automotive mechanical transmission assembly | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-1700-2011 |
Automotive Drive Shaft Assemblies | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-2200-2012 |
Automotive Half-shaft | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-2303-2003 |
Automotive Drive Axle | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-2400-2003 |
Automotive Steel Plate Spring Assembly | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-2901-2010 |
Automotive front axle | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-3000-2003 |
Automotive mechanical steering gear | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-3401-2003 |
Brake Discs for Automobiles | Voluntary | CCAP-GZ-3503:2020 |
Automotive Vacuum Booster | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-3510-2003 |
Air dryer for automotive air brake system | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-3555-2003 |
Passenger door pump for passenger car | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-6711-2003 |
Auto sun visor | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-8204-2006 |
Motorcycle exhaust muffler | Voluntary | CCAP-SBM-1208-2009A |
Motorcycle shock absorber | Voluntary | CCAP-SBM-2905-2007 |
Motorcycle wheels | Voluntary | CCAP-SBM-3101-2011B |
Motorcycle Rims | Voluntary | CCAP-SBM-3113-2010B |
Motorcycle Brakes | Voluntary | CCAP-SBM-3501-2007 |
Motorcycle cable | Voluntary | CCAP-SBM-3570-2003 |
Motorcycle Anti-theft Device | Voluntary | CCAP-SBM-3778-2003 |
Auto Air Conditioner Filter | Voluntary | CCAP-GZ-1109:2019 |
Electric Bicycle Controller | Voluntary | CCAP-GZ-499422:2020 |
Car lifting tailgate | Voluntary | CCAP-GZ-491293:2020 |
Frame, Fork and Handle of Electric Bicycle | Voluntary | CCAP-GZ-49942:2021 |
Bicycle | Voluntary | CCAP-GZ-49921:2021 |
Energy-saving and Environment-friendly Cars | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-0014-2014C |
Webbings for Safety Belts | Voluntary | CCAP-SB-5811-2017 |
Engines of Non-road Mobile Machinery | Voluntary | CCAP-GZ-431100:2022 |
Parts of Baby Carriage products | Voluntary | CCAP-GZ-499421:2022 |
Non-Automotive Products that can obtain voluntary CQC/ CCAP certification
Product Type | Certification Type | Norms | GB Standards | GB Description |
Welding machines | Voluntary | CQC11-442551-2018 | GB/T 15579.6-2018 | Arc welding equipment - Part 6: Load limiting devices |
Welding machines | Voluntary | CQC11-442551-2018 | GB/T 15578-2008 | Safety requirements for resistance welding machines |
Welding machines | Voluntary | CQC11-442551-2018 | GB/T 10235-2012 | Protective device against electric shock for arc welding power sources |
Welding machines | Voluntary | CQC11-442551-2018 | GB/T 15579.12-2012 | Arc welding equipment - Part 12: Welding cable couplers |
Welding machines | Voluntary | CQC11-442551-2018 | GB/T 15579.5-2013 | Arc welding equipment - Part 5: Wire feeders |
Welding machines | Voluntary | CQC11-442551-2018 | GB/T 15579.7-2013 | Arc welding equipment - Part 7: Welding torches (guns) |
Welding machines | Voluntary | CQC11-442551-2018 | GB/T 15579.11-2012 | Arc welding equipment - Part 11: Electric welding guns |
Safety Certification Rules for plugs, socket-outlets and couplers for industrial purposes | Voluntary | CQC11-462298-2018 | GB/T 11918.1-2014 | Industrial plugs, socket-outlets and couplers - Part 1: General requirements |
Safety Certification Rules for plugs, socket-outlets and couplers for industrial | Voluntary | CQC11-462298-2018 | GB/T 11918.2-2014 | Industrial plugs, socket-outlets and couplers - Part 2: Dimensional compatibility and interchangeability requirements for male and female electrical accessories |
Safety Certification Rules for plugs, socket-outlets and couplers for industrial | Voluntary | CQC11-462298-2018 | GB/T 11918.4-2014 | Industrial plugs, socket-outlets and couplers - Part 4: Switchable sockets and connectors with or without interlocks |