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Your One-stop Certification solution!

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.

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.

Initial Certification Process of the CQC-Certification and CCAP-Certification

1

Application

2

Issuance of the factory code

3

Product testing in China

4

Factory inspection/audit

5

Issuance of the certificate

6

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.

china-certification-centre-for-automotive-products-logo
china-quality-certification-center-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.

Your One-Stop Certification Solution.

Our complete package for product certifications for China.

Personal support by one of our experienced consultants

Application preparation and communication with the Chinese authorities and test labs

Performance of a pre-audit

Preparation and support of the factory audit (including interpreter if needed)

Carrying out the necessary product tests in China

Advice on the marking of your products

Organization of the annual follow-up audit

Information on product-specific regulatory updates

Contact us!

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Download the free CQC- and CCAP-Certification booklet!

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CQC certification and CCAP Certification Overview

Validity of the certificateusually 5 or 10 years (depending on regulations)
(provided that the annual follow-up audit is passed)
Initial certification timingFor initial certification: approx. 3-4 months
For certificate extensions: approx. 8-12 weeks
MarkingProducts 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 processRequalification audit at factory and CoP testing are required annually.

CQC certification and CCAP Certification FAQ

Does my product need a CCC or voluntary CCAP/CQC certification?

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.

What is the best way to prepare for the CCAP or CQC certification?

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.

Which plants need to be audited for voluntary CCAP/CQC Mark certification?

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.

How long does the certification process take?

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.

How do I have to label my products after voluntary CCAP or CQC certification?

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.

How long is the CCAP certificate or CQC certificate valid?

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.

Does the Quality Manager or any other person in the company need a special qualification to conduct the CCAP or CQC approval?

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).

As a voluntarily certified company, will I be informed about changes in the regulations by the Chinese authorities CCAP and CQC?

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 CQC/ CCAP certification in the Automotive Sector

Product TypeCertification TypeNorms
Restraint articles for children occupants of motor vehiclesVoluntaryCCAP-GZ-5830:2021
Motor vehicle horns and hornsVoluntaryCCAP-SB-3721:2018A
CQC16-491283-2018/
CQC16-491283-2022
Reflectors for motor vehiclesVoluntaryCCAP-GZ-4135:2018
CQC16-491286-2018/
CQC16-491286-2022
Brake hose for motor vehiclesVoluntaryCCAP-SB-3561:2018A/
CCAP-SB-3561:2022
CQC16-491284-2018/
CQC16-491284-2022
Interior trimmingVoluntaryCCAP-GZ-5101:2020
CQC16-491264-2018/
CQC16-491264-2022
Door locks and hinges for motor vehiclesVoluntaryCCAP-GZ-6105:2019
CQC16-491289-2018/
CQC16-491289-2022
Fuel tanks for motor vehicles VoluntaryCCAP-GZ-1101:2021
CQC16-491285-2018/
CQC16-491285-2022
Motor-Vehicles EngineVoluntaryCCAP-SB-1041-2009A
CQC16-431211-2018
Car steering wheelVoluntaryCCAP-SB-3402-2006B
CQC13-491276-2010
EngineVoluntaryCCAP-GZ-1000:2021
CQC16-491262-2018
Motorcycle engineVoluntaryCCAP-SBM-1000:2018
CQC16-431211-2018
General gas spring for automobilesVoluntaryCCAP-SB-2930-2003
CQC16-491291-2010
Car lighting and light signal deviceVoluntaryCCAP-CAMRA-003:2020
Auto Windshield WiperVoluntaryCCAP-SB-5205-2014B
CQC16-491263-2018
Auto Windshield WasherVoluntaryCCAP-SB-5207-2014
CQC16-491263-2018
WheelVoluntaryCCAP-SB-3101-2012B
WheelVoluntaryCQC16-491292-2018
Steering lock with ignition switchVoluntaryCCAP-SB-3795-2003
CQC16-469222-2010
Car alternatorVoluntaryCCAP-SB-3701-2005
CQC16-469121-2010
Car starter motorVoluntaryCCAP-SB-3708-2005
CQC16-469113-2010
Lead-acid battery for car startVoluntaryCQC16-464213-2014
Car exhaust mufflerVoluntaryCCAP-SB-1201-2010A
CQC16-491293-2010
Triangular warning signVoluntaryCCAP-SB-3926-2016A
CQC16-429991-2020
Automotive air conditioning refrigeration unitVoluntaryCCAP-GZ-8100-2021
Refrigeration compressor for automobile air conditionerVoluntaryCCAP-GZ-8103:2021
Automotive air-conditioning (HFC-134a) hoses and hose assembliesVoluntaryCCAP-SB-8108-2006A
Automotive air-conditioning (HFC-134a) sealsVoluntaryCCAP-SB-8125-2011
Thermal expansion valve for automobile air conditioner (HFC-134a)VoluntaryCCAP-SB-8106-2003
CQC16-491295-2018
Liquid storage dryer for automobile air conditioner (HFC-134a)VoluntaryCCAP-SB-8109-2003
CQC16-491295-2018
Liquid gas separator for automobile air conditioner (HFC-134a)VoluntaryCCAP-SB-8122-2003
CQC16-491295-2018
Air conditioning equipment of Motor VehiclesVoluntaryCQC16-491295-2018
Automobile BrakesVoluntaryCCAP-SB-3501-2011B
CQC16-491265-2018
Brake master cylinderVoluntaryCCAP-SB-3505-2009A
CQC16-491266-2018
Shock absorberVoluntaryCCAP-SB-2905-2010A
CQC16-491272-2010
Automotive connectorsVoluntaryCQC16-471842-2010
Automobile universal joint cross shaft assemblyVoluntaryCQC16-491275-2010
Automobile hub bearingVoluntaryCQC16-491274-2010
Constant velocity joint for automobile and its assemblyVoluntaryCQC16-491273-2010
Vehicle power batteryVoluntaryCCAP-GZ-3703:2020
Power Batteries Used in VehicleVoluntaryCQC12-464221-2017
Battery and charger for electric bicycleVoluntaryCCAP-GZ-464204:2021
Road vehicles and components (ESA)VoluntaryCQC15-491103-2018
Passenger car tire pressure monitoring systemVoluntaryCQC16-491277-2018
Car speedometerVoluntaryCQC16-482643-2018
Brake linings for automobilesVoluntaryCQC16-491278-2019
Reflective vest for motor vehicle passengersVoluntaryCQC16-267111-2021
Automotive LiDARVoluntaryCQC16-474031-2022
DC/DC Converter for Electric Vehicles VoluntaryCQC16-491279-2022
Functional Safety of Road vehicles VoluntaryCQC11-491104-2022
Fuel cell stack for fuel cell electric vehicleVoluntaryCQC11-464121-2020
Electric bicycle non-metallic materials and partsVoluntaryCCAP-GZ-5561-2019
Reflective undershirt for automobile occupantsVoluntaryCCAP-GZ-28225:2021
Rubber and plastic sealing strips for automobilesVoluntaryCCAP-SB-5206-2009A
Reflector for BicycleVoluntaryCCAP-GZ-499420:2020
Automotive Covering Parts (Plastic Parts)VoluntaryCCAP-CAMRA-004:2020
Electric bicycle occupant helmetVoluntaryCCAP-GZ-369711:2021
High-strength bolts and nuts for automobilesVoluntaryCCAP-SB-9001-2012
Wire rope assemblies for cranesVoluntaryCCAP-SB-3907-2018
Earthmoving machine dump truckVoluntaryCCAP-SB-0009-2014
Internal Combustion Engine Connecting RodVoluntaryCCAP-SB-1004-2011
Automobile engine oil pumpVoluntaryCCAP-SB-1011-2003
Internal combustion engine valve springVoluntaryCCAP-SB-1040-2010
Diesel engine fuel injection deviceVoluntaryCCAP-SB-1111-2011B
Truck-mounted craneVoluntaryCCAP-GZ-43521:2019
Emergency and Standby Diesel Generating SetVoluntaryCCAP-GZ-469120:2021
Car reversing alarmVoluntaryCCAP-SB-3776-2003
Automotive Central Electrical Junction BoxVoluntaryCCAP-SB-4016-2004
Car signal flasherVoluntaryCCAP-SB-4136-2003
Automotive glass lifterVoluntaryCCAP-SB-5204-2012C
Bicycle lighting and light signal deviceVoluntaryCCAP-GZ-469130:2020
Instruments for automobiles and motorcyclesVoluntaryCCAP-SB-3800-2008A
Automotive Green Products-Passenger CarsVoluntaryCCAP-SB-0010-2017
Automotive Green Products-Pure Electric Passenger CarsVoluntaryCCAP-SB-0011-2017
Automotive Green Products-Plug-in Hybrid Electric Passenger CarsVoluntaryCCAP-SB-0012-2017
Air filters for automobilesVoluntaryCCAP-SB-1109-2008B
Gas Vehicle Special PartsVoluntaryCCAP-SB-1151-2010A
Automotive Engine Cooling Water PumpVoluntaryCCAP-SB-1307-2003
Auto Fan and Fan ClutchVoluntaryCCAP-SB-1308-2008B
Automotive dry friction clutchVoluntaryCCAP-SB-1601-2005
Automotive mechanical transmission assemblyVoluntaryCCAP-SB-1700-2011
Automotive Drive Shaft AssembliesVoluntaryCCAP-SB-2200-2012
Automotive Half-shaftVoluntaryCCAP-SB-2303-2003 
Automotive Drive AxleVoluntaryCCAP-SB-2400-2003
Automotive Steel Plate Spring AssemblyVoluntaryCCAP-SB-2901-2010
Automotive front axleVoluntaryCCAP-SB-3000-2003
Automotive mechanical steering gearVoluntaryCCAP-SB-3401-2003
Brake Discs for AutomobilesVoluntaryCCAP-GZ-3503:2020
Automotive Vacuum BoosterVoluntaryCCAP-SB-3510-2003
Air dryer for automotive air brake systemVoluntaryCCAP-SB-3555-2003
Passenger door pump for passenger carVoluntaryCCAP-SB-6711-2003
Auto sun visorVoluntaryCCAP-SB-8204-2006
Motorcycle exhaust mufflerVoluntaryCCAP-SBM-1208-2009A
Motorcycle shock absorberVoluntaryCCAP-SBM-2905-2007
Motorcycle wheelsVoluntaryCCAP-SBM-3101-2011B
Motorcycle RimsVoluntaryCCAP-SBM-3113-2010B
Motorcycle BrakesVoluntaryCCAP-SBM-3501-2007
Motorcycle cableVoluntaryCCAP-SBM-3570-2003
Motorcycle Anti-theft DeviceVoluntaryCCAP-SBM-3778-2003
Auto Air Conditioner FilterVoluntaryCCAP-GZ-1109:2019
Electric Bicycle ControllerVoluntaryCCAP-GZ-499422:2020
Car lifting tailgateVoluntaryCCAP-GZ-491293:2020
Frame, Fork and Handle of Electric BicycleVoluntaryCCAP-GZ-49942:2021
BicycleVoluntaryCCAP-GZ-49921:2021
Energy-saving and Environment-friendly CarsVoluntaryCCAP-SB-0014-2014C
Webbings for Safety BeltsVoluntaryCCAP-SB-5811-2017
Engines of Non-road Mobile MachineryVoluntaryCCAP-GZ-431100:2022
Parts of Baby Carriage productsVoluntaryCCAP-GZ-499421:2022

Non-Automotive Products that can obtain voluntary CQC/ CCAP certification

Product TypeCertification TypeNormsGB StandardsGB Description
Welding machinesVoluntaryCQC11-442551-2018GB/T 15579.6-2018Arc welding equipment - Part 6: Load limiting devices
Welding machinesVoluntaryCQC11-442551-2018GB/T 15578-2008Safety requirements for resistance welding machines
Welding machinesVoluntaryCQC11-442551-2018GB/T 10235-2012Protective device against electric shock for arc welding power sources
Welding machinesVoluntaryCQC11-442551-2018GB/T 15579.12-2012Arc welding equipment - Part 12: Welding cable couplers
Welding machinesVoluntaryCQC11-442551-2018GB/T 15579.5-2013Arc welding equipment - Part 5: Wire feeders
Welding machinesVoluntaryCQC11-442551-2018GB/T 15579.7-2013Arc welding equipment - Part 7: Welding torches (guns)
Welding machinesVoluntaryCQC11-442551-2018GB/T 15579.11-2012Arc welding equipment - Part 11: Electric welding guns
Safety Certification Rules for plugs, socket-outlets and couplers for industrial
purposes
VoluntaryCQC11-462298-2018GB/T 11918.1-2014Industrial plugs, socket-outlets and couplers - Part 1: General requirements
Safety Certification Rules for plugs, socket-outlets and couplers for industrial
VoluntaryCQC11-462298-2018GB/T 11918.2-2014Industrial 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
VoluntaryCQC11-462298-2018GB/T 11918.4-2014Industrial plugs, socket-outlets and couplers - Part 4: Switchable sockets and connectors with or without interlocks