China Announces 2026 Standards Updates for CCC-Related Products
13. August 2026China has published several new national standards covering road vehicles, lithium-ion batteries for toys, compressed hydrogen cylinders, and automotive steel products. For products subject to China Compulsory Certification (CCC), manufacturers and importers should assess whether the new standards affect existing testing, certification documentation, or future market access requirements.
The standards include mandatory GB standards as well as recommended standards and technical guidance documents, reflecting ongoing updates to China’s regulatory framework for automotive safety, battery safety, hydrogen equipment, and vehicle materials. Relevant product categories usually require CCC certification in order to be approved for import and sale in China.
New Requirements for Road Vehicles and Lithium-Ion Batteries
The mandatory standard GB 34660-2026, Road Vehicles – Requirements and Test Methods of Electromagnetic Compatibility, was published on February 27, 2026. It will take effect on July 1, 2027, fully replacing GB 34660-2017. The standard addresses electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements and associated test methods for road vehicles.
Manufacturers supplying vehicles to the Chinese market should review the revised EMC standard and determine whether changes to vehicle designs, testing procedures, technical documentation, or CCC certification activities will be necessary before implementation.
China has also published GB 31241.4-2026, Safety of Lithium Ion Cells and Batteries Used in Electronic and Electrical Equipment – Part 4: Toys. The mandatory standard was issued on March 31, 2026, and will become effective on April 1, 2027. Manufacturers of toys and associated lithium-ion batteries should assess the new safety requirements and their relevance to applicable CCC certification procedures.
Hydrogen Cylinders and Automotive Steel Standards Updated
Another publication is GB/Z 168-2026, covering large-capacity fully wrapped carbon-fiber-reinforced compressed hydrogen cylinders with plastic liners. Published on February 27, 2026, the document is currently valid as a national standardization guiding technical document. It non-equivalently adopts ISO 11515:2022, which addresses the design, construction, and testing of refillable composite reinforced tubes with water capacities from 450 to 3,000 liters.
China has additionally issued GB/T 3273-2026 for hot-rolled steel sheet and strip used in automobile frames. The recommended national standard will take effect on October 1, 2026, fully replacing GB/T 3273-2015.
Companies supplying affected products or components should distinguish between mandatory GB requirements, recommended GB/T standards, and GB/Z guidance documents. Where products fall within the applicable CCC catalogue, the new or revised standards should also be reviewed in connection with certification, testing, and transition arrangements for access to the Chinese market.
For more information on how CCC certification, Battery Registration for China, the CCC Self-Declaration and voluntary CCAP or CQC certification may affect your company, or for more information about CCC certification in general, please visit our News Section where you will find current updates twice a week.
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