What is the process for applying for a China Compulsory Certification (CCC)?

Applying for a CCC mark for your product is a five-step process. Below are the steps for obtaining certification:

1. Apply for CCC certification
2. Product testing
3. Factory inspection
4. Evaluation and approval
5. Follow-up inspection and renewal

The official lead time quoted for the application process is 60 to 90 days, although applications typically exceed this time frame. In practice, the lead time can be as long as four to five months with professional guidance, or six to 18 months without. The total costs of a successful CCC application can reach several thousand U.S. dollars. Costs are incurred at nearly every stage of the application process and depend on the type of product in question; auxiliary costs may come in the form of hiring interpreters and shipping products samples overseas.