Any organization that is doing business in the global marketplace knows how important it is to understand the voluntary standards and technical regulations (mandatory standards) in a target market. Some of the questions commonly asked by organizations that are entering the People’s Republic of China are shown below, along with answers and resources that can help facilitate an understanding of applicable standards and regulations.
Where can I find Chinese voluntary standards and technical regulations (mandatory requirements)?
The Standardization Administration of China (SAC) is China’s national standards authority. SAC maintains a centralized database with China’s national voluntary standards and technical regulations.
- Quick tips:
- To search this database, please use your product’s International Classification System(ICS) code.
- There are four classes of Chinese voluntary and mandatory standards. Designations that begin with “GB” are mandatory (technical regulations) and the titles that begin with “GB/T” are voluntary.
- Purchase and download Chinese national “GB” standards online
In addition to the Chinese voluntary standards and technical regulations promulgated by SAC, other Chinese government organizations, private sector organizations and local authorities also develop voluntary and mandatory standards for specific industries.
Finally, the World Trade Organization national inquiry points in each country can also help to identify all classes of voluntary standards and technical regulations for your product
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How will I know if Chinese voluntary standards are being updated?
The SAC maintains a standardization work plan for national voluntary standards.
( Coming Soon )
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How will I know if technical regulations (mandatory standards) are being updated?
Under the WTO’s Technical Barriers to Trade (WTO-TBT) Agreement, each member nation is required to notify the WTO Secretariat of all proposed new technical regulations or changes to technical regulations that will significantly affect trade and that are not based on international standards. This requirement can help exporters to quickly and efficiently stay apprised of changes and to provide comments on the requirements of their customers.
The
WTO National Inquiry Point in the U.S. has developed
Notify U.S. a free, web-based e-mail subscription service that offers U.S. entities (citizens, industries, organizations) an opportunity to review and comment on proposed foreign technical regulations that can affect their businesses and their access to international markets.
There is usually a 60-day comment period before the technical regulation is adopted. Relevant comments will be considered from other WTO members and a six-month period will apply before the technical regulation enters into force.
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