What is the difference between CCC and CE?

Contrasting CE and CCC Compliance

A manufacturer can ensure compliance with European product legislation and, if necessary, affix the CE marking by utilizing relevant European directives and/or regulations and selecting a harmonised standards, enabling them to access the European market with their products.

However, when it comes to entering the Chinese market with their products, CE marking does not apply.  In China, product safety compliance is governed by a variety of laws, regulations, and standards that ensure the safety and quality of products sold within the country, one of the key certification system is China Compulsory Certification (CCC).

Chinese product compliance (CCC) and European product compliance (CE) are both regulatory frameworks designed to ensure the safety and quality of products sold within their respective regions. However, they have distinct purposes, requirements, and application areas. It is therefore crucial to be aware of the differences between Chinese compliance, based on CCC and EU compliance.

China Compulsory Certification (CCC)

CCC is a mandatory certification system in China, established to ensure that products sold in the Chinese market meet specific safety and quality standards. CCC applies to a wide range of product categories, including electrical and electronic products, automotive components, toys, and more. Manufacturers must obtain CCC certification from Chinese authorities before their products, which fall within the CCC-scope, can be legally sold in China. The process involves testing, assessment, and compliance with relevant Chinese standards. Products that pass CCC certification bear the CCC mark, which signifies compliance with Chinese safety standards. To learn more about CCC and other Chinese compliance services, please use the following link.

Compliance in the European Union

For the European market it is mandatory to obly to the European product safety legislation and one must proof compliance with these legislative requirements. Before products can be placed onto the European market, CE marking on a product is for most products mandatory to prove that it meets the fundamental legal requirements of the relevant Directive(s) and/or Regulation(s).

If the product does not fall under the scope of the CE marking, the General Product Safety Directive 2001/95/EC (GPSD) may apply. The GPSD exists to ensure the safety of non-regulated consumer products before they become available to the masses. Please note, the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) will replace  the current General Product Safety Directive and the Food Imitating Product Directive as from 13 December 2024.

Every new Directive is designed from scratch and is applicable throughout the EU, irrespective of the country. The European Commission drafts the Directives and national authorities complete the inspection process.

In summary

The difference between CCC and CE marking is namely the regional application. CCC is a Chinese product legislation applying to products destined for the Chinese market, while CE is a European legislation for products destined for the European market. Furthermore, CCC certification is typically issued by Chinese authorities, whereas CE certification involves self-declaration by the manufacturer or, in some cases, third-party notified bodies. CCC products display the CCC mark, while CE products bear the CE logo.

Still unsure about the differences between Chinese compliance, CCC, and EU compliance, CE marking? Our experts are happy to help. Whether you’re a manufacturer in China, EU or somewhere else in the world, we can help you perform the entire compliance process to ensure that your products meet the specified safety requirements. Get in touch here.