The system, called compulsory product certification, features a single set of applicable technical regulations, standards and conformity assessment procedures and fee charts.

The system will take effect on May 1, 2002, while the current certification system will be revoked on May 1, 2003.

The government has announced the first batch of products to be certified by the new system.

The 132 products, including electric tools, household electrical appliances and audio and video apparatus, are vital to the protection of human life, animals and plants, as well as the environment and national security.

"The measure reflects China's intention to completely fulfil its commitments as a World Trade Organization (WTO) member," said Li Changjiang, minister of the State General Administration for Quality Supervision and Inspection and Quarantine.

"We will treat foreign companies and their products the same way domestic products are treated," Li said at a press conference yesterday.

China has made great progress in product certification since its position in the World Standardization Organization was restored, Li said.

Product quality certification, licensing and a registration system were introduced to the country, which has effectively spurred the growth of enterprises and society as a whole.

"However, the problems remain," Li said. "An example is the two sets of certification management systems in compulsory product certification, one targeting domestic products and one for imports and exports," Li said.

Li said new obligatory marks will be applied to catalogue products.

The new compulsory product certification mark is referred to as "China Compulsory Certification." It will replace the two previous marks - the Great Wall mark and the CCIB mark - after the transition period ends.

The system requires that products on the unveiled list apply for certification before they can be advertised, imported or used for any commercial purposes.

The catalogue product certification requires that certain steps be taken, including acceptance of the application, type testing, factory inspection, sampling and testing, evaluation of the certification results and approval of the certification.

(China Daily December 9, 2001)