Title: Guidelines for Implementing Quality Certification Services in Carbon Peaking and Neutrality

On October 17th, the State Administration for Market Regulation issued the Implementation Opinions on Coordinating the Use of Quality Certification Services for Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality. It proposes to comprehensively promote the construction of a certification system for carbon peaking and neutrality, optimize institutional supply, standardize certification implementation, and comprehensively serve the goal of carbon peaking and neutrality.

By 2025, a certification system for carbon peaking and neutrality, combining both direct and indirect carbon involvement, nationally unified implementation, and institutionally initiated efforts, will be substantially established. This system will gradually establish certification systems for direct carbon-related products, such as carbon labeling certification, carbon-related management systems, and service certification. Additionally, it will refine certification systems for indirect carbon-related aspects, including green product certification, energy management system certification, and environmental management system certification. This will initially shape a development pattern where various systems work in synergy, certification markets operate in an orderly manner, applications are widely accepted, and international cooperation is based on mutual recognition and trust. This system will provide scientifically just, accurate, and efficient quality certification technical services for carbon peaking and neutrality.

Key Tasks

·       Accelerate the Establishment of Direct Carbon-related Certification System

In line with the development needs and standardization status of carbon reduction, carbon removal, and carbon disclosure, and focusing on the requirements for low-carbon transformation of industrial and supply chains, establish a robust certification system for direct carbon-related activities based on emission verification. At the product level, systematically establish a nationally unified certification system for product carbon labeling, with unified certification catalogs, implementation rules, and certification marks. Following the principle of "maturity before establishment," gradually conduct certifications for carbon footprints and other carbon labels. Also, gradually establish carbon-related management systems and service certification systems at the organizational and service levels.

·       Coordinate the Indirect Carbon-related Certification System

Give full play to the supportive role of product, management system, and service certifications in enhancing the governance capacity for carbon peaking and neutrality. Focus on the collaborative efforts of industrial and supply chains, and comprehensively improve existing certification systems for green products, energy management systems, environmental management systems, etc. Scientifically combine and comprehensively utilize them for different targets, forming an all-encompassing system for indirect carbon-related certifications.

·       Standardize the Filing of Carbon-related Certification Rules

Strengthen the management of filing carbon-related certification rules for certification bodies. Regarding the compliance and scientificity of certification rules, further clarify filing requirements, enhance quality assessments, and regulate and guide certification bodies in autonomously developing market-oriented and scientifically reasonable carbon-related certification systems.

·       Intensify Innovation and Research Efforts

Vigorously conduct research on carbon-related certification technologies, encouraging collaboration between certification bodies, academia, and industry in various aspects. For different certification targets such as products, organizations, and services, innovate and develop green and low-carbon certification projects that meet market demands, thereby increasing the supply of certification systems.

·       Launch Certification Pilot Demonstrations

Encourage eligible regions and industries to take the lead in practical exploration, based on practice, by initiating pilot projects for product carbon footprints and carbon neutrality certifications in key areas and mature industries. Support leading enterprises in the industry to demonstrate the establishment of a batch of exemplary projects for quality certification services and regional carbon peaking and neutrality.

·       Establish a Certification Evaluation Mechanism

Establish an effectiveness evaluation mechanism for the certification system of carbon peaking and neutrality. Determine quantitative indicators from aspects like advancement and applicability, and regularly assess the construction, implementation, and application effects of the system, promoting continuous improvement of the certification system for carbon peaking and neutrality.

·       Promote the Acceptance of Certification Results

Give full play to the inter-ministerial coordination mechanism for certification accreditation, promoting the establishment of a multi-level acceptance mechanism for carbon peaking and neutrality certification in government, industry, and society. Encourage enterprises, groups, and social organizations to use certification results as evaluation criteria in collective assessments. Promote green credit, green finance, and other initiatives to tilt towards certified enterprises. Through a carbon-inclusive mechanism, cultivate low-carbon behavior among consumers and guide widespread acceptance of certification results in various fields such as international trade, industry management, market procurement, and social governance.

·       Deepen International Exchange and Cooperation

Based on the actual national situation, strengthen international exchange and cooperation in carbon peaking and neutrality certification. Actively participate in the formulation and connection of international carbon-related certification rules and relevant certification reference standards. Actively cultivate internationally-oriented talents and institutions in the certification field, support certification bodies with international market advantages and technological innovation capabilities to participate in international cooperation and mutual recognition. Build internationally renowned certification brands, continuously enhance international influence and discourse power, and promote the establishment of a fair, rational, cooperative, and win-win global climate governance system.

Assurance Measures

·       Strengthen Supervision and Management

Collaborate with relevant departments to strengthen the standardization and guidance of various carbon-related certification evaluation activities. Increase the supervision and inspection of certification agencies through "double random, one public" checks, and enhance the effectiveness and credibility of certification. Take legal actions against illegal certification activities, promptly disclose dishonest information to the public, and incorporate it into the national enterprise credit information disclosure system in accordance with laws and regulations to ensure the effective and standardized implementation of the certification system for carbon peaking and neutrality.

·       Enhance Capacity Building

Give full play to the roles of relevant standardization institutions, certification practitioners, technical research institutions, and higher education institutions. Increase research efforts on certification reference standards, elevate the level of basic research on green and low-carbon technologies, promote innovative development in certification technology, and strengthen the training of talents in green and low-carbon certification. Provide technical support and talent reserves for the certification of carbon peaking and neutrality.

·       Intensify Publicity and Guidance

Conduct various forms of promotional activities to encourage regions and industries to actively utilize quality certification services for carbon peaking and neutrality. Through events such as Quality Month, Quality Certification Promotion Week, and World Accreditation Day, enhance public education on green and low-carbon knowledge. Popularize basic certification knowledge, widely gather consensus, create a driving force, and guide all sectors of society to proactively practice green and low-carbon production and lifestyle. Construct a new pattern of green and low-carbon development through joint construction, governance, and sharing.

State Administration for Market Regulation

October 12, 2023