On July 5, 2024, the Standardization Administration of China (SAC) released the Notice on Initiating the Statistical Analysis on the Implementation of Mandatory National Standards (hereinafter referred to as “the Notice”). The exercise can be effectively seen as a follow-up to the Opinions on Establishing a Statistical Analysis and Reporting System for the Implementation of Mandatory Standards, which were issued by SAC on April 25, 2024. Please click here to find out more details. It outlines the requirements for the subjects of the statistical analysis, major considerations, methodology, reporting, and organizational implementation. The key takeaways of the Notice are summarized as follows:
- Subject of the Statistical Analysis: The Notice focuses on all mandatory national standards that have been in effect since 2020, specifically those that had been in place for three years by the end of 2023. An annex at the end of the main Notice provides a list of these eligible standards along with the corresponding competent governmental authorities. In addition to the standards listed, other standards deemed significant by relevant administrative departments under the State Council may also be included in the analysis if they present high risks or have a potentially substantial impact on society.
- Major Considerations: The considerations for this analysis are similar to those used in the official review of mandatory standards conducted every five years, but they are more comprehensive. The analysis must evaluate not only the relevance and primary coordination challenges of the standards but also the restrictions on implementation, the current implementation status, and the associated benefits.
- Methodology: The Notice outlines the methodology for the statistical analysis, including the collection of materials and information, conducting surveys, organizing panel discussions, performing statistical analysis, and ensuring data quality control. Each step has specific requirements to guarantee the accuracy of the final report.
On the same day, SAC also issued the Notice on the Review of National Mandatory Standards in 2024 (hereinafter referred to as “the Review Notice”), which assigned to 24 corresponding authorities for standards in their own fields all the mandatory national standards. The key takeaways of this Review Notice include:
- Legal Basis: The review process is grounded in the Standardization Law of China and the Measures for the Administration of Mandatory National Standards. These regulations mandate that competent authorities assess mandatory national standards within their domains and determine whether to maintain, revise, or withdraw them.
- Basic Requirements: By the end of 2024, all national mandatory standards that have been in effect for five years or have not undergone review for five years must be reviewed.
- Review Perspective: The review should consider relevance, practical implementation, verifiability, timeliness, and coordination issues. The following is a brief summary of each consideration, aligned with specific articles of the Measures. According to the Notice, if the review concludes with a recommendation to withdraw a standard, a comprehensive justification must be provided, and a corresponding transitional period should be specified.
With such actions, MNCs and foreign stakeholders who are interested in the country’s mandatory standards and its management progress shall have more transparency and access to data. Most importantly, the review on mandatory standards is very likely resulting in the revision or changes in the existing standards, which will initiate impact to relevant sectors. Therefor it is recommended to follow up in the review results and related announcements.
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