On August 15, 2025, the Implementing Rules for Compulsory Product Certification: Power Banks, Lithium-ion Batteries and Battery Packs (Trial) (CNCA-C09-02: 2025) (Hereinafter referred to as “the Implementation Rules”) for the China Compulsory Certification (CCC) has come into force. It is issued by the National Certification and Accreditation Administration of China (CNCA) on July 28, 2025.
As the Implementation Rules become effective, the Implementation Rules for Compulsory Product Certification: Electronic Products and Safety Accessories (CNCA-C09-01: 2023) will no longer apply to power banks, lithium-ion batteries and battery packs. The CNCA has mandated that designated certification bodies develop detailed implementation guidelines and file them with the administration before issuing any new certifications.
A key feature of the new regime is a dynamic, risk-based enterprise classification system. Companies will be tiered from A (Excellent) to D (High-risk) based on factory audits, sampling data, and credit records. This system allows for gradual upgrades but also for rapid or cross-tier downgrades, directly impacting inspection frequency. Tier A enterprises will undergo one annual routine inspection, while Tier D manufacturers will face four full unannounced inspections annually.
Oversight is further strengthened by a comprehensive mechanism that manages the entire product lifecycle, from type testing and initial factory inspection to post-certification supervision. This includes randomized production line sampling with mandatory video documentation. Enterprises in Tiers C and D will see their inspection frequency doubled and will be subject to fully unannounced audits.
To fortify safety baselines, the rules introduce rigorous new testing protocols for extreme scenarios. These include a crush test, a thermal abuse test, and an impact test using a 30mm diameter steel ball at 150J of energy, all requiring a non-ignition performance for at least five minutes etc.
A permanent traceability system is another cornerstone of the new rules. Products must bear a permanent mark with a unique certification code, prohibiting the use of removable labels. Starting November 1, 2025, this marking must be done with 950°C-resistant steel engraving, enabling full supply chain tracing from individual cells to final products. Consumers will be able to scan a QR code to verify the complete production history.
The sector is expected to undergo profound restructuring as compliance costs rise structurally. This shift is anticipated to expand the advantages of technologically advanced enterprises and continuously optimize the market ecosystem by curbing cut-throat price competition and driving a transition from scale expansion to quality-and-efficiency development.
For foreign enterprises, proactive engagement is critical. It is advised to immediately consult with accredited certification bodies to implement new procedures, conduct full product and supply chain reviews against the updated safety and relevant national standards of China that have been cited within the Implementation Rules (including but not limited to GB 31241, GB/T 18380 series, GB/T 4943.1 etc.), and establish robust quality systems. Achieving a Tier A or B classification will be crucial to reducing future regulatory burdens.
Strategically, foreign stakeholders are encouraged to feature their CCC certification in marketing communications to transform compliance into a competitive advantage and demonstrate safety and quality leadership in the Chinese market.
The CNCA has confirmed that all existing valid compulsory product certification certificates will remain in effect and will transition naturally to the new framework through processes like certificate renewal, product change, and standard updates.
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