On September 23, 2026, the National Certification and Accreditation Administration of China (CNCA) issued an announcement to publish two revised China Compulsory Certification (CCC) implementation rules: CNCA-C10-01:2026 Compulsory Certification Implementation Rules — Luminaires (Trial) and CNCA-C10-02:2026 Compulsory Certification Implementation Rules — Ballasts (Trial) (hereinafter referred to as “the New Rules”). The New Rules will become mandatory for relevant CCC certification activities from January 1, 2027.

The New Rules establish product-specific certification procedures for the two categories. For ballasts, the certification mode consists of type testing, initial factory inspection, and post-certification surveillance. Initial factory inspection covers both the factory’s quality assurance capability and product consistency, while post-certification surveillance combines follow-up factory inspection with sample testing taken from the production site or market.

Luminaires generally follow the same certification route, but the new rule introduces additional modes for particular products. Large luminaires meeting specified size or weight conditions may use design appraisal, partial type testing, initial factory inspection, and post-certification surveillance, allowing design review and calculation to replace certain testing items. For luminaires manufactured or imported as a single batch, a separate route of type testing with 100% inspection is available. Under this mode, one sample undergoes type testing while all remaining products in the batch are subject to product consistency checks.    

Under both rules, applicants submit the required certification documentation to a designated certification body, followed by type testing and, where applicable, initial factory inspection. The certification body then evaluates the type-test report, factory inspection results and any corrective actions before making the certification decision. In normal circumstances, a CCC certificate should be issued within 90 days after acceptance of the certification application where all certification requirements are fulfilled.    

A transition period is provided. From the publication of the announcement through December 31, 2026, certification bodies may conduct CCC certification according to either the previous or the new implementation rules, depending on the applicant’s preference. From January 1, 2027, all new certification activities must follow the 2026 rules. Existing valid CCC certificates may continue to be used and do not require immediate replacement; conversion to the new rules will be completed through natural transition, such as when products are changed or certificates are renewed upon expiry.

Foreign manufacturers of luminaires and ballasts supplied to China are therefore advised to review their current CCC arrangements and coordinate with their designated certification bodies before the end of the transition period, particularly where new applications, product changes or certificate renewals are planned.