China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), acting through the Certification and Accreditation Administration (CNCA), has released revised China Compulsory Certification (CCC) implementation rules for luminaires (CNCA-C10-01:2026) and ballasts (CNCA-C10-02:2026). Both rules were published on September 23, 2026 and will apply to all CCC certification activities for these products from January 1, 2027. The update tightens requirements for factory quality assurance, product consistency, sampling, and post-certification supervision, and introduces three certification modes for luminaires. CCC certificates that have already been issued and remain valid may continue to be used.
Products and Standards Covered
The two rules cover the following product groups and certification standards. The latest edition of each standard published by China’s national standardization authority applies.
- Luminaires: Fixed general purpose, recessed, aquarium, and ground recessed luminaires connected to a supply voltage above 36 V and up to 1,000 V, plus portable general purpose luminaires, portable luminaires for children, and mains socket outlet mounted nightlights connected to a supply voltage above 36 V and up to 250 V.
- Luminaire standards: GB/T 7000.1 together with the applicable part (GB/T 7000.201, 7000.202, 7000.204, 7000.211, 7000.212, 7000.213, or GB 7000.4) for safety, and GB/T 17743 and GB 17625.1 for electromagnetic compatibility.
- Ballasts: Ballasts for fluorescent lamps and other discharge lamps, AC electronic ballasts for fluorescent lamps, electronic ballasts for high intensity discharge lamps, and DC or AC electronic control gear for LED modules. The rule notes that “ballast” now means “lamp controlgear” in line with current standard terminology.
- Ballast standards: GB/T 19510.1 together with GB/T 19510.203, 19510.208, 19510.209, 19510.212, or 19510.213 for safety, and GB/T 17743 and GB 17625.1 for electromagnetic compatibility.
Three Certification Modes for Luminaires
Ballasts follow a single certification mode. Luminaires can now be certified under one of three modes based on product risk and production type:
- Mode 1 (general luminaires and all ballasts): Type testing, initial factory inspection, and post-certification supervision.
- Mode 2 (large luminaires only): Design appraisal, partial type testing, initial factory inspection, and post-certification supervision. This applies to combined lighting and decorative luminaires installed in crowded public venues such as shopping centers, exhibition halls, schools, hospitals, and transit stations that weigh more than 100 kg or exceed set size limits. The design appraisal and test plan must be reviewed by the CCC lighting expert group before testing continues.
- Mode 3 (single batch luminaires): Type testing plus 100% inspection for a single batch of one model produced or imported under a defined sales contract. These certificates are valid for a maximum of six months, cannot be extended, changed, or expanded, and are cancelled after delivery. If the same model is found outside the certified batch, all of the manufacturer’s certificates in that category will be revoked.
Stricter Factory, Sampling, and Testing Requirements
Both rules add more detailed obligations for manufacturers, factories, certification bodies, and designated laboratories:
- Certification quality manager: Manufacturers and factories must each appoint a person responsible for all CCC quality matters, including control of the CCC mark.
- Self checks and audits: Factories must run internal quality audits and product consistency self checks at least twice a year, covering all valid certificates, with a signed and stamped self check report.
- Record keeping: General records must be kept for at least 5 years. Type test reports, inspection reports, certificate status, change approvals, supervision test reports, and key component purchase records must be kept for at least 10 years.
- Expanded sampling: For luminaire certification units covering 50 to 99 models, an extra 10% of models are sampled for consistency checks, rising to 20% for units with 100 or more models. A duplicate sealed sample set must be kept by the factory until one year after the certificate expires.
- Video monitored testing: Designated laboratories must video record key tests such as marking durability, endurance, humidity, and needle flame tests, with tester identity clearly visible.
- Timelines: Type testing generally takes no more than 30 days, test reports are due within 10 days, and certificates are normally issued within 90 days of acceptance. Failed items should be corrected within six months.
- Factory inspections: Senior management must attend the opening and closing meetings, and consultants or other intermediaries may not take part in inspections. Certification fees must be paid directly by the applicant, manufacturer, or factory.
Factory Classification and Post-Certification Supervision
Certification bodies will classify each factory into one of four categories based on inspection results, government spot checks, credit information, complaints, and testing capability. First time applicants start in Category C. The category sets the frequency of follow up supervision:
- Category A: Inspection and sampling once every two years.
- Category B: Inspection and sampling once a year.
- Category C: Unannounced inspections twice a year and sample testing once a year.
- Category D: Unannounced inspections three times a year and sample testing twice a year.
The first supervision sample test cannot be done at the laboratory that performed the original type test, and later tests cannot be done at the same laboratory twice in a row. CCC certificates remain valid for five years, and renewals must be requested within 90 days before expiry. The same model from the same manufacturer and factory may not hold certificates from two or more certification bodies.
What Manufacturers Should Do Now
Manufacturers and importers of luminaires and ballasts for the Chinese market should review their CCC documentation, quality systems, and certification unit structure against the new rules before January 1, 2027. Certificate holders should confirm that a certification quality manager is in place, schedule twice yearly self checks, and update record retention practices. Companies supplying large or single batch luminaires should also assess whether Mode 2 or Mode 3 better fits their projects.
For this article’s source information and any product certification guidance, please contact Global Validity.
Quick Country Facts
China
Certification Body: State Radio Regulatory Commission of PRC (SRRC)
Certification Type: Mandatory
License Validity: 60 Months
Application Language: Simplified Chinese
Legal License Holder: Manufacturer
In-Country Testing Requirement: In-Country Testing
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