In April 2001, it was decided by the State Council that the State Administration for Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine (AQSIQ) was merged with the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine (GAQSIQ), forming the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine of the People's Republic of China (abbreviated as AQSIQ).

The National Certification and Accreditation Administration is responsible for the management and implementation of the national mandatory product certification system. For products subject to mandatory certification in the country, a unified catalog is published by the state, determining uniform national standards, technical rules, and implementation procedures, establishing a unified mark, and specifying uniform charges. Products listed in the mandatory product certification catalog must undergo certification by designated national certification bodies, obtain relevant certificates, and affix certification marks before they can be manufactured, sold, imported, or used in commercial activities.

The new mandatory product certification system went into effect on May 1, 2002.

To ensure a smooth transition between the new and old systems, the existing product safety certification system and import safety quality permit system are abolished as of May 1, 2003.

In accordance with China's WTO commitments and the principle of national treatment, the country uses a unified mark for mandatory product certification. The new national mandatory certification mark is named "China Compulsory Certification," with the English name "Compulsory Certification" and the English abbreviation "CCC." After the implementation of the "China Compulsory Certification" mark, it will gradually replace the previously used "Great Wall" mark and "CCIB" mark.

In accordance with the relevant documents of the National Compulsory Product Certification (hereinafter referred to as "3C Certification"), as of May 1, 2003, 132 types of products across 19 categories included in the first batch of products subject to 3C Certification must obtain the 3C mark to be manufactured, imported, or used in business activities. However, in response to special circumstances in production, importation, and business operations, the China Certification and Accreditation Administration issued Announcement No. 8 of 2002, stipulating that certain products may apply for exemption from 3C Certification.

This product range includes:

1. Products for import and production necessitated by scientific research and testing needs.

2. Components imported through the processing of imported or supplied materials for the purpose of exporting the complete machine.

3. As per the foreign trade contract, products exclusively for export (excluding those partially resold domestically or for domestic sales).

4. To assess the import of components required for the引进 production line.

5. Products imported and manufactured specifically for direct repair to end-users; repair parts for products that have been discontinued.

6. Special case products.

For products exempt from the 3C certification process, manufacturers or agents should apply to the China National Certification and Accreditation Administration (CNCA) and submit proof of exemption, liability guarantee letters, and product conformity declarations (including formal test reports) as required. Approval will result in obtaining the "Exemption Certificate for Compulsory Product Certification," which becomes effective from May 1, 2003. Additionally, the CNCA stipulates that for products exempt from 3C certification as per Article 2 and 3, domestic assembly plants or domestic manufacturers may apply for the exemption certificate conveniently at the local inspection and quarantine bureau directly under the state or to the CNCA.