On September 23, 2026, the Certification and Accreditation Administration of China (CNCA) issued two revised China Compulsory Certification (CCC) implementation rules: CNCA-C10-01:2026 Compulsory Product Certification Implementation Rules — Luminaires (Trial) and CNCA-C10-02:2026 Compulsory Product Certification Implementation Rules — Ballasts (Trial) (collectively, the “New Rules”). The New Rules will apply to relevant CCC certification activities from January 1, 2027.

The New Rules set out product-specific requirements for certification applications, type testing, factory inspections, certification decisions and post-certification surveillance. For ballasts, the certification model comprises type testing, an initial factory inspection and post-certification surveillance. The initial inspection assesses the factory’s quality assurance capability and product consistency, while subsequent surveillance combines follow-up inspections with testing of samples collected from the production site or the market. The ballast rule also clarifies that “ballasts” refers to light source controlgear under current standards terminology and includes relevant electronic controlgear for LED modules.

Luminaires generally follow the same certification model, with two alternative routes available for specified products. Eligible large luminaires may undergo design appraisal, partial type testing, an initial factory inspection and post-certification surveillance, allowing design review and calculations to replace certain test items. Luminaires manufactured or imported as a single batch may use a separate route combining type testing with 100% inspection: one sample undergoes type testing, while the remaining products are checked for product consistency.

Under both rules, applicants must submit the required documentation to a designated certification body. Following the applicable testing and inspection procedures, the certification body evaluates the reports, corrective actions and supporting information before making its decision. Where all requirements are met, certificates should generally be issued within 90 days of acceptance of the application.

A transition period runs from the announcement’s publication through December 31, 2026. During this period, certification bodies may apply either the previous or the revised rules according to the applicant’s preference. From January 1, 2027, CCC certification activities must follow the New Rules. Existing valid certificates may continue to be used, with conversion taking place through normal processes such as product changes and renewal upon expiry.

Foreign manufacturers supplying luminaires and ballasts to China should review their certification arrangements and coordinate with their designated certification bodies, particularly where applications, product changes or certificate renewals are planned around the transition date. Manufacturers of large or single-batch luminaires should also assess whether an alternative certification route is available for their products.

The Chinese-language implementation rules are available for download below:

• CNCA-C10-01:2026 — Compulsory Product      Certification Implementation Rules: Luminaires (Trial)

• CNCA-C10-02:2026 — Compulsory Product      Certification Implementation Rules: Ballasts (Trial)

The documents linked above are in Chinese. For English versions, please contact BESTAO.