Policy Update: China implements 3C System for quality control
cctv.com 08-07-2003 16:39
China is showing its quality-conscious position by Requiring goods sold in the country to carry the "China Compulsory Certificate" popularly known as the 3Csystem. The system is applied to 132 types of products in 19 categories. The system was officially put into effect on August 1. Over 200 department stores have jointly announced that effective August 1, they will not sell products without a 3C certificate.
More than 18,000 enterprises have applied for the new 3C certification. Products concerned include electrical tools, household electrical appliances and audio and video equipment, which are deemed as necessities for everyday living. Manufacturers will not be allowed to market products covered by the 3C list on the Chinese market if they fail to receive the new certification.
"After China's WTO entry, the country has made great improvements in stimulating exports, regulating market environments and eradicating some rules, which don't conform to a market economy and WTO rules. Especially, in terms of governmental function, to meet WTO commitments and market economy practices, China has changed its government functions from involvement to just supervision. That's really a big step forward. This system, I think, could be regarded as a milestone for the improvement of China's competitive brands in the world market, for the image of China and for long-term economic development," said Wang Xiaoguang, professor of Economic Institute of SDRC.
Professor Wang also said that the new system was helpful for overseas investors trying to improve the marketing of their products domestically, as China was trying to produce a more competitive environment for them.
"The debut of the 3C system could help clarify the market environment for an influx of overseas investment. In the international market, a good brand should have a base in a well-established market. In China, the improvement of the market environment will surely bring benefits to overseas investors. On the other hand, in the long-term, that could also help them strengthen the reputation of their brands in China, which is conducive to their economic development. At the same time, that could help them really benefit from the equal treatment between overseas investors and Chinese manufacturers," Wang Xiaoguang also said.
According to the professor, what overseas investors want to see is the elimination of unfair competition through cutting price and improvements in quality, and this certification system should provide the means for manufacturers to win greater market share.
Editor:Liu Baoyin Source:
