Which products require CCC certification?

Products listed in the SAMR Compulsory Product Certification Catalog must obtain a CCC certificate before they can leave the factory for sale. For wireless communication products the common categories are information technology equipment (routers, gateways, cameras), audio and video equipment (Bluetooth speakers, earbud charging cases) and telecom terminal equipment. Most wireless products also require SRRC type approval, and those connecting to the public telecom network need a Network Access License as well — we recommend a combined assessment first.

Which products require SRRC type approval?

Products sold in China that carry a radio transmitting function — Bluetooth earbuds, Wi-Fi routers, cellular terminals and modules, two-way radios, drone remote controls and the like. For some telecom terminal products the SRRC requirement is now implemented within the CCC catalog.

Which devices require a Network Access License?

Telecom terminal equipment, radio communication equipment and equipment involving inter-network interconnection that connect to the public telecom network — mobile phones, fixed-line phones, routers, ONUs, switches and so on. The license is issued by the MIIT and is valid for 3 years.

How long is a CCC certificate valid, and what obligations apply after certification?

A CCC certificate is valid for 5 years. After certification the company must accept periodic surveillance inspections by the certification body, and product changes (construction, critical components, suppliers) must be filed for modification or extension in good time; otherwise the certificate may be suspended or withdrawn.

What are the most common reasons for certification documents being returned?

In order of frequency: the manual lacks RF parameters (band, power, modulation); the sample cannot be set to a fixed frequency or has no test port; the antenna gain report is missing; the nameplate model does not match the application; the multi-model difference statement is missing, making coverage invalid; critical components do not match the BOM; and the factory lacks inspection records and metrology calibration. Most of these can be avoided with a checklist self-check before submission.

How important is the critical component list in the application documents?

Extremely important. Critical components determine certification unit division, test items and the consistency judgment in factory inspections. The list must state model, specification and manufacturer, and match the actual BOM, nameplate and samples. After certification, changing a critical component supplier or model requires a modification application; otherwise a surveillance inspection will rule it inconsistent and the certificate may be suspended.

Guides: Three-Step Self-Check, Document Checklist, Rejection Reasons

Tool 01 / Route check

Three-step check: which certificates your product needs

Tick according to the actual product and the result appears on the right. For anything uncertain, choose “Not sure” and we will give a conservative recommendation.

① Does it have wireless transmission?

Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 4G/5G, NFC, wireless remote control and RFID all count.

② Does it connect to the public telecom network?

Counts if it takes a SIM card for calls/data, needs carrier network access, or works as a gateway or ONU.

③ Is it in the CCC compulsory certification catalog?

Wireless products mostly fall into three groups — IT equipment, audio/video equipment and telecom terminal equipment — which are also the areas we handle most often.

Result

Please complete the three steps first

Once the three steps are done, the certificates you need will be listed here
together with the recommended order and the relevant guides

The result is based on common product forms; catalog and exemption rules change, so the formal conclusion is subject to our written assessment.

Send the result to a consultant →

Tool 02 / Catalog lookup

Common products × three certificates

Locate your product quickly by form. “Depends on category” means it hinges on the specific functions and catalog version — check the manual to confirm.

Your product	CCC	SRRC	Network Access License	Guide
Satellite phones / Tiantong terminals	Depends on category	Yes	Required (public network access)	Satellite terminal solutions →
Smart hardware with Wi-Fi/Bluetooth	Depends on the finished-product category	Required (by band and power)	Generally not required	CCC / SRRC
Bluetooth earbuds / speakers	Depends on category (mostly audio/video)	Yes	Generally not required	Bluetooth earbud certification mix →
Routers / ONUs	Required (IT equipment)	Yes	Yes	Network access guide →
Phones / tablets (cellular)	Yes	Yes	Required (incl. TAC/IMEI)	Network access guide →
Two-way radios / drone remotes	Generally not required	Yes	Generally not required	SRRC guide →
RFID / NFC readers	Depends on category (IT equipment)	Determined by the low-power catalog or approved	No	Catalog lookup →
Wireless microphones / drone video links	Generally not required	Yes	No	SRRC guide →
Smart door locks (Bluetooth/fingerprint)	Depends on category and catalog version	Required (Bluetooth part)	No	Catalog lookup →
Industrial wireless modules	Depends on the device's use	Yes	Depends on public network access	SRRC guide →

The catalog is adjusted every year. For the full list of 17 categories and the decision logic, see Product Catalog Lookup, or send us the manual for a free check.

Tool 03 / Document checklist

Required documents for all three certifications — tick them off

Print it and prepare against it — one missing item means one more supplement round trip. For an editable version, go to the Download Center to get the Word template.

CCC

Compulsory Product Certification

Certification application (filed online and sealed)
Business license copy
Product manual / user manual
Assembly drawing, electrical schematic or wiring diagram
Critical component list (model, spec, manufacturer)
Difference statement for models within one unit
Nameplate and packaging label samples
Trademark registration or authorization (for OEM labeling)
Factory quality-assurance documents (inspection equipment register etc.)
OEM / ODM agreement (if applicable)

SRRC

Radio type approval

Type approval application form
Business license
Manual (must state band, transmit power, modulation)
Schematics and RF block diagram
Antenna datasheet and gain report
RF critical component list
Frequency-fixing method and operating instructions
6 samples (3 with test interfaces)
Trademark or authorization documents

Network access

Telecom Equipment Network Access License

Network Access application form
Business license + quality system certificate (e.g. ISO 9001)
Product manual and technical specifications
Communication protocol compliance statement
TAC / IMEI application materials (mobile terminals)
11 samples + 10 cable sets
After-sales service and repair network statement (some categories)
Critical component list

Tool 04 / Sample preparation

Sample counts and test interfaces — don't rework here

Non-conforming samples are the most common reason for returns. Confirm three things before preparing them: is the quantity sufficient, is a test interface reserved, and can the frequency be fixed.

Product type	CCC	SRRC	Network Access License	Sample prep notes
Phone (cellular)	3–5 units	6 units	11 units + 10 cable sets	Handling all three together needs 20+ units; one production run is recommended
Wi-Fi router	2–3 units	6 units (3 with interfaces)	11 units + 10 cable sets	Channel and power level switching required
Bluetooth earbuds / speakers	2–3 units depending on category	6 units (3 with interfaces)	—	Charging case and earbuds must be submitted as a pair
Satellite communication terminals	Depends on category	8 units + spare antenna	8 units as required	Fixed elevation and satellite-pointing fixtures required; antenna submitted with the main unit
Two-way radio	—	6 units	—	Include frequency-fixing software and frequency notes

Test interfaceRF conducted test port — if none is reserved, only radiated testing is possible, with volatile data and a high chance of failing.

Frequency-fixing capabilitychannel and power can be fixed — engineering samples must ship with frequency-fixing firmware and instructions; production units will not do.

Nameplate consistencythe model must match the application exactly — including case, hyphens and suffixes; don't change them before printing.

Software versionrecord the firmware version submitted — a production version change must be assessed for re-testing.

Tool 05 / What you need to do

Across the whole process, you only need to handle 12 items

Many assume certification eats up manpower; in fact these are the key actions. Scheduled by stage, they can all be delivered within a week.

Before signing (4 items)

Get clear on what's needed

Model matrix (with differences by model)
Manual (must include RF parameters)
Critical component BOM
Trademark authorization or registration

Before submission (4 items)

Get samples through first time

prepare samples in the required count with test interfaces
provide engineering firmware with frequency-fixing
Antenna gain report (available from the antenna maker)
Nameplate and packaging label samples

Before review (4 items)

Don't slip up at the factory inspection

Incoming / in-process / final inspection records
Measuring instrument register and calibration certificates
Incoming inspection records for critical parts
Non-conforming product handling and traceability records

Tool 06 / Pitfalls

Top 8 rejection reasons

These are not theoretical lists but rejection reasons that recur in real projects. Self-check against them and most rework disappears.

#	Reason	What it causes	How to avoid
1	Manual missing RF parameters	Test items cannot be determined; rejected at formal review	State band, transmit power and modulation in the manual
2	Samples can't be frequency-fixed / no test interface	The lab returns the samples outright; 1–2 weeks to resubmit	Provide frequency-fixing firmware and instructions, reserve a conducted port
3	Antenna gain report missing	SRRC cannot be accepted	Obtain the datasheet and gain data from the antenna supplier
4	Nameplate model inconsistent with the application	Formal review fails, or the certificate is judged inconsistent	Finalize the model naming rules before printing and submission
5	Multi-model difference statement missing	Series coverage is invalid; split units and re-test	List differences model by model, marking critical-part and structural differences
6	Critical components don't match the BOM	Non-conformities raised at the factory inspection; the certificate may be suspended	Report the change before switching suppliers and update the list at the same time
7	No inspection records / instruments not calibrated	Factory inspection fails; rectification takes 2 weeks or more	Two weeks before the audit, self-check against the list and fill record gaps
8	OEM labeling without trademark authorization	The application is refused or the applicant must be changed	Supply the authorization, or apply under your own brand

Send us your documents and we will run through this checklist first →

Tool 07 / Glossary

Know these terms before talking to an agency

Understand the terms and jargon cannot lead you astray. Each one is followed by what it actually means for you.

CCCChina Compulsory Certification. Listed products cannot leave the factory, be sold or be imported without a certificate.

SRRC / type approvalType approval for radio transmission equipment; the certificate carries a CMIIT ID, which the product must display.

Network Access LicenseMarket access for equipment connecting to the public telecom network; issued by the MIIT, valid 3 years.

Certification unitA group of products that can share one type test. The more sensible the unit division, the lower the testing fee.

Type testingFull safety/EMC testing on samples. This is where most of the cost and time goes.

Factory inspectionChecks whether the company can consistently produce conforming products; mandatory for first-time CCC certification.

Critical componentsComponents affecting safety and EMC (power supplies, transformers, optocouplers, X/Y capacitors etc.); changes must be reported.

Series divisionThe logic for grouping several models into one unit, which determines coverage and the number of test reports.

OEM / ODMOEM labeling / commissioned design and production. The certificate holder and authorization relationship differ, and so do the documents.

TAC / IMEIDevice identifiers for mobile terminals — one of the prerequisites for a network access application.

Post-certification surveillancePeriodic surveillance after certification, usually once a year; failure suspends the certificate.

Change / extensionThe process for changing a model, swapping a critical part or adding a spec after certification — not the same as recertifying.

Tool 08 / Policy watch

If any of these six change, your certificate may need redoing

We don't chase headlines; we track only rule changes that affect products already on sale. Updates are posted to the news section, and a consultant can also send targeted alerts for your category.

Item tracked	Why it matters to you	What we do
Adjustments to the compulsory product certification catalog	Products added must be certified; those removed are no longer mandatory	Within 3 business days of the announcement, we identify affected categories and proactively notify clients in progress
Approval scope and exemptions for radio transmission equipment	Changes to the exemption boundary for low-power short-range devices affect whether SRRC is needed	We compare band by band and power by power, and conclude whether approval is needed
Network access license catalog and approval timelines	Catalog changes directly decide whether you can sell; timelines affect launch rhythm	We update the filing schedule template accordingly
Mandatory standards for lithium batteries / chargers	A standard revision triggers a certificate change or supplementary testing	We flag the revision window 3 months ahead
The filing boundary between CCC and SRRC	The same product may be subject to both sets of requirements at once	We check both at assessment, so you don't get certified but fail to list
E-commerce platform listing rules	Platform spot-check criteria are often stricter than the regulatory minimum	We add label and report items per platform requirements

FAQ

If questions remain, they are usually these

For detailed document questions, ask a consultant directly — assessment is free.

How do I quickly tell whether a product needs CCC or SRRC?

Go back to the three-step check: wireless transmission generally means SRRC; public telecom network access means a Network Access License; inclusion in the CCC catalog means CCC. The three can stack — wireless communication terminals often need all of them.

Can OEM labeling use the factory's existing certificate?

Not directly. A CCC certificate is tied to the applicant, so OEM sales require applying in your own name, or adding an OEM sub-certificate (with the factory's cooperation and authorization). SRRC and network access also take the applicant as the subject, and the model and nameplate must match the filing. Selling on the factory's certificate alone counts as certificate inconsistency and will be ruled non-compliant in spot checks.

Do export products sold domestically need new certification?

Yes. All three are market-access requirements within China; export versions are usually designed to the destination country's standards, so domestic sales require re-testing and certification to Chinese standards. If the hardware matches an already-certified model, a change or series extension can be assessed, but export test reports cannot simply be reused。

What are the most common reasons documents are returned?

By frequency: manuals missing RF parameters; samples that cannot be frequency-fixed or lack interfaces; missing antenna gain reports; nameplate models inconsistent; missing multi-model difference statements that invalidate coverage; critical parts not matching the BOM; factories lacking inspection records and calibration. Most are avoidable with a checklist self-check before submission.

Can one test report serve all three certifications?

Partly. EMC and safety items can be shared where the lab qualification and standard version match; but SRRC RF testing and network access protocol/functional testing are specific and cannot substitute for each other. The practical approach is one batch of samples on one lab schedule, completing the shareable items in one pass.

How long is a CCC certificate valid? What obligations follow?

5 years. After certification you must accept periodic surveillance; changes to product structure, critical components or suppliers require a timely change or extension filing, otherwise the certificate may be suspended or revoked. Ask about change and extension pricing at the first signing.

Can all three be handled at once? In what order?

Yes, and we recommend planning them together. SRRC and network access submitted in parallel → CCC type testing started at the same time → factory inspection scheduled last, in one block. Done in series, the total timeline stretches from 3 months to more than 5. For the stage-by-stage breakdown of progress and cost, see Process & Fees。

Can an agency guarantee approval?

No, and no one should promise it. The certification decision rests with the official body. An agency's value lies in accurate upfront assessment, compliant documents, schedule coordination and rectification coaching — minimizing uncertainty, not promising an outcome.

Guides · Check First, Decide Later