China's 2024 GB Standard Updates: Impact on CCC Certification & CCAP Voluntary Product Safety Certification

China’s latest automotive certification updates introduce major changes affecting both mandatory CCC certification and CCAP voluntary product safety certification. In December 2024, Chinese authorities revised several GB standards for automotive parts, with the updates set to take effect in 2025. These revisions—announced by the Certification and Accreditation Administration of China (CNCA)—impact key product categories, including:

Car seat belts
Exterior lighting and signaling devices
Car seats with headrests

To implement these changes, the China Certification Centre for Automotive Products (CCAP) has updated its implementation rules (e.g., CCAP-GZ-4100:2025) for its voluntary certification program. Importantly, only products with valid CCC certification are legally allowed to display the CCC mark, whereas CCAP-certified products may only use the CCAP mark.

Understanding CCC vs. CCAP Certifications

CCC (China Compulsory Certification) – mandatory for certain products.

Only CCC-certified products can bear the CCC mark.

CCAP Voluntary Product Safety Certification – optional for manufacturers.

CCAP-certified products cannot use the CCC mark; they may only display the CCAP mark.

Background of the Certification Updates

Why Were These Changes Made?

The updates stem from:

New GB Standards: Revised in December 2024, these standards update safety requirements for automotive components.
Regulatory Framework: The revisions align with existing CNCA regulatory provisions, including:
- CNCA [2005] No. 18 – Notice on Compulsory Product Certification and Standard Revisions
- CNCA No. 4 of 2012 – Announcement on Compulsory Product Certification Standard Revisions
- CNCA [2021] No. 4 – Self-Declaration Evaluation Method Implementation Requirements for Standard Revisions
Technical Resolution (TC11-2024-02): Issued on December 17, 2024, by the Technical Expert Group on Automobiles and Parts of the CNCA, this resolution introduces changes and additions to compulsory certification standards for automobiles and auto parts.
CNCA Announcement: CNCA confirmed that the new GB standard revisions apply to CCC certifications.
CCAP Implementation Rule Updates: CCAP revised its voluntary certification rules (e.g., CCAP-GZ-4100:2025) to align with the new GB standards.

These changes affect manufacturers holding:

CCC self-declaration certificates (mandatory)
CCAP voluntary certifications (optional)

Key Certification Updates & Implementation Timelines

1. Automobile Seat Belt Certification (GB 14166-2024)

Effective Date: July 1, 2025 (Replaces GB 14166-2013)

Key Changes:

Updated Certification Basis – GB 14166-2024 replaces the old standard.
Optimized Certification Units – Improved categorization for different seatbelt types.
Updated COP (Conformity of Production) Test Requirements – Stricter checks to ensure production consistency.
New Product Description Sheet – Enhances clarity in CCC applications.
Certification Mark Usage – Only CCC-certified products may display the CCC mark.

Implementation Timeline:

Until July 1, 2025 – Companies may certify under either the old or new standard.
After July 1, 2025 – All certifications must follow GB 14166-2024.
July 1, 2026 – Non-updated certificates will be suspended for 3 months, then revoked if not updated.

2. Exterior Lighting & Light Signaling Devices (GB 4599-2024, GB 5920-2024, GB 11564-2024)

Effective Date: July 1, 2025 (Replaces previous GB standards)

Key Changes:

Expanded Product Scope – Now includes reflective signs and warning triangles.
Updated Certification Basis – New GB standards apply.
Extended Certification Validity – Certificates are now valid for 10 years.
Certification Mark Usage – Only CCC-certified products may display the CCC mark.

Implementation Timeline:

July 1, 2025 – Applies to fog lights, turn signals, and running lights.
January 1, 2027 – Applies to low beams, high beams, reversing, and brake lights.
July 1, 2028 – Full enforcement. Non-updated certificates will be suspended for 3 months, then revoked.

3. Car Seats & Headrests (GB 24406-2024)

Effective Date: January 1, 2025 (Replaces GB 24406-2012)

Key Changes:

Updated Certification Basis – GB 24406-2024 replaces the old standard.
Refined Testing Requirements – Clearer sample selection and test conditions.
Stronger Post-Certification Oversight – Enhanced sampling inspections.
Clearer Certification Modification Process – Streamlined certificate updates.
Certification Mark Usage – Only CCC-certified products may display the CCC mark.

Implementation Timeline:

From now on – New applications follow CCAP-GZ-6800:2025.
January 1, 2026 – Non-updated certificates will be suspended for 3 months, then revoked if non-compliance continues.

Impact on Manufacturers & Compliance Recommendations

1. For CCAP Voluntary Certification Holders

Who is affected?

Manufacturers with only CCAP voluntary certification must comply with updated CCAP rules (e.g., CCAP-GZ-4100:2025).

What to do?

Verify if your certification is affected by the new GB standards.
Update product documentation to comply with CCAP voluntary certification rules.
Remember: CCAP-certified products cannot use the CCC mark; they may only use the CCAP mark.

2. For CCC Self-Declaration Certificate Holders

Who is affected?

Manufacturers with a CCC self-declaration certificate (without CCAP voluntary certification) must update their CCC self-declaration to align with the new GB standards.

What to do?

File the required updates with the CCC authorities.
Ensure product conformity with CNCA’s updated requirements.
Monitor implementation timelines to avoid certificate suspension or revocation.

How Cisema Can Help

Cisema supports manufacturers by providing:

Regulatory Interpretation – Clarifying updates for CCC and CCAP certifications.
Certification Assistance – Helping navigate the updated GB standards.
Compliance Strategy – Guiding a smooth transition to new certification requirements.
Market Strategy – Offering insights to maintain competitiveness.

Further Information

Please refer to the original announcement regarding the revised GB standards for motor vehicle exterior lighting, automobile seat belts, automobile seats and seat headrests, issued by CCAP.

The 2024 GB standard updates significantly impact both mandatory CCC certification and CCAP voluntary product safety certification. CCC certification remains critical, as only CCC-certified products may display the CCC mark. Meanwhile, CCAP certification, though voluntary, plays a strategic role for many manufacturers.

By staying informed and acting proactively, manufacturers can ensure compliance and maintain market competitiveness.

Need expert guidance? Contact Cisema today!