Implementation Guidelines for Updated Tire Certification Standards in China

On December 30, 2024, the National Certification and Accreditation Administration (CNCA) issued Announcement No. 28 of 2024, releasing updated Implementation Rules for Mandatory Product Certification: Motor Vehicle Tires (CNCA-C12-01:2024). This provides manufacturers and importers a comprehensive and detailed framework to transition smoothly to the new regulatory environment.

These standards will come into force on May 1, 2025, with transitional provisions allowing companies to update their certifications by April 30, 2025, and additional technical compliance deadlines, such as April 30, 2026, for rolling resistance and wet grip requirements.

This article focuses on the practical steps for compliance with the implementation rules, providing actionable guidance for manufacturers, importers, and certification stakeholders to meet the updated regulatory requirements effectively.

1) Certification Process and Timelines

Manufacturers must adhere to a phased timeline to align with the updated standards:

• Transitional Period (Present–April 30, 2025): During this window, manufacturers may choose to follow either the 2015 or 2024 standards when applying for certification.

• Mandatory Transition (Starting May 1, 2025): Certifications issued from this date must fully comply with the 2024 standards, ensuring all new products meet updated specifications.

• Additional Deadlines for Specific Standards (Sections 4.6 and 4.7): Rolling resistance and wet grip performance criteria become mandatory for products manufactured after April 30, 2026. Non-compliance will result in suspension of certifications.

2) Certification Models and Options

The updated rules cater to varying compliance scenarios, offering flexibility to manufacturers:

Full Testing: Required for new certifications or significant product changes.
Streamlined Certification: For companies with exemplary compliance records, the rules allow for simplified processes under the enterprise classification system.

3) Enterprise Classification Management

The enterprise classification system evaluates manufacturers on criteria such as historical compliance, product performance, and certification adherence.

High-Rating Benefits: Reduced frequency of inspections and simplified certification renewals.
Low-Rating Consequences: Increased scrutiny, including more frequent audits and sampling.

4) Application Materials and Documentation

Comprehensive and accurate documentation is critical for certification approval. Applications must include:

Translations of supporting documents (e.g., technical manuals) into Chinese.
Detailed product specifications and performance data.
Laboratory test reports meeting the 2024 standards.
Quality assurance plans aligned with certification requirements.

5) Testing and Sampling Protocols

Testing under the new rules ensures enhanced product safety and compliance consistency:

Type Testing: Required for new products or models with significant changes.
Sampling: Conducted randomly at manufacturing facilities or through market surveillance.

Designated laboratories must meet national accreditation standards and upgrade their facilities to handle the advanced testing methods outlined in the new standards.

6) Factory Audits and Quality Control

Manufacturers must ensure that production systems meet rigorous certification standards. Key requirements include:

Implementation of documented quality management systems.
Factory audits, conducted per the annex guidelines, to verify ongoing compliance.

7) Post-Certification Supervision

Regulators will maintain oversight to ensure continued compliance:

Annual Inspections: To verify adherence to certification requirements.
Unannounced Audits: Conducted at manufacturing sites to assess real-time compliance.
Market Sampling: Random testing of certified products available for sale.

Non-compliance may result in penalties, including suspension or revocation of certifications.

8) Certification Change Management

Any changes to product design, manufacturing processes, or compliance standards must be reflected in updated certifications. Delays in filing updates may result in certification suspension or cancellation.

9) Dispute Resolution Mechanisms

The rules establish transparent processes for resolving technical disputes or appeals, ensuring fair treatment for manufacturers.

10) Transparent Cost Framework

Certification-related costs, including testing and potential re-certification fees, are outlined to provide manufacturers with clear expectations.

Preparing for the Transition

The transition to the 2024 standards and the new implementation rules demands proactive planning and execution. Manufacturers should begin by auditing their existing products to ensure that current designs and performance data align with the updated standards. Additionally, internal systems and facilities must be upgraded to enhance quality control processes, while testing laboratories should meet the new accreditation requirements outlined in the standards.

Close collaboration with certification authorities is also essential to facilitate seamless updates to certifications and to address any regulatory questions that arise during the transition. By taking these steps, manufacturers can navigate the regulatory changes with confidence, safeguard their market access, and reinforce consumer trust in their products.

Further Information

To read in full the original CNCA Announcement on the Release of the Implementation Rules for Compulsory Product Certification of Motor Vehicle Tires, please click here.

For tailored guidance on meeting these requirements, please contact the Cisema team to access key insights and a compliance roadmap suited to your organization’s requirements.