Shanghai Exploring New Certification Model to Help Exporters And Companies Going Overseas

Shanghai is exploring a new certification model that could allow test results or certificates to be recognized across multiple markets, reducing compliance costs for exporters and making it easier for companies to enter overseas markets.

The initiative was outlined in a newly released guideline on reforms in the city's inspection, testing and certification sector, local officials said at a press conference on Thursday.

The reform package aims to improve certification efficiency, support industrial development and enhance Shanghai's business environment. It introduces measures across nine areas to upgrade the city's testing and certification services.

A key priority is helping exporters overcome technical barriers in overseas markets. Shanghai will study mutual recognition arrangements with certification organizations in the European Union and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) partner countries, with the aim of reducing repeated testing and approval requirements for major export products.

Under the proposed approach, companies could use a single set of test results or certificates to meet requirements in multiple markets, helping lower costs and streamline cross-border trade.

The guideline also includes plans to reform China's compulsory product certification (CCC) system in the Pudong New Area. Authorities will explore greater acceptance of international testing reports, simplify overseas factory inspections and pilot batch-based certification for small-volume products in sectors such as integrated circuits, artificial intelligence, biomedicine and aerospace.

Wang Yiyang, deputy director of the Shanghai Market Regulation Administration, said exporters often face different product approval requirements when entering overseas markets.

"An exported product may require separate testing reports and certification documents to meet the rules of different countries and regions, increasing costs for companies," Wang pointed out.

To address these challenges, Shanghai has launched pilot programs for a "one test, multiple markets" approach. The number of participating inspection and testing institutions has grown to 17, with coverage expanding from sectors such as new energy vehicles, lithium batteries, photovoltaic products, automobiles and components, and cables to areas including medical devices, fire safety electronics, chemicals, green building assessments and biodegradable materials.

The pilot programs now cover markets in Europe, the United States, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, South America, Africa and Central Asia, serving both major economies and emerging markets.

Shanghai plans to further improve international recognition of its testing and certification services, tailor approaches for different markets, support overseas expansion by local certification organizations and broaden mutual recognition arrangements with more countries and regions, officials said.