I. Introduction to Some Completed External Research Subjects
1. Analysis of the Difference of Domestic and Foreign Product Certification Standards and Its Role in Technological Trade Barrier
Subject No. 2003IK011
Achievements:
(1) A Special Analysis Report on the Analysis of the Difference of Domestic and Foreign Product Certification Standards and Its Role in Technological Trade Barrier, which includes comparative analyses of standards, technical criteria and conformity assessment procedures, as well as some references for and suggestions on the establishment of reasonable technical trade measures and the standardization work in China.
(2) A Database for Certification Standards and Standards’ Differences
Over 1,000 pieces of information on standards concerning CCC, Certification and Accreditation Administration of the People’s Republic of China (CNCA) and China Quality Certification Center (CQC) certification, GB, IEC, EN standards and some department and industrial standards of China have been included in the database.
Differences between China’s national standards and international IEC standards, standards of EU, America, and Japan for electrical and electronic products, home appliances, and motor vehicle products have been basically included in the database.
(3) A Database of Laws and Regulations on Market Access System in Various Countries
Laws and regulations on technical specifications, market access and conformity assessment of electrical and electronic products, home appliances, and motor vehicle (cars and motorcycles) products in major countries and regions in Europe, America, Oceania, Asia and Africa, including the European Union, Russia, United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Turkey, Israel, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Kenya, etc., have been included in the database.
(4) The Compilation of National Differences--An Analysis of Differences between China’s National Standards and IEC Standards for Electrical and Electronic Products
The subject research group organizes experts to analyze the specific differences between nearly 300 IEC international standards and national standards for 12 categories of products where China may issue CB Testing Certificate. The 12 categories of products are wire and cable, capacitors, electrical accessories, equipment for household and similar use, installation and connection equipment, lighting equipment, office and information automation equipment, low-voltage electrical appliances, protective devices for complete machine, safety transformers, power tools and electronic entertainment equipment. The analysis results have been gathered and compiled into a bilingual booklet (in Chinese and English) as reference for staff and units.
2. Comprehensive Management System for Online Certification
Subject No. 2004IK108
Achievements:
(1) A software platform frame, which not only satisfies practical business applications but also is capable of rapid expanding, has been developed.
(2) A highly efficient and secure hardware platform, covering network management applications, has been built up.
(3) The unified processing and standardized management of data has been achieved.
Remarkable achievements have been gained in the system’s standardized management of certification information and e-documents. Certification alteration information can be collected through the system from all related parties connected to the system, and processed in a unified manner, and all certification related data can be imported in and exported out of the system flexibly based on your requirements for the analysis and in-depth application of data.
(4) Achievements provided for acceptance inspection and form
a) On-line application program: certification customers can, through the comprehensive management system for online certification, fill in the Application Form for CCC certification, CQC mark certification, CB, CE and other product certifications, ISO9000, ISO14000, OHSAS18000, HACCP and other management system certifications; in addition, they can also get, in a real-time manner, the progress of each application, latest circular, announcement, update of standard and other relevant information issued by the certification body.
b) Business management program: namely the main functions of CQC comprehensive management system for on-line certification, including the working platform of certification bodies, working platform of testing organizations, working platform of inspection agencies, working platform of exanimation team, and working platform for background management;
c) Network system: including a 10M special line providing services for global certification customers and a load balancing system, certification business web server, middleware server, database server, data storage system and other related hardware and software equipment;
d) Network security management program: it adopts a security mechanism with user name and password based identification and IP address binding, for the unity of system reliability and efficient user operations; it also adopts user authority for user operation to ensure that only authorized users can conduct authorized operations.
e) Database: ORACLE9i-based database system adopts double server fault tolerance and array cabinet to ensure high service reliability. The existing 200,000 applications, 140,000 certificates, and 6,000,000 pieces of certification process data are all stored in this database.
f) Software documents: including user’s manual for the system, system maintenance manual and other documents.
3. A Study on the Standards, Technical Specifications and Conformity Assessment System for Vehicle Certification in China
Subject No. 2005IK142
Achievements:
(1) A comparative analysis of China’s newly-published and to-be-published standards (36 in total) and corresponding European standards has been completed. Differences between the two sets of standards, problems in the implementation of standards, as well as suggestions on solving the problems have been figured out.
(2) Side Collision and Back Collision Test, Car Seat Test and National Ⅲ Emission Standard Conformity, OBD Performance and Reliability Test have been conducted, providing reliable technical support for the to-be-published standards.
(3) A group has been organized to visit KBA and its technical service organization--TUV Rhine in Germany, and learn German’s certification status and latest development of vehicles and spare parts, the link-up and operation of vehicle certification, vehicle registration system and related work, and management over the vehicle inspection, overloaded vehicles and dangerous goods transport, providing references for the improvement of our current certification system for imported cars and the compulsory certification system for motor vehicle spare parts to be implemented.
(4) Suggestions for the improvement of standards, technical specifications and qualification assessment system for vehicle products (including cars, motorcycles and their spare parts) have been brought forward based on the above-mentioned work.
4. A Study on the Certification System and Key Technologies for Breaking through the Technological Trade Barrier Caused by EU RoHS and WEEE Directives
Subject No. 2005IK138
Achievements:
(1) Achievements of study on basic theories of the two directives, domestic and foreign standards, analysis of laws and counter-measures
The EU WEEE and RoHS Directives Countermeasures published by China Standard Publication in May, 2006, mainly studies EU’s WEEE, RoHS, and other environmental protection related Directives; the transformation and implementation of the Directives in member countries of EU; countermeasures of enterprises against EU WEEE and RoHS Directives; relevant laws and regulations of International Organization of Standardization and other countries and regions, as well as China’s work on WEEE and RoHS related fields.
(2) Achievements of study on the drafting, formulating and tracking of related standards
GB/Z 20288-2006 General Disassembly Requirements for Testing Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Products was approved and officially issued on June 24th, 2006, ensuring the authenticity and reliability of the testing results.
Based on the Disassembly Standard in China, a proposal on IEC Disassembly Requirements for Testing Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electrical Products was submitted in early 2006, and finally got approved. The IEC/TC111 established a special workgroup for this proposal, who were responsible for the drafting of the standard.
The subject has studied on and put forward the draft of Special Disassembly Requirements for Testing Hazardous Substances in Electronic and Communication Products, the draft of Special Disassembly Requirements for Testing Hazardous Substances in Home Appliances, and the draft of Special Disassembly Requirements for Testing Hazardous Substances in Lighting Devices.
(3) Achievements of study on key technologies and demonstration for the implementation of RoHS certification
As a new field in certification, RoHS certification differs from other product certification in many aspects. According to the characteristics of RoHS certification, experts of the research subject compile the Rules for the Implementation of RoHS Certification, Requirements for Factories on Implementing RoHS, which standardize the testing requirements and testing reports.
(4) Achievements of study on competence requirements for RoHS labs
Through dedicated and in-depth analysis and research, members of the subject research group compiles a report on competence requirements for RoHS labs, putting forward requirements for lab site, personnel, devices, qualifications, as well as testing reports.
5．A Study on the Certification of Integrative Management System Incorporating Quality Management System, Environment Management System, Vocational Labor Security Management System and HACCP System
Subject No.：2002IK016
Achievements:
Through study on ISO9001 and HACCP integrative management system certification verification projects, and in combination with experiences on previous certification verification of integrative management system pilot projects, the subject research group finishes the documents relating to integrative management system certification in respect of basic theories, establishment, implementation, as well as certification verification of ISO9001 and HACCP integrative management system.
Based on integrative management system certification verification of pilot enterprises, and in combination with new standards, the research group also compiles Guidelines for the Implementation of ISO9001 and HACCP Integrative Management System Certification Verification (General), ISO9001 and HACCP Integrative Management System Certification Verification Form (General), and Verification Guide for ISO9001 and HACCP Integrative Management System Certification for six categories of food products (one for each category). Cases of ISO9001 and HACCP Integrative Management System Certification for aquatic products, quick-freeze vegetables, and meat products have been organized into a booklet as textbook for the training of inspectors for integrative management system certification verification.
6. Quality & Credit Rating System for Testing Organizations
Subject No. 2005IK128
Achievements:
The research group conducts investigations over different categories of users of testing organizations, conducts comprehensive summary and statistical analysis of results of the investigations, and writes a report on the investigation of quality and credit rating system for testing organizations.
Based on the findings, in combination with the experiences of CQC on the use and management of testing organizations over years, and through discussion of the expert members, the research group establishes a new credit rating system for testing organizations and formulates specific scoring rules and standards.
On the basis of theoretical research, the research group develops a computer network-based multi-interface and multi-layer credit rating system for testing organizations which has already been put into use.
7. A Study on International Market Access/Certification System
Subject No. 2006IK233
Achievements:
A book named International Market Access/Certification System is published as the achievement of the research subject. The book introduces the market access requirements of major countries and regions in the world, involving very detailed information of laws and regulations, standards system, certification system, the administrative institutions and application procedures on safety, health and energy saving and environmental protection performance of electrical products and vehicle products (cars and motorcycles). In addition, it also carries out an analysis of new requirements for electrical and electronic products on RoHS and energy saving and environmental protection, which is a key concern of export enterprises, and does in-depth analysis of and comparison of requirements of different counties and regions.
As of July 2007, over 10 technical trainings had been made for mechanical and electrical product exporters to gain market access certification at the Yangtze River Delta region, Pearl River Delta region and other regions where major mechanical and electrical products exporters are located. The trainings are made to provide favorable technical assistance for the export of mechanical and electrical products based on the specific demands of the exporters.
II. Introduction to Some Completed Internal Research Subjects
1. A Study on the Establishment and Operation of Customer Satisfaction Index Survey Model for Certification Institutions
Subject No.: 2006CQCKJ01-ZH
The purpose of this subject is to establish a customer satisfaction measurement model suited to the real situations of CQC, on the basis of the existing research results at home and abroad, and in light of Standard of Measuring Customer Satisfaction Index of the China Association for Standardization. The subject mainly reflects the overall quality of CQC certification service from the strategic level, and at the same time compares it with that of other organizations in the certification industry, laying a good foundation for further introduction of advanced concept of customer service, for the opportunities for continuous improvement, and for the establishment and perfection of certification customer service system in line with international standards and suited to national situations of China.
The following have been done via the research subject:
(1) A reflecting-type structural equation model for customer satisfaction measurement has been built up;
(2) A questionnaires for the survey of customer satisfaction for CQC certification has been designed;
(3) A sampling scheme for CQC customer satisfaction survey has been designed;
(4) Surveys on CQC customer satisfaction have been conducted, and related data have been collected;
(5) Data analysis has been conducted by adopting the Linear Structural Relation (LISREL) analysis method, and using the linear structural equation model analysis software AMOS and SPSS12.0;
(6) Themed studies have been carried out, a CQC Customer Satisfaction Measurement Report has been done, and relevant conclusions and suggestions have been put forward.
Satisfaction index measurement model applicable to CQC certification service has been established and formed in the subject, on the basis of studying foreign satisfaction index models and with reference to Standard of Measuring Customer Satisfaction Index (CAS 103-2004) of China and experiences of each industry in customer satisfaction measurement. During the modeling process, structure variables of the model was adjusted according to the characteristics of certification services, and the structure variable “customer loyalty” in certification was re-defined in an innovative manner with “willingness to cooperate”; meanwhile, based on the certification service process, “observation” variables were newly added, and the "corporate image" variable and its impact were re-defined, so as to more accurately explain the formation mechanism of certification customer satisfaction, and more specifically reflect the results of certification services providers’ practice in seeking for customer satisfaction. CQC customer satisfaction measurement model, together with the satisfaction survey questionnaire and sampling scheme have been used for conducting CQC customer satisfaction survey. Multi-level data analyses have been conducted respectively, for composite index, structure variables, and observation variables with the world’s leading structural equation and Partial Least Square (PLS) method. In-depth comparative analysis has been conducted over customers of two types of services (product certification and system certification) provided by CQC. The advantages and disadvantages of CQC certification and improvement opportunities have been discussed. Suggestions for improvement of services and enhancement of competitiveness have been proposed. The actual survey results and data analysis have verified the validity of the model and proved that the observation variables are significant in reflecting structure variables and satisfaction formation mechanism. The setting of observation variables in this model is quite innovative, different from traditional service sector customer satisfaction model and the current model used in Europe and America.
The achievements of the research subject include a customer satisfaction index measurement model, CQC Customer Satisfaction Index Measurement System, certification service satisfaction questionnaire design, and satisfaction data analysis, which are all in line with CQC actual circumstances and featuring industrial characteristics and advanced level in our country. These achievements have established theoretical foundation and method model for CQC’s continuous, systematic and scientific measurement of customer satisfaction; they have proposed solutions, provided effective methods for the measurement, analysis and improvement of customer satisfaction, and provided platform for follow-up study.
2. A Study on the Intellectual Property of Certification Standards
Subject No. 2007CQC01-JS
Main contents:
The subject studies the intellectual property policies of several key standard systems in China, the United States and Europe, including IEC/ISO, in respect of channels, forms, and charges of purchase; public use tendency; regulations on the duplicate, copy and electronic version of standards; whether it can be used for certification or not; way of realization; translation of specifications and standards; intellectual property related issues involved in certification activities and solutions to them.
Conclusion:
Copyright and trademark are two main concerns in intellectual property related issues involved in certification. The copyright of a standard belongs to the standardization bodies that formulate it. We should correct our misunderstanding that there is no copyright for a standard. The conclusion of the research subject has clearly proposed that the use of standards and technical specifications of other agencies in certification should be careful and set forth specific requirements on matters of attention when using them.
3. A Study on the Role of Electromechanical Product CCC and CQC Certification in Sino-Vietnam Regional Economic Cooperation
Subject No. 2007CQC06-GZF
Main contents:
(1) The subject studies the current status of certification systems in both China and Vietnam, including product inspection organizations and certification organizations, identifies the similarities and differences, and makes a detailed study plan;
(2) It takes mechanical and electrical products as example, studies the difference between Vietnam’s product certification standards and systems, and China’s CCC and CQC certification standards and appraisal procedure, as well as the relations of these standards with international standards;
(3) Based on the above-mentioned study results, an investigation report titled The Role of Some Electromechanical Product CCC and CQC Certification in Sino-Vietnam Regional Economic Cooperation is compiled;
(4) This study extends the study on certification cooperation technology to other products, in order to strengthen the cooperation of the two countries in certification field.
Achievements
(1) Through the survey of manufacturing enterprises of some mechanical and electrical products in China, the detailed information on the import and export data of the products in recent years has been collected and analyzed, and a viewpoint that the “Made-in-Vietnam Chinese products” will gradually grow up to certain scale, has been put forward.
(2) Through the learning of current import and export commodity policies in Vietnam and the study on current status of certification system in Vietnam, the primary reason why Vietnam is willing to accept China’s CCC and CQC certification, and the thoughts how to promote the CQC certification processed in Vietnam have been analyzed, and the preliminary dialogue channels with related government authorities in Vietnam have also been established through this subject.
4. Enterprise Classification Management
Subject No. 2006CQCKJ04-JC
Main contents:
The research subject, through analysis of all kinds of disqualification in daily supervision and inspection, summarizes the channels and sources of disqualified information of certified enterprises; proposes two different kinds of classification method models for classification management, and management methods for different kinds of enterprises based on the experiences in factory inspection of certification center, as well as forms a study scheme.
Achievements:
Through analysis of the results of trial practice of classification management of enterprises in the past year and analysis of the questionnaires filled up on meeting, and based on particular assessment of the importance of weighted factors which are references for the classification, a conclusion on “the collection of enterprises classification questionnaires” has been drawn up: the classification management of certified enterprises should be conducted with clear thoughts on three aspects, e.g. principle and method of classification, and the establishment of classification management mode.
5. A Probe into the Classification, Use and Management of Factory Inspectors
Subject No. 2006CQCKJ03-JC
Main contents:
The research mainly includes two aspects: factory inspector classification standard and way of use.
Achievements:
Through two years of study, by means of discussion, field investigation and trial run in early stage, the study has figured out the requirements of the principles, standards and methods for the classification, use and management of factory inspectors.
6. A Comparative Study on CQC’s Standards and Foreign Standards for Organic Product Certification
Subject No. 2007CQC05-CP7
Main contents:
The subject summarizes the experiences of CQC in organic product certification, formulates a phase study plan for organic product standards, collects and analyzes information on certified enterprises and historical data, gives objective assessment over CQC organic product certification, and conducts comparative analysis of Administrative Measures for Organic Product Certification, Organic Product Standards, and Rules for Implementing Certification Attestation Implementation with certification principles and rules such as IFOAM, laying foundation for the formulation of specific plan for organic product certification.
Achievements:
Through systematic comparative study over CQC organic product certification standard and international standards, the similarities and differences between the national standard in China and IFOAM, CAC, and organic standards in the European Union and the United States and Japan for organic products have been figured out.
According to the characteristics of certification for different organic products, implementation guides for the production and certification of 9 fields of organic products have been formulated. The 9 fields are layer chicken and eggs, bee products, dairy farms and milk, cattle and sheep farms and beef and mutton, boiler chicken and chicken, rabbit farm and rabbit meat, pig farm and pork, rice and vegetable product processing.
