China has become one of the largest markets in the world for the consumption of imported or domestic fashion and luxury goods. Huge business opportunities are attracting more and more international brands to enter the China market. One of the keys to your success is your product's compliance with China's regulations standards. Many brands are not familiar with all the GB standards you are required to test to.
With competitive price and timely delivery, T-Safety sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.
China Government Organization Chart
CIQ: China Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau
QTS: Quality and Technical Supervision Bureau
AIC: State Administration for Industry and Commerce
CA: Consumers Association
When the consumer goods are imported from overseas and enter the Chinese territory, the CIQ (Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau) is in charge of check the products’ quality to make sure it respects Chinese regulation.
When the consumer goods are sold in the Chinese market, both Administration Industry & Commercial Bureau AIC and QTS have right to check the product quality on the market.
China GB (Guo Biao) standards are Chinese national standards issued by the Standardization Administration of China (SAC), the Chinese National Committee of the ISO and IEC. Chinese standards may be either mandatory or voluntary. The standards can be identified as mandatory or voluntary by their prefix code:
GB: National Mandatory Standards (Guo Biao)
T: Recommended or Voluntary
QB: Light industry (including footwear, leather goods…)
FZ: Textile
HG: Chemical industry
National standard (GB and GB/T): shall be formulated by the department of standardization administration under the State Council for the technical requirements that need to be unified nationwide. (e.g..: GB Safety technical specifications for children textile).
Industrial standard (QB/T, FZ/T, HG/T….): in the absence of national standards, technical requirements for a certain industry need to be unified, industry standards (QB/T, FZ/T…) may be formulated. (e.g.: QB/T - pH values for leather).
Province standard (DB/T): in the absence of both national and industry standards, safety and sanitary requirements for industrial products need to be unified within a province or a city, local standards (DB) may be formulated. (e.g.: DB31/T 645- is Shanghai fruit grades for table grape).
In China, all products being sold are required to fulfill Chinese quality requirements. There is no formal regulation requirement to test the products, however, it is mandatory to ensure quality of your products. No matter you want to sell your products in Department Store (eg: Carrefour, Walmart…) or online (eg: JD, Taobao, TMALL or Amazon China…), most probably you will need to provide a PASS testing report, as department stores and online platforms want to make sure the products meet requirements of Chinese standards.
The result is if you want to export products to Chinese market, need to understand and be aware of the complexities and necessary requirements under the vast range of GB standards, need to ensure they can meet the requirements of GB China national standards.
Failure to comply with GB Standards could result in your products being banned or impounded and could lead to reputational damage and fines.
State Administration of Market Supervision and local market supervision administration have their own official website for publishing market surveillance plan and the result of supervision spot-check for product quality.
On the 7th of May , the China Administration of Market Supervision announced the National product quality supervision and spot check plan. The spot check plan includes a total of 131 products. The General Administration of Market Supervision will seriously organize and carry out the spot checks, release the results to the public and deal with violations of product quality according to law. Among those hot products, baby & children garments / toys / footwear, bed linens, leather garments, casual garments, down garments, leather shoes, trolley cases and PPE items are involved.
(Source: http://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/-05/11/content_.htm)
Example
On 1st January, , Shanghai Market Supervision Administration issued the results of random inspection on the quality supervision of adult shoes. 50 batches of products were randomly inspected, and 17 batches were unqualified after inspection according to related GB standards.
Source
The unqualified products found in this spot check will be handed over to the market supervision department of the place where the enterprise is located for handling according to law.
CNAS is the national accreditation body of China responsible for the accreditation of all laboratories, including certification bodies and inspection bodies in the society. The test reports issued are internationally mutually recognized.
Testing CNAS 4L
Testing CNAS 4L
All accredited organizations (commercial and government laboratories) are requested to provide certification with accurate examination data to the public. CMA examines the testing ability and reliability of those testing organizations.
192 132 Z
213 421 05
In order to make sure your products enter to Chinese mark successfully, you shall cooperate with CNAS and CMA accredited laboratory (e.g.: CTC laboratory) for inspection and testing services. The test reports issued by the accredited organizations can be used to evaluate product quality with legal effect.
Here we will look at the basics of the GB standard to give you a better understanding of your responsibilities as a manufacturer and/or an importer into China.
Category
Examples of Product
A. Products for babies (≤ 36 months)
Diaper pads, diapers, underwear, bibs, pajamas, gloves, socks, coats, hats, beddings
B. Products with direct skin contact
Bras, bellybands, vests, shorts, skirts, cotton singlets, skirts (summer), trousers (summer), socks, bed sheets, underwear, quilt cover, towels, swimming suit, hats
C. Products without direct skin contact
Sweaters, jackets, skirts, trousers, curtains, bedspreads, wall fabrics, fillings, linings
Product standards are set for some or all of the requirements or specifications which products must meet to ensure the suitability of products, and serve as a basis for production, inspection, acceptance, use, maintenance, and trade negotiations.
There are massive product standards, to avoid confusing you, here we would like to show you some main product standards for Footwear, Garment, Leather goods, Accessories, PPE footwear and PPE gloves.
QB/T -
CASUAL SHOES
休闲鞋
QB/T -
LEATHER SHOES
皮鞋
QB/T -
CHILDREN’S LEATHER SHOES
儿童皮鞋
GB/T -
ATHLETIC SHOES
旅游鞋
QB/T -
CHILDREN’S ATHLETIC SHOES
儿童旅游鞋
QB/T -
LEATHER SANDALS
皮凉鞋
QB/T -
EVA SLIPPERS AND SANDALS EVA
拖鞋和凉鞋
HG/T -
RUBBER-PLASTICS SLIPPERS AND SANDALS
橡塑凉拖鞋
QB/T -
CLOTH SHOES
布鞋
GB/T -
Shirts and blouses
衬衫
GB/T -
Down Garments
羽绒服装
FZ/T -
Skirts and Skirted suit
连衣裙、套裙
FZ/T -
Jeanswear
牛仔服装
QB/T -
Handbag and knapsack
背提包
QB/T -
Travelling case and Trolley bag
旅行箱包
QB/T -
Wallet
票夹
QB/T -
Leather belt
皮腰带
FZ/T -
Woven caps
缝制帽
FZ/T -
Knitted accessories
针织配饰品
FZ/T -
Knitted scarf and shawl
针织围巾、披肩
FZ/T -
Ski glove
滑雪手套
QB/T -
Leather gloves
日用皮手套
PPE products (except for PPE gloves) sold in the Chinese market in the past many years have required « Lao An » certificate, but the certification system was cancelled by Chinese national regulations in early . Therefore, it’s legal for retailers to sell products that have not been certified by « Lao An » in the Chinese market. Nonetheless, with observations of practice over the past few years, most purchasers in China may still require suppliers to provide this « Lao An » certificate as one of the bidding conditions.
Below please see the main PPE footwear standards :
GB -
Occupational Footwear
职业鞋
GB -
Protective Footwear
防护鞋
GB -
Safety Footwear
安全鞋
GB -
Chemical resistant Industrial rubber boots
耐化学品的工业用橡胶靴
GB -
Electrical insulating footwear
电绝缘鞋
AQ -
Safety boot for miners
矿工安全靴
GB -
Chemical-resistant industrial molded plastic boots
耐化学品的工业用模压塑料靴
GB - Occupational Footwear : incorporating protective features to protect the wearer from injuries which could arise through accidents.
GB - Protective Footwear : incorporating protective features to protect the wearer from injuries which could arise through accidents, fitted with toecaps, protection against impact when tested at an energy level of at least 100 J and against compression when tested at a compression load of at least 10 kN.
GB - Safety Footwear: incorporating protective features to protect the wearer from injuries which could arise through accidents, fitted with toecaps, protection against impact when tested at an energy level of at least 200 J and against compression when tested at a compression load of at least 15 kN.
According to different types of protection, the standard of PPE gloves mainly includes the following.
GB/T -
Live working-gloves of insulating material
带电作业用绝缘手套
GB -
Protective gloves against mechanical risks
机械危害防护手套
GB -
Protective gloves against chemical and micro-organism
化学品及微生物防护手套
AQ -
Oil resistant rubber gloves
橡胶耐油手套
AQ -
Acid and Alkali resistant Gloves
耐酸（碱）手套
AQ -
Protective gloves for welders
焊工防护手套
Here we would like to introduce specific technical requirements for QB/T - Casual shoes as an example.
No.
Testing Item
Requirement
1Appearance checking
conform with QB/T
2Delamination resistance
>=40N/cmBond strength of outsole/midsole
>=20N/cm (for cellular sole, if material tear but not separated: >=15N/cm)
4Flexing resistance of whole footwear
cut<=20mm, new crack less than 3, length of each new crack <=5mm, no damage of coating/upper/sole/foxing, no bonding problem, no air leakage for cushion after test. [no need to test if outsole thickness (include cleats) of flexing area > 25mm ]
5Abrasion resistance of outsole
length of crack <=14mm
(no need to test if genuine leather sole)
Pulling strength of upper strap
>=70N/cm (>=30N/cm if material problem)
7Low-temperature flexing of upper (-10°C)
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conform with QB/T
(If upper intended to be worn under low temperature)
Flexing resistance of outsole material in cold condition
conform with QB/T
9Color fastness to rubbing on lining and insock materials
>=2/3 staining
10Odor test
<= grade 3
11Outsole - Thickness
Contact floor-forepart >=3.0mm
(excluding thickness of cleat/texture)
Labelling and general checking
conform with QB/T and QB/T Shoe labelling
13Azo Dye
Textile <=20ppm,
Leather/fur <=30ppm
Formaledehyde
skin contact <=75 ppm,
non-skin contact <=300 ppm
Above main product standards are for your reference, if you would like to know more GB standards about your products and which testing items shall be applied to your products, please feel free to contact us.
CTC Group has been in quality assurance business for over 100 years, we provide professional quality control services for footwear, leather goods, textile, apparel, luggage, PPE…
CTC dedicated team are able to help you to manage your GB Program for China market. CTC China has three professional laboratories (located in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Dongguan) which are accredited to ISO standard.
CTC Shanghai Laboratory and CTC Dongguan Laboratory have been accredited by the China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment (CNAS) and the China Metrology Accreditation (CMA) for many years, we are able to issue 2C reports (CNAS and CMA) based on authorities’ requirements.
CTC Shanghai: N° L
CTC Dongguan: N° L
CTC Shanghai (inspection): IB
CTC Shanghai:
CTC Dongguan: Z
In addition, CTC actively participates in various Chinese Standardization Committees, CTC is member of:
The roles above can support us helping our clients to closely understand the standards and relevant policy from Chinese authorities.
Whether you are an established consumer product manufacturer, hoping to break into the Chinese market, or a new brand looking to make the Chinese consumer your main focus, a knowledgeable laboratory testing and inspection service can provide you with all necessary information on the local regulations, help you establish a design and production plan, and carry out all lab testing and inspection procedures you need to ensure consistent quality and market compliance.
As the leading expert on Chinese GB standards, CTC can provide one-stop-shop solution for selling goods in China Market:
Any questions regarding GB testing, you can always get supports from CTC, just contact with our GB specialists / GB service officers. Pre-testing before shipment to China can clients help to lower the risks of market supervision.
We are always providing customized training and consulting program based on clients’ needs in accordance with GB standards and your products. The training could be arranged in client’s office or CTC offices. We can also provide webinar training per clients’ needs to avoid geographical restrictions.
Our GB team can help to select the GB testing category and recommend necessarily sensitive items to save costs. Besides, improvement recommendations can be given by CTC technicians to help you improve your quality and test results.
We can help to translate necessarily Chinese regulation and GB standards from Chinese to English for your better understanding.
We can guide clients to well understand GB labeling requirements for rightly usage and present.
This guide also has safety advice for regions of China.
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorist attacks in China cannot be ruled out.
Although foreigners have not been specifically targeted, attacks may happen in places visited by foreigners. Take particular care during national holidays and at public transport hubs, and always follow the advice of the local authorities.
Chinese national security laws have broad scope, and you can be arrested without having intended to break the law. See advice in the Laws and cultural differences section below for more information.
China is ruled by a single political party. Though China is open to foreign visitors, be aware of political and cultural sensitivities.
Avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings. The Chinese authorities enforce public order strictly, and you may face arrest, detention and deportation. Foreign journalists have been intimidated, assaulted or detained for trying to report on demonstrations.
You may risk becoming a target when there is an anti-foreign feeling or attitude in China. Keep informed of developments and follow the advice of the local authorities. During periods of tension, the authorities may block:
Posting, publishing or supporting political statements critical of China or the Chinese authorities could be viewed as illegal.
Serious crime against foreign nationals is relatively rare, but incidents can happen. Take care of your belongings at major tourist sites and other busy places, particularly where foreign nationals gather.
Indiscriminate attacks using vehicles as a weapon, and knife attacks, have occurred in public places including at schools, supermarkets and hospitals. Although rare, there have been isolated violent attacks that have impacted foreign nationals.
Do not leave drinks unattended or accept drinks from strangers. Personal attacks and sexual assaults are rare, but they can happen, including through drinks being spiked. Women, travelling alone or with female friends, could be at higher risk.
Beware of scams in popular tourist areas. A common example is the ‘tea tasting’ or ‘massage’ scam. Friendly strangers may invite you to visit a bar, to drink tea or have a massage, and the establishment then demands a large fee. This can be followed by threats, violence or credit card fraud.
Inspect the QR code stickers on rental bicycles carefully before using them. The legitimate barcode can be replaced with a false code, which redirects money to a different account.
Before entering a commercial contract in China, take legal advice, both in the UK and in China. Contracts agreed in the UK are not always recognised by Chinese courts.
If you’re involved in or connected to a business or civil dispute, the Chinese authorities may impose an exit ban, which means you cannot leave China until the matter is resolved. British nationals have been detained against their will, intimidated and forced to pay money.
Violence is rare, but it can be threatened. Report any threats of violence to the Chinese police.
Always carry your passport with you. Police carry out random checks, especially during periods of heightened security and major sporting or political events. They do not accept printed copies. Failure to produce your ID can lead to a fine or detention.
There is a risk of detention for alleged breaking of national security laws
China’s authorities have detained foreign nationals who break national security laws. Both ‘national security’ and ‘national interest’ appear regularly in Chinese legislation and have broad scope. You may be detained without having intended to break the law. Activity that happened outside of mainland China – including online activity – could fall under the scope of mainland legislation. There is a risk of arbitrary detention, including of British nationals.
If you’re detained on grounds of national security, you may be held for up to 6 months before formal arrest and denied legal representation before charges are brought.
All foreign nationals travelling to or around ‘sensitive’ areas might attract more attention from the authorities, including when:
Sensitivities can change over time and may heighten around particular dates or events.
You may attract additional scrutiny while travelling around mainland China if you’re a current or former employee of:
This list is not exhaustive and may change over time. This is particularly relevant when travelling to areas with large ethnic minority populations, including but not limited to Xinjiang. See Regional risks for more information.
The Chinese authorities formally recognise 5 religions: Buddhism, Catholicism, Islam, Protestantism and Taoism. Only officially registered religious organisations are permitted to carry out religious activities. Even officially registered organisations must observe restrictions on some religious activities, including preaching and distributing religious materials. The Falun Gong movement and others the authorities consider as ‘cults’ are banned in China.
Chinese laws and procedures relating to the arrest, detention and trial of criminal suspects are different from in the UK. For example:
The granting of bail is rare, and the criminal process can often last at least a year before a verdict is passed. If bail is granted the accused will not be permitted to leave China.
If you’re suspected of a crime, the Chinese authorities can stop you from leaving China by:
The thresholds for detention and prosecution in China differ from those in Hong Kong.
Foreign nationals can be subject to exit bans. Exit bans can:
An exit ban can last for months or years or until a legal process is complete. You may not be aware you are subject to an exit ban until you try to leave mainland China.
Cashless payments through smartphone apps such as WeChat Pay or Alipay are extremely common, especially in major cities.
Outside major cities, credit cards are not always accepted and ATMs are limited. It is not possible to exchange Scottish or Northern Irish banknotes.
Counterfeit banknotes (especially 100 renminbi notes) are common, including from ATMs. Banks will not replace them. Check notes carefully before accepting them.
There are severe penalties for drugs offences in China, including the death penalty. The Chinese authorities randomly test foreign nationals for drugs, including on entry to the country. If you test positive, the Chinese authorities can prosecute you regardless of where or when you took drugs. Police also raid homes. If drugs are found in your property, penalties can be extremely harsh.
The police can raid nightclubs and bars. If you’re in a bar that’s raided, you will be subject to on-the-spot testing and immigration checks. This may involve:
Testing positive for drugs, or being found in breach of your visa conditions, can lead to heavy fines, detention and deportation.
The Chinese authorities control internet access. Internet access can be limited around key political events and dates. Some services are permanently blocked, including:
Other websites may sometimes be blocked.
China’s cybersecurity laws state that online products and services (for example, VPNs) need to be licensed by the Chinese government. See the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (in Mandarin). Make sure you stay informed and follow Chinese law.
Fire protection standards in Chinese accommodation are not always the same as in the UK. You should:
Make sure your accommodation has a working carbon monoxide alarm. People have died of carbon monoxide poisoning due to incorrectly installed gas equipment.
Energy UK has advice on how to stay safe and the symptoms to look out for.
Thoroughly research the school or university that is hiring you in China and make sure you’re confident they are following the law.
Same-sex relationships are legal in China, but public attitudes are less tolerant than in the UK. Showing affection in public may receive negative attention. There’s no Chinese law guaranteeing freedom from discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Do not hike alone in isolated areas, including on the Great Wall, due to unpredictable weather conditions and the chance of injuries. Even when hiking in a group, leave your itinerary, mobile number and expected time of return at your hotel or with a third party.
You must have a Chinese driving licence and valid insurance to drive in China. There are harsh penalties for driving without these, including fines and detention.
Drive with caution in China. Accidents are common due to:
If you’re involved in a serious traffic accident, call the police. Do not move your vehicle until they arrive but make sure you and your passengers are in a safe place. If there are injuries, you may be held legally responsible for medical costs. You will also be held responsible if you hit a pedestrian.
There are harsh penalties including fines, detention and imprisonment for driving under the influence of alcohol, even at very low levels.
You must show your passport to buy a ticket and to board a train in China.
Trans-Mongolian Express trains (Beijing-Moscow via Ulaanbaatar) are known for smuggling. Petty theft on overnight trains is common. Search your compartment and lock the cabin door before the train leaves.
Mariners should avoid the disputed territory between China and other countries in the East China Sea and the South China Sea. There have been incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships in the area. ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre has further information about piracy and armed robbery.
Avoid travelling in unmarked or unmetered taxis, as there have been incidents of sexual assault and robbery against foreign nationals. In marked taxis, make sure someone knows where you are and try to take a note of the taxi’s number.
Disputes over taxi fares can quickly escalate. Any physical altercation could lead to detention regardless of who is to blame. Insist on paying the metered fare and ask for a receipt. The receipt should have the taxi number on it.
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
China is in an active seismic zone and can experience major earthquakes. Learn what to do before, during and after an earthquake from the US Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The typhoon season in China normally runs from May to November, affecting southern and eastern coastal regions. Air travel and other forms of transport can be affected. You should monitor the progress of approaching storms on the Japan Meteorological Agency and the China Meteorological Administration websites.
See guidance on tropical cyclones for advice about what to do if you are caught in a typhoon.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of bulk hard hats. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.