Executive Summary
China’s market-supervision authorities revised green-product certification and labeling rules in January 2026. The official description emphasizes a shift from label-only management toward supervision of the full certification chain, with unified product catalogs, evaluation standards, certification rules and labels. Foreign manufacturers and brands should therefore avoid treating a green label as a marketing asset that can be added at the end. The correct starting point is product scope, applicable catalog, evaluation standard, certification body, certificate ownership, label use, evidence retention and post-certification change control.
What Changed in the Compliance Mindset
| Area | What the official signal means | Business check |
|---|---|---|
| Catalog | Green-product certification uses a unified catalog approach | Confirm whether the exact product category is included |
| Evaluation | Standards and evaluation rules determine evidence | Map product specifications and test data to the applicable standard |
| Certification | The chain includes implementation and certificate management | Confirm the responsible applicant, factory and certification body |
| Labeling | Label use is part of supervision | Approve artwork and claims before market release |
| Supervision | Authorities emphasize whole-process and tiered oversight | Control changes, suppliers, production and post-market evidence |
Step-by-Step Compliance Review
- Define the product model, manufacturer, importer, brand owner and intended claim.
- Check the current green-product catalog and applicable certification or evaluation rule.
- Identify the standard, test method, technical file and factory evidence required.
- Confirm who applies, who owns the certificate and which production site is covered.
- Use a qualified certification route and keep the original test and audit evidence.
- Approve the Chinese label, claim language, certificate number and packaging version.
- Control product, supplier, factory, material and process changes after certification.
- Monitor recalls, complaints, spot checks and certificate status throughout the product lifecycle.
Evidence Pack
- Product specification and model list.
- Manufacturer and production-site information.
- Applicable catalog and standard version.
- Test reports, factory records and quality-system evidence.
- Certification application, certificate and label authorization.
- Change-control log and post-market complaint or recall records.
Common Mistakes
- Using “green” as a general marketing word without checking a regulated claim.
- Applying a label to a model or production site not covered by the certificate.
- Using a foreign certification as if it automatically replaces the China route.
- Changing materials or suppliers without checking the certificate and test impact.
- Failing to preserve label, certificate and shipment evidence for inspection.
Decision Rule
Do not publish a regulated green-product claim until the product scope, catalog, standard, certification route, certificate ownership and label artwork are all documented. If the product is outside the current catalog, the company should avoid implying that it holds a China green-product certificate and should obtain product-specific advice before making a claim.
Sources and Review Date
- State Council, China updates green product rules to tighten oversight – 2026 certification, labeling and whole-chain supervision signal
- State Council, China’s issuance of national standards up 56 pct in 2025 – current standards and market-supervision context
- State Administration for Market Regulation – official market-supervision authority source
Last reviewed: 2026-07-14
