What Is the China Compulsory Certification Logo and How Do I Use It?
The China Compulsory Certification logo (CCC标志, CCC biāozhì) is the official visual mark indicating that a product has obtained CCC certification. The logo is a registered certification trademark owned by CNCA (国家认监委, Guójiā Rènzhèng Jiānwěi) and protected under Chinese trademark law. Using the logo incorrectly — or using it without a valid certificate — is a serious violation that can result in fines, product seizure, and criminal liability. This guide explains the logo’s design specifications, authorized usage rules, procurement process, and common compliance pitfalls.
Logo Design and Specifications
The standard CCC logo consists of the letters “CCC” in a distinctive typographic arrangement, forming a square or rectangular pattern depending on the format:
| Format | Dimensions | Application | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard printed (square) | 8 mm × 8 mm (minimum) 15 mm × 15 mm (typical) up to 60 mm × 60 mm (maximum) |
Product body, packaging, user manuals | Three C’s arranged to form a square pattern, typically black on white background |
| Molded / embossed | Must match dimensions approved in the certification application | Plastic housings, metal parts, glass surfaces | Same pattern molded directly into the product material |
| Electronic (for software/digital products) | Proportional to display resolution, minimum 0.5 cm on screen | Software UI, digital displays, e-labels | Scalable vector format — black on white or white on dark background |
| Miniaturized (for very small products) | 4 mm × 4 mm minimum — requires special approval from CQC | Small components, connectors, micro-switches | Reduced-size version, still legible under 5× magnification |
Color specifications: The standard CCC logo is printed in black on a white or light background. For dark-colored products, a white-on-black version is permitted. No other color variations are authorized. The logo may not be printed in red, blue, gold, or any decorative color — deviations from the standard black/white scheme are treated as misuse.
Typography: The three “C” characters must use the standard CCC typeface as registered with the Trademark Office of the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA, 国家知识产权局, Guójiā Zhīshì Chǎnquán Jú). The typeface may not be stretched, compressed, rotated, or otherwise distorted. The gap between the C’s must be uniform — the registered trademark specification defines an exact 0.5 mm gap proportion relative to the logo’s overall size.
How to Obtain the CCC Logo
The CCC logo is not purchased from a commercial supplier. It is a controlled certification mark that must be procured through a specific regulated process:
- Obtain CCC certification first — a valid CCC certificate must be issued by a CNCA-designated certification body (such as CQC (中国质量认证中心, Zhōngguó Zhìliàng Rènzhèng Zhōngxīn)) before you are authorized to use the logo
- Order standard printed labels — from CNCA-authorized printing factories (印刷企业, yìnshuā qǐyè). As of 2026, there are 28 authorized printing facilities in China, each operating under a CNCA-issued permit
- Apply for custom molded/embossed logo approval — if you need the logo molded into plastic or embossed on metal, submit the logo design to your certification body for prior approval. The application includes a drawing showing the logo’s position, dimensions, and method of application on the product
- Receive label allocation — the authorized printer produces a specific number of labels corresponding to your certified production volume. Each label batch carries a unique production serial number for traceability
- Maintain usage records — manufacturers must keep a CCC logo usage log recording: quantity received, date received, quantity applied to products, product serial numbers, destruction of defective labels
The cost of standard printed CCC labels ranges from RMB 0.02–0.08 per label depending on size and quantity. Molded logo fees (one-time mold creation approval): approximately RMB 500–2,000 per product model.
Where and How to Affix the Logo
CNCA regulations specify exactly where the CCC logo must appear:
| Location | Requirement | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Product body | Mandatory — legible, permanent, visible after installation | Back panel of a power supply, base of a lamp, bottom of a toy |
| Product packaging | Mandatory if the logo cannot be affixed to the product body (very small products) | Blister pack for an SD card, box for a micro-USB cable |
| User manual | Mandatory on the first or last page of the manual | Inside cover or back page of the product instruction booklet |
| Outer shipping carton | Not required by CCC regulations, but recommended for customs clearance | Side panel of the master carton |
Permanence requirement: The logo must be affixed such that it cannot be removed without visible damage to the product. Peelable stickers are acceptable only if the sticker material self-destructs upon attempted removal. Adhesive labels must use tamper-evident material.
Minimum size: The smallest permissible logo size is 4 mm × 4 mm, and this requires special approval from the certification body. Most products use the standard 8 mm × 8 mm or 15 mm × 15 mm size. The logo must be legible without magnification under normal lighting conditions.
Prohibited Practices
The following uses of the CCC logo are explicitly prohibited and carry legal penalties:
- Using the logo without a valid certificate — this is the most serious violation. Even if your product is identical to a certified competitor’s product, you cannot use the CCC logo without your own certificate
- Using the logo on uncertified product models — if your company has CCC certification for Model A-100 but not for Model A-200, you cannot affix the CCC logo on A-200 products even if the models are similar
- Altering the logo design — stretching, coloring, rotating, adding text around the logo, enclosing it in a border, or any other modification to the standard design
- Using expired labels on new production — if your certificate expires or is cancelled, you must stop using the remaining printed labels. Unused labels must be destroyed under CB supervision or returned to the authorized printer
- Selling or transferring labels to another manufacturer — CCC labels are non-transferable. Each label batch is registered to a specific manufacturer’s certificate
Logo Verification for Consumers and Distributors
The CCC logo includes a micro-printed verification code (验证码, yànzhèngmǎ) on the back of each label that links to the product’s certificate. Distributors and consumers can verify authenticity through:
- CNCA’s official verification portal — cx.cnca.cn — enter the certificate number printed adjacent to the CCC logo. The portal displays the certificate holder’s name, product model, certificate validity status, and authorized factory location
- QR code scanning — newer CCC labels include a QR code (二维码, èr wéi mǎ) that links directly to the certificate verification page. The QR code is optional but increasingly common since the 2022 CNCA guidance update
- SAMR mobile app — “国家认监委认证监管” mobile app available for iOS and Android, allowing on-site scanning and verification by market supervision officers
Special Rules for Importers and Distributors
Importers and distributors play a specific role in logo compliance:
- Importers must verify — the Chinese importer of record must verify that the CCC logo on imported products matches the certificate number in the import customs declaration. Customs will detain shipments where the logo is missing, illegible, or does not match the declared certificate
- Distributors cannot relabel — if the original packaging is damaged or needs re-packaging for retail display, the CCC logo must be reapplied identically. The distributor may not add, remove, or modify the logo in any way
- Keep records for 2 years — importers and distributors must maintain records of CCC logo verification for each batch of products for at least 2 years from the date of sale. SAMR inspectors may request these records during routine inspections
Pitfalls to Avoid
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the CCC logo on promotional materials and websites?
Yes, but only for products that hold a valid CCC certificate. The logo on marketing materials must be in the standard black/white format and must not imply certification of products that are not certified. It is recommended to include the certificate number adjacent to the logo in digital media.
Is there a digital/electronic CCC logo for software?
Yes. Software products that require CCC certification (e.g., security software) use an electronic version of the logo displayed in the software’s About screen or interface. The electronic logo must be approved by the certification body and must link to the online verification page.
How do I destroy unused CCC labels?
Destruction must be witnessed by a representative of the certification body or documented through a destruction report signed by an authorized company officer. The destruction method must render the labels completely illegible (shredding, incineration, or chemical dissolution). Record the quantity destroyed, method, date, and witness name.
What if the CCC logo fades or wears off during product use?
The manufacturer is responsible for the logo’s durability. The logo must remain legible throughout the product’s intended service life. If tests show that the logo fades within 6 months of normal use, the certification body may require a change of application method (from ink printing to laser engraving, for example).
Can I use a combined CCC + other certification mark label?
Yes. Combined labels showing CCC alongside other marks (CE, UL, FCC, EAC) are permitted provided each mark is clearly identifiable and CCC remains in its standard form. The combined label design must be approved by the certification body before use.
How many CCC labels should I order at a time?
Order based on your production forecast for the certificate’s validity period (5 years). Over-ordering leads to costly destruction of unused labels. Under-ordering means production interruptions while waiting for the next label batch. Most manufacturers order in 6-month production volume increments with a 15% safety buffer.
Is there a fee for CCC label mold approval?
Yes. Mold/embossed logo approval costs approximately RMB 500–2,000 per product model, paid to the certification body. This is a one-time fee covering the design review and approval certificate.
How long does it take to receive CCC labels after ordering?
Standard printed labels: 5–10 business days for the first order (new account setup + verification). Subsequent orders: 2–5 business days. Molded logo approval: 10–15 business days (design review + mold verification).
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