On 17 October 2023, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) released the Implementation Plan for the Coordinated Use of Quality Certification in Achieving Carbon Peak and Neutrality Goals. The Plan outlines a comprehensive approach to advance the development of the certification system for carbon peak and neutrality strategy, thus serving as a catalyst for the realization of its goals.

Specifically, the document sets a goal for China’s quality certification system to attain by 2025: “(China shall) have primarily established by 2025 a robust carbon peak and neutrality certification system that comprises both direct and indirect carbon-related certifications, including those developed by the state and private entities. (China shall) gradually establish a direct carbon-related certification system including products’ carbon labeling certification, carbon-related management and service certification, etc. (China shall also) improve the indirect carbon-related certification system containing green product certifications, energy management system certifications, and environmental management system certifications.” The ultimate objective is to foster a collaborative framework for diverse certifications, establish a well-regulated certification market, expand their scope of application, and promote their international recognition, thereby offering sound, fair, accurate, and efficient certification service in support of carbon peak and neutrality goals.”

To achieve this objective, the document outlines eight key tasks, including:

  1. Accelerating the development of the direct-carbon related certification system based on emission verification. This involves creating a nationally unified certification for product carbon labeling, with unified certification catalogs, implementing rules, and certification marks. Product carbon footprint and other carbon labeling certifications will be gradually carried out.
  2. Coordinating and harmonizing indirect carbon-related certifications. This includes refining existing green product certification, energy management system certification, and environmental management system certification.
  3. Further clarifying the requirements for registration and filing with the relevant authorities of carbon-related certifications, andtheir quality assessment.
  4. Promoting research and development of carbon-related certification technologies and developing green and low-carbon certification schemes that meet market demands.
  5. Initiating carbon footprint and carbon neutrality certification pilot programs and demonstration projects.
  6. Establishing an effectiveness evaluation mechanism for the carbon peak and neutrality certification system, periodically assessing its development and implementation through quantitative indicators of advancement and applicability.
  7. Leveraging interdepartmental coordination to promote the adoption of carbon peak and neutrality certification results at government, industry, and society levels.
  8. Strengthening international exchanges and cooperation in carbon peak and neutrality certification, actively participating in the development and alignment of international carbon-related certification standards and related certification rules.

This document reflects China’s intention and determination to leverage quality certification to achieve its carbon peak and neutrality goals. Particularly noteworthy are the key tasks of establishing a unified product carbon labeling certification and the gradual introduction of product carbon footprint and other carbon labeling certifications. These warrant continuous monitoring and observation by international stakeholders.