On August 7, 2024, the Standardization Administration of China (SAC) released the Comprehensive Performance Evaluation Index System for Association Standards Organizations (hereinafter referred to as the “Index System”). This document is designed to guide association standards organizations (i.e., social organizations that develop association standards) in formulating original, high-quality standards, and in promoting the regulated and high-quality development of China’s association standards.
The Index System sets out 59 indicators, covering various stages of the association standard formulation process, from organizational management capabilities and professional technical skills to standard development and promotion abilities. Among these 59 indicators, 17 are fundamental. If an association standards organization fails to meet any of these indicators, SAC recommends suspending or terminating that organization’s standard formulation activities. The organization must then either make improvements according to the Index System or collaborate with more capable organizations to continue their standardization efforts. For the remaining 42 indicators, the Index System assigns scores and evaluation criteria. Organizations meeting all criteria will receive a full score of 100 points. Scores above 70 points earn a one-star rating, above 85 points a two-star rating, and above 95 points a three-star rating.
The document mandates association standards organizations complete a self-evaluation according to the Index System by December 31, 2024, and publicly disclose their evaluation results through the National Association Standards Information Platform. Relevant government departments may prioritize adopting association standards issued by organizations rated two-star or higher when formulating policies.
Notably, several indicators in the Index System are particularly relevant to overseas stakeholders and their involvement in Chinese association standards. For example, the document states that “for every participation in association standards development by experts and scholars from international organizations, foreign universities, research institutions, or enterprises within three years, the organization will receive 0.5 points, with a maximum of 2 points.” This measure is intended to encourage Chinese association standards organizations to actively involve foreign experts and scholars in their standard formulation processes.
Moreover, the Index System emphasizes the importance of intellectual property (IP) management in association standards. For instance, it notes, “an organization receives 1 point if it has established a dedicated IP management system; otherwise, no points are awarded.” Currently, most association standards organizations in China lack robust IP management systems. This measure is expected to enhance the focus on and protection of IP within Chinese association standards.
Overall, this document reflects SAC’s efforts to cultivate high-quality association standards organizations and to regulate the currently somewhat chaotic state of association standards development in China. In recent years, as the importance of association standards has grown, so has their impact on overseas stakeholders. However, it has often been difficult to identify key association standards organizations. The implementation of this document will effectively address this issue. Moving forward, European stakeholders can rely on the comprehensive performance rating system to identify high-quality organizations, actively participate, and exert influence, thereby promoting greater alignment between Chinese and European standards.
