On January 10, 2025, the CNCA released the General Requirements for Railway Product Certification Rules and the first batch of 11 specialized requirements for specific products. These requirements are effective from the date of release.
The General Requirements for Railway Product Certification Rules outlines the general rules for the certification modules, basic processes, certification body requirements, implementation requirements, certificates, certification changes, and certification fees for railway products. This document is to be used in conjunction with the specialized requirements to determine the specific certification pathways and methods for products.
The 11 specialized requirements cover the following products: Fastener systems, rail expansion adjusters, rails, segment insulators, 25Hz phase-sensitive track circuit microelectronic receivers, point machines, close inspection devices, AX series relays, lighting units (including filament switching devices), total air hose connectors, and brake hose connector assemblies.
These rules correspond to the Railway Product Certification Catalogue (First Batch) released in May 2024. The document lists these 11 products as the first batch to be covered under the railway product certification system and specifies the scope for each product. It is expected that more products will be added to this certification system in the future.
China’s railway product certification system is governed by the Administrative Measures for Railway Product Certification, which was issued in March 2023 and replaced its 2003 edition. Although this certification is voluntary, due to the highly monopolized nature of the railway sector in China, this certification will effectively become a key requirement for railway products to enter the market. European companies are advised to carefully review the specific rules of this certification to prepare for entry into the Chinese market.
Reference: https://www.cnca.gov.cn/zwxx/gg/2025/art/2025/art_a35dc1fac78a47b49a75d291fbad895a.html
