The China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone import automobile testing and certification service window and online platform went into operation on Tuesday, providing one-stop service to the imported auto industry and accelerating the certification and assessment of imported autos.
The window and online platform provides inquiry, consultation and declaration services on the access of parallel-import cars based on 3C (China Compulsory Certification) and publicity of environmental protection of imported vehicles, the Shanghai Administration for Market Regulation said.
Imported autos without 3C are banned from sales in China, and the parallel-import car program, unlike traditional car importing, allows auto dealers registered in the Shanghai FTZ to purchase cars from overseas markets directly and sell them in the domestic market.
"The window and online channel provides one-stop service for 3C and environmental certification of parallel-import cars for enterprises," said Lu Jianyang, deputy director of the quality management department of the Pudong New Area Administration for Market Regulation.
"The move provides support for the development of the parallel-import car industry in the Shanghai FTZ," he said.
"The 3C certification of parallel-import cars takes a long time, and involves a lot of complex procedures and several government authorities," said Li Tianqi, an e-commerce website for imported cars in Shanghai.
"In the past, we needed to resort to third parties or go-between service agencies for the certification, and the window and online platform provides a direct channel for imported car companies to access government authorities," said Ji. "It is both time and cost efficient."
Meanwhile, 15 enterprises such as the Shanghai Phoenix and Shanghai Shentong Metro Group had their products and services honored with "Shanghai Brand" certification on Tuesday, which marks the 13th International Accreditation Day, in a further push by the city to create a cluster of internationally competitive brands.
So far, 79 enterprises in Shanghai have had a total of 83 products and services certified, according to the administration.
By 2019, the city had 1,045 certifying agencies which issued 30.36 million testing reports last year, an increase of 47.83 percent from a year earlier, according to the administration.
