Published by ChinaMNC · Wuyuan

China Cracks Down on Fake Certification in Traditional Craft Markets: What Foreign Founders Need to Know

China's market regulator opens reporting channels for counterfeit testing reports and certificates in jewelry, precious metals, mahogany, and ceramics. Foreign founders trading or sourcing these goods should understand the scope and compliance risks.

China Launches Reporting Channel for Counterfeit Certification in Traditional Craft Markets

On April 16, 2026, China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) announced a new reporting channel targeting fraud in the traditional crafts market. The initiative, titled “打假清源” (roughly “crack down on fakes and clean up the source”), focuses on counterfeit inspection and testing reports or appraisal certificates for products such as jewelry and jade, precious metal ornaments, mahogany items, and ceramics. For foreign founders sourcing, importing, or selling these goods in China, the move signals tighter scrutiny of certification claims and supply chain documentation.

What the Reporting Scope Covers

SAMR has defined four categories of conduct that can be reported through the new channel. Each category applies to the traditional craft products listed above—jewelry and jade, precious metal ornaments, mahogany items, and ceramics.

1. Illegal Workshops, Dens, and Intermediaries

The first category targets “black workshops,” “black dens,” and “black intermediaries” that fabricate inspection and testing reports or appraisal certificates for these products. In practical terms, this means any operation that produces fake certification documents without proper authorization or testing.

2. Fraud by Producers and Sellers

The second category covers producers and sellers who forge, alter, misappropriate, or trade in inspection reports or certificates. It also includes those who use false reports or certificates to pass off inferior goods as superior, substitute fake items for genuine ones, or engage in deceptive marketing. Foreign founders should note that using a counterfeit certificate—even if obtained from a third party—falls within this scope.

3. Testing Institutions Acting Beyond Scope

The third category addresses inspection and testing institutions that operate outside their accredited scope or issue false or seriously inaccurate reports. This means that a testing lab’s credentials and the specific tests it is authorized to perform matter. Founders relying on Chinese testing reports should verify that the issuing lab has the proper accreditation for the product and test in question.

4. Online Platforms and Misleading Keywords

The fourth category focuses on e-commerce and livestreaming platforms and related operators. It covers the creation of fake websites, links, or accounts that offer false testing institutions, certificates, or reports. It also targets the unverified use of keywords such as “检验检测” (inspection and testing), “CMA” (China Metrology Accreditation), “CNAS” (China National Accreditation Service), as well as promotional phrases like “包过” (guaranteed pass), “免送样” (no sample required), “免检” (exemption from inspection), and “直过出证” (certificate issued directly). Using these terms in online search or promotion without proper qualification is reportable.

How to Report and What to Expect

SAMR has provided multiple channels for reporting suspected violations:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 010-88651775 (weekdays 9:00–11:30 and 14:00–17:00)
• Local market regulators: through the 12315 platform or 12315 hotline

Reporters are encouraged to use their real names to facilitate investigation and follow-up. A specific form—the “Traditional Craft Market ‘Crack Down on Fakes and Clean Up the Source’ Reporting Information Collection Form”—is available as an attachment to the original notice. SAMR states that it will strictly maintain confidentiality and protect the lawful rights of reporters.

Implications for Foreign Founders Operating in China

For foreign entrepreneurs setting up or running a company in China, this notice is a reminder that product certification and testing documentation are actively policed. If your business involves jewelry, precious metals, mahogany, or ceramics—whether through manufacturing, retail, e-commerce, or livestreaming—you should ensure that every testing report and certificate in your possession is genuine, issued by an accredited institution, and used within its authorized scope. Claims such as “CMA” or “CNAS” should only be used if your products have actually been tested by a qualified lab. Marketing language that implies guaranteed certification or exemption from inspection is risky and could be reported.

Foreign founders should also be aware that the reporting channel is open to anyone, including competitors and consumers. A single inaccurate certificate could trigger an investigation. Therefore, it is prudent to audit your supply chain and certification records regularly, and to work only with reputable testing providers.

Practical Steps for Compliance

• Verify your testing partners: Confirm that any Chinese lab you use holds valid CMA or CNAS accreditation for the specific tests required for your products.
• Check certificates carefully: Ensure that reports and certificates are original, unaltered, and correspond to the actual goods.
• Avoid misleading keywords: Do not use terms like “包过” or “免检” in online listings or promotions unless you can substantiate them with proper documentation.
• Keep records: Maintain copies of all testing reports and certificates, and be ready to demonstrate their authenticity if questioned.

Foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535 for help registering and operating a company in China.

This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.