China’s GB 4943.1-2022, titled “Safety of audio/video, information technology, and communication technology equipment,” has been the mandatory safety standard for CCC certification since its publication in 2022. However, as of 2026, two critical developments have made this standard more relevant than ever: the end of the transition period for many product categories, and new clarifications on battery safety and insulation coordination issued by SAC (Standardization Administration of China) in late 2025. For foreign manufacturers of laptops, monitors, printers, AV receivers, speakers, projectors, and network equipment, understanding the updated GB 4943.1-2022 requirements is essential to avoid failed CCC tests and certificate suspensions. This guide explains the standard’s key provisions, recent interpretations, and compliance steps.
1. Background: GB 4943.1-2022 and Its Global Alignment
GB 4943.1-2022 replaces two older standards: GB 8898 (safety of audio/video equipment) and GB 4943 (safety of IT equipment). It is based on IEC 62368-1:2018 (third edition) with China-specific amendments. The goal is to unify safety testing for products that increasingly combine AV and IT functions (e.g., smart TVs, gaming consoles, all-in-one PCs). Since its effective date in 2023, all new CCC applications for affected products must comply. However, many existing certificates issued under the old standards were granted transition periods – most of which expire on December 31, 2026. After this date, any product still sold under an old GB 8898 or GB 4943 certificate will be considered non-compliant.
2. Key Safety Requirements Under GB 4943.1-2022
The standard introduces several technical requirements that differ from previous Chinese safety standards. Foreign manufacturers must pay special attention to:
- Battery safety (Clause 6): For products with user‑replaceable or built‑in Li‑ion batteries, new tests include thermal runaway propagation, overcharge protection, and mechanical abuse (crush, vibration, drop). The standard references GB 31241 (portable batteries) but adds requirements for battery management system (BMS) monitoring.
- Creepage and clearance distances (Clause 5.4): Higher values for pollution degree 2 and working voltages above 300V. Many power supply designs that passed older standards now fail due to insufficient spacing on PCBs.
- Temperature rise limits (Clause 10): Surface temperatures of accessible parts (user‑touchable enclosures) are capped at 65°C for metal, 75°C for plastic. For devices with high‑power processors or power supplies, thermal management is critical.
- Insulation coordination for high‑voltage circuits (Clause 5): New requirements for reinforced insulation in primary‑to‑secondary circuits, especially for USB‑C power delivery ports (up to 240W).
- Protection against electric shock (Clause 8): Stricter touch current limits for handheld equipment (e.g., game controllers, microphones).
Manufacturers should request a gap analysis from a CNAS-accredited lab to identify which of these requirements affect their specific product design.
3. Recent 2025-2026 Clarifications and Interpretations
In late 2025, the Standardization Administration of China (SAC) issued two important interpretation documents (SAC/TC 588 No. 12 and No. 15) that clarify ambiguous points in GB 4943.1-2022. Key updates:
- Battery thermal runaway propagation test: For products with multiple cells, the test now requires only that the fire does not spread to the enclosure; minor venting without flame is acceptable. Previously, many labs applied stricter criteria.
- Altitude derating for creepage: For equipment used above 2,000 meters, creepage distances must be multiplied by a factor of 1.1 to 1.3 depending on altitude. This affects data center equipment deployed in western China (e.g., Lhasa, altitude 3,600m).
- USB‑C and other external power ports: Clarifies that any port capable of delivering more than 100W (USB‑C PD 3.1) is considered a “power port” and must meet the same insulation and fire enclosure requirements as AC mains inputs.
- Software-controlled safeguards: Where safety relies on software (e.g., thermal throttling, over‑current shutdown), the manufacturer must provide evidence of fault injection testing (e.g., shorting temperature sensors to verify fallback).
These interpretations are already being applied by CCC testing labs. Foreign manufacturers should request their lab’s latest test plan reflecting these clarifications.
4. Transition Deadlines and Certificate Migration
The CCC certification bodies (CQC, CCAP, etc.) have set the following timeline for migrating certificates to GB 4943.1-2022:
- New applications: Since July 1, 2023, all new CCC applications for AV/IT products must comply with GB 4943.1-2022. No exception.
- Existing certificates under GB 8898 or old GB 4943: These remain valid until their original expiry date or December 31, 2026, whichever comes first. Most certificates issued in 2020‑2021 expire in 2025‑2026.
- Mandatory migration by December 31, 2026: After this date, no certificate based on the old standards will be accepted for customs clearance or domestic sales. Products must be re‑certified under GB 4943.1-2022.
- Partial updates: For products with only minor changes, some certification bodies allow a “delta test” focusing only on clauses that changed between the old and new standards. This reduces cost and time.
Foreign manufacturers with large product portfolios should start the migration process now. Labs report that demand for delta testing will peak in Q3 2026; early booking is advised.
5. Common Failure Points in GB 4943.1-2022 Testing
Based on lab data, the most frequent test failures under GB 4943.1-2022 are:
- Insufficient creepage distances on power supply PCBs: Many designs optimized for IEC 62368-1’s lower values (based on pollution degree 1) fail China’s stricter interpretation for pollution degree 2 (typical for consumer electronics).
- Battery thermal runaway propagation: Particularly for products with multiple cells in series (e.g., portable speakers, e‑bike displays). Using cell‑level fuses or spacing cells apart is often required.
- High touch current on USB‑C ports: When a device is powered by an external adapter but also has internal battery charging, the Y‑capacitor selection must be carefully chosen to stay under 0.25mA touch current for handheld equipment.
- Inadequate fire enclosure for high‑power components: Components like power resistors or inductors that can exceed 130°C under fault conditions must be housed in V‑0 rated plastic or metal.
Pre‑testing at a CNAS lab before formal CCC submission can identify these issues early, saving months of re‑testing delays.
6. Documentation Requirements for GB 4943.1-2022 Compliance
When applying for CCC certification under the new standard, your technical dossier must include:
- Battery specification and safety test reports: For each Li‑ion cell and pack, provide GB 31241 test reports or IEC 62133 with Chinese translation. For battery packs, include BMS schematic and fault injection test records.
- Creepage/clearance measurement report: A table listing all critical insulation paths, working voltages, measured distances, and pass/fail status. Include high‑resolution PCB photos with measurements marked.
- Temperature rise test report: Thermocouple placement diagram and temperature data under normal and fault conditions (e.g., locked fan, blocked vents).
- Software safety assessment: For any safety function implemented in firmware (e.g., over‑temperature shutdown), provide a functional safety description and evidence of testing (e.g., forcing fault conditions).
- User manual in Chinese: Must include safety warnings for battery replacement, operating temperature range, and proper ventilation.
Many labs offer a “document pre‑review” service for a small fee – highly recommended for first‑time applicants.
7. Action Plan for Foreign Manufacturers
To ensure compliance with GB 4943.1-2022 safety standard for AV and IT equipment, follow these steps:
- Identify affected products: Review your portfolio for any AV or IT equipment (including power supplies, monitors, speakers, projectors, network devices) that currently hold CCC certificates under GB 8898 or old GB 4943. Prioritize products with high sales volume and those expiring before 2026.
- Conduct a gap analysis: Send samples to a CNAS-accredited lab for a pre‑test against GB 4943.1-2022. Focus on battery safety, creepage distances, and thermal performance. Obtain a report of gaps.
- Redesign where necessary: Increase PCB creepage distances, add cell‑level battery fuses, upgrade fire enclosures, or add software throttling. Work with the lab to verify fixes.
- Prepare documentation: Gather battery reports, creepage measurement data, temperature test reports, and software safety declarations. Translate all into Chinese (certified).
- Submit delta test or full application: If your product is an update of a previously certified model, request a delta test (only the changed clauses). For completely new products, submit for full CCC testing under the new standard.
- Update CCC certificate and labels: After approval, ensure your product labels and packaging reference the new CCC certificate number (which will automatically reference GB 4943.1-2022).
Manufacturers who act early will benefit from smoother transitions and avoid the year‑end rush. Those who delay may face production halts and shipping holds.
Summary: GB 4943.1-2022 is the mandatory safety standard for AV and IT equipment in China, with full enforcement by December 31, 2026. Key requirements include stricter battery safety (thermal runaway, BMS), increased creepage distances, tighter temperature limits, and software safety verification. Foreign manufacturers must conduct gap analyses, update designs, and migrate existing CCC certificates before the deadline. Early compliance ensures uninterrupted market access and avoids costly last‑minute rushes.