Since the widespread deployment of ultrasonic metering technology, China‘s water metering regulatory framework has been undergoing continuous refinement. In 2026, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) officially released the revised JJG 162-2026 “Verification Regulation of Ultrasonic Water Meters”, which will replace the 2019 edition. This new regulation integrates the latest technological developments in ultrasonic measurement with China’s existing water meter verification system, introducing more stringent requirements for the accuracy, durability, and safety of ultrasonic water meters. For foreign manufacturers and importers, understanding these new technical mandates and compliance obligations is essential to ensure successful CPA certification and customs clearance. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the key revisions and a practical compliance roadmap.
1. Why JJG 162-2026: The Shift in Water Meter Regulation
The previous standard, JJG 162-2019 “Drinking Cold Water Meters Verification Regulation”, primarily addressed traditional mechanical water meters (such as rotary and turbine designs). Its verification framework, test methods, and flow point settings were optimized for mechanically-driven meters. However, with the rapid advancement of smart water infrastructure, ultrasonic water meters—which operate on phase/time‑difference measurement technology, have no moving parts, and support bi‑directional flow measurement and digital communications—have seen a dramatic increase in usage for both residential and industrial applications. The limitations of the 2019 edition created a need for a dedicated regulatory update that addresses the unique characteristics of ultrasonic measurement, including the reliability requirements for electronic components, battery longevity, and data communication interfaces. Against this backdrop, SAMR and the National Metrology Technical Committee completed the drafting and publication of JJG 162-2026, which will become the exclusive verification regulation for ultrasonic water meters manufactured, imported, or sold in China after its effective date.
2. Key Technical Revisions: Accuracy, Flow Range, and Test Points
The most significant technical upgrade in JJG 162-2026 is the stricter accuracy curve and expanded flow range requirements for ultrasonic water meters. The 2019 edition’s flow parameters (minimum flow Q₁, transitional flow Q₂, nominal flow Q₃, overload flow Q₄) and error bands were designed for the physical limitations of mechanical impeller and turbine meters. Under the new standard, ultrasonic meters must demonstrate high accuracy across a broader flow range. Specifically, the measurement range (ratio Q₃/Q₁) for qualified ultrasonic meters must be no less than 250, meaning if the nominal flow rate (Q₃) is 40 m³/h, the minimum detectable flow (Q₁) cannot exceed 0.16 m³/h. This expanded range gives ultrasonic meters a distinct advantage over mechanical designs, as they can accurately measure both very small and very large water flows without replacing the meter body.
Additionally, JJG 162-2026 introduces mandatory testing for ultrasonic meters at ultra‑low flow rates. For many municipal and industrial applications, low flow rates often occur overnight or during demand reductions. Traditional mechanical meters typically have high starting flow velocities, leading to under‑registration of small flows and revenue loss for water utilities. The new regulation explicitly requires that, at the Q₁ flow point, the meter‘s measurement error must not exceed the prescribed tolerance level, effectively eliminating the problem of “idling while turning” and ensuring accurate measurement even at minimal flow rates.
3. Ultrasonic Meter-Specific Requirements: Battery Life and Data Logging
JJG 162-2026 introduces dedicated provisions for the specific characteristics of ultrasonic water meters, addressing areas where the mechanical meter framework had gaps. The new regulation imposes a minimum battery service life requirement of no less than seven years for battery‑powered ultrasonic meters. The 2019 edition allowed for battery‑powered designs but did not have a defined minimum service life, leading to inconsistent product performance in the market. Manufacturers must use high‑capacity batteries (e.g., ER34615 cells with at least 19 Ah capacity) and employ ultra‑low‑power digital signal processing to ensure the meter remains functional throughout the intended service period.
JJG 162-2026 also imposes stricter requirements for data measurement frequency and data storage capacity. The standard mandates that under normal operating conditions, the data measurement cycle must be no less than once per second; during verification or calibration testing, the refresh rate must increase to no less than four times per second. Additionally, the meter must be capable of storing at least two years of daily water consumption data and 24 months of cumulative monthly data, with power‑fail protection to prevent data loss. For meters expected to have a 10‑year operational life, the data retention capability must extend to 10 years to comply with many water utility procurement specifications, though this is governed by separate municipal contracts.
4. Environmental Performance: IP Rating and Electromagnetic Compatibility
The 2026 edition strengthens environmental performance requirements for ultrasonic water meters, which are often installed in outdoor pits or chambers with high humidity and submersion risk. The standard mandates that the meter‘s enclosure must achieve a minimum ingress protection rating of IP68, capable of withstanding continuous immersion under water depths of at least 2.4 m for 24 hours without loss of function or measurement accuracy.
Additionally, JJG 162-2026 introduces electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing requirements for the electronic components of ultrasonic meters. The ESD immunity test level of GB/T 17626.2 must meet Performance Criterion A (full function retention), meaning the meter must remain fully functional and maintain metrological accuracy after electrostatic discharge exposure. EMC performance often becomes a hidden variable affecting long‑term reliability; meters that pass initial flow accuracy testing but have inadequate circuit protection may fail ESD tests, resulting in non‑compliance under the new regulation.
5. Interconnection with GB/T 778-2018 and Product Standards
JJG 162-2026 does not supersede but works in concert with other water meter standards. It references GB/T 778-2018 “Measurement of water flow in fully charged closed conduits – Meters for cold potable water and hot water” for metrological characteristics, test procedures, and installation requirements.
The distinction in roles is that JJG 162-2026 governs verification activities (i.e., the mandatory inspection of water meters after manufacture or during service by accredited metrological bodies). In contrast, GB/T 778-2018 specifies the design, performance, and testing requirements for the meters themselves. For CPA certification, the pattern evaluation laboratory will assess the meter‘s conformity to both JJG 162-2026 (for verification‑relevant parameters) and GB/T 778-2018 (for design and performance benchmarks) as part of the type approval process. Importers should ensure that their ultrasonic water meters undergo pattern evaluation testing that references both standards.
6. Implications for CPA Certification and Pattern Evaluation
For foreign manufacturers, obtaining a CPA certificate for an ultrasonic water meter is a mandatory prerequisite for importation and sale. The revised JJG 162-2026 directly impacts the CPA pattern evaluation process, as the technical agency will apply the new regulation‘s verification procedures and test criteria to the type approval samples.
The pattern evaluation (型式评价) under the CPA system involves a comprehensive assessment of the meter’s design, metrological performance, environmental adaptability, and safety. Under JJG 162-2026, evaluation items will include but are not limited to: the full accuracy curve at all defined flow points (Q₁, Q₂, Q₃, Q₄), battery life projections (including accelerated aging tests for the power system), data measurement frequency compliance, data storage integrity under power‑fail conditions, ingress protection (IP68 test), and electromagnetic compatibility testing (ESD immunity).
The pattern evaluation report is the primary technical basis for the issuance of the CPA certificate. If the meter fails any of the key tests mandated by JJG 162-2026, the applicant must implement design corrections and resubmit samples for re‑evaluation. For imported ultrasonic water meters, the application must be submitted to SAMR at the national level, not to provincial authorities. Foreign manufacturers without a presence in China must appoint a local agent to manage the application and coordination with the designated pattern evaluation laboratory.
7. Mandatory Verification: First and Periodic Inspection
Ultrasonic water meters fall under the “type approval + compulsory verification” regulatory model within the compulsory management framework. This means that after obtaining the CPA certificate, each individual meter must undergo initial verification (强制检定) before being placed into service. Verification must be performed by a legally authorized metrological institution (e.g., provincial metrology institutes or their designated agencies). The verification process assesses the meter‘s conformance to JJG 162-2026, including flow error testing at Q₁, Q₂, Q₃, and, where applicable, Q₄ flow points, sealing performance (pressure leakage test), appearance and marking integrity, and, for intelligent meters, communication and data storage checks. The verification results are recorded in the official metrology supervision system, and a verification certificate is issued. Unverified meters may not be installed in water supply networks; any utility that installs an unverified meter would be in violation of metrology regulations.
Thereafter, the meters are subject to periodic verification (subsequent compulsory verification). The verification interval is typically six years for residential water meters. During the periodic verification, the meter must again pass the JJG 162-2026 test procedures. If the meter fails to maintain accuracy or has sustained physical damage, it must be repaired and re‑verified or replaced.
8. CPA Marking and Market Surveillance in 2026
With the 2026 revision, market surveillance authorities have intensified enforcement of mandatory CPA marking for water meters. A 2026 special rectification campaign focused on “CMC” logos counterfeit as “CPA” marks and the sale of water meters without valid CPA certificates. Under the new rules, water meters lacking a CPA certificate will be removed from the market, and the responsible merchants will be fined.
Water utilities and large procurement projects now use automated systems (OCR) to verify CPA certificate numbers and models against the government database. Any discrepancy between the declared product and the CPA certificate will result in bid rejection.
9. Practical Compliance Roadmap for Ultrasonic Water Meter Importers
To ensure successful importation and market access for ultrasonic water meters under JJG 162-2026, foreign manufacturers should follow this five‑phase plan:
- Product technical verification (Months 1-2): Compare your ultrasonic water meter’s specifications against JJG 162-2026. Ensure that the meter can achieve the required accuracy (±2% at Q₃ under cold water conditions), flow range (Q₃/Q₁ ≥250), battery life (≥7 years), data logging frequency (≥1 Hz), storage capacity (≥2 years of daily data), IP rating (≥IP68), and ESD immunity (Level A per GB/T 17626.2). Engage a CNAS‑accredited laboratory for pre‑compliance testing.
- CPA pattern evaluation and certificate issuance (Months 3-6): Submit your application to the national SAMR through a local agent. Provide technical documentation (including product specifications, circuit diagrams, user manuals, and test reports). The designated laboratory will conduct the pattern evaluation according to JJG 162-2026 and GB/T 778-2018 requirements. Upon approval, obtain the CPA certificate (valid for 5 years).
- Label and marking compliance (Month 7): Ensure that the product nameplate includes the CPA mark with the approved certificate number. The label must be durable, legible, and in simplified Chinese. Include the meter‘s nominal diameter (DN), accuracy class, temperature class (e.g., T30 for cold water), pressure rating, and CPA certificate number. For imported meters, the label must also list the country of origin and the China importer‘s name and address.
- Pre‑shipment verification coordination (Month 8): Before shipping to China, coordinate with an accredited metrology institution (or your importing agent) to schedule the initial compulsory verification. If the verification is performed by an institution within China, the samples may need to be shipped to the test facility. Budget extra time for this process.
- Documentation and customs clearance (Month 9): Prepare the full documentation set for customs declaration, including the CPA certificate, pattern evaluation report (or a copy thereof), verification certificates for the specific shipment units (or a batch certificate if permitted), commercial invoice, packing list, and country of origin documentation. The CPA certificate number and meter model must be consistent across all documents. After import, the meters may be subject to random market surveillance sampling; retain all compliance documentation for at least 5 years.
Lead times for CPA certification for imported ultrasonic water meters typically range from 6 to 9 months, depending on the complexity of the product and the workload of the evaluation laboratory.
Summary: JJG 162-2026 represents a foundational update to China‘s ultrasonic water meter verification framework. The new regulation introduces stricter accuracy requirements across an expanded flow range (Q₃/Q₁ ≥250), mandates a minimum 7‑year battery service life and rigorous data logging standards (≥2 years daily data retention), and strengthens environmental performance (IP68, EMC testing). Ultrasonic water meters must undergo CPA pattern evaluation according to JJG 162-2026 and GB/T 778-2018, obtain a CPA certificate, and pass initial and periodic mandatory verification. Importers should conduct pre‑compliance testing, coordinate with local agents for CPA certification, and maintain complete verification records. With market surveillance now actively enforcing CPA marking and certificate validity, early compliance with the new regulation is the only reliable path to access China‘s growing smart water infrastructure market.