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1. The CNS Mark Certification System
(1)In order to promote the National Standards (CNS), the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and
Inspection (BSMI), Ministry of Economic Affairs, shall announce to the public the designated items
of national standards to implement the CNS Mark Certification System (hereinafter referred to as
“the Certification System”) after obtaining approval from the National Standards Review Council in
accordance with Article 10 of the Standards Act.
(2)The Certification System is a voluntary certification system and manufacturers may apply to the
BSMI for the CNS Mark based on their own needs. The provisions of Article 3 of the Regulations
Governing the CNS Mark (hereinafter referred to as “the Regulations”) state the following
requirements of the Certification System:
(i)The quality management system (hereinafter referred to as “QMS”) of the factory is certified
against CNS 12681 (ISO 9001) by quality management system certification bodies that are located
in Taiwan or in the same country as the factory and recognized by the BSMI (hereinafter referred to
as “the BSMI-recognized QMS CBs”), and the product is tested to be in compliance with relevant
CNS; or
(ii)The factory obtains factory reports from BSMI or the factory inspection bodies located in Taiwan
or in the same country as the factory that are recognized by the BSMI (hereinafter referred to as “the
factory inspection agency/bodies”) and the product is tested to be in compliance with relevant CNS.
(3)According to the provisions of Article 6 of the Regulations, the BSMI may commission
corporations or associations (hereinafter referred to as “the third-party certification bodies”) to
undertake activities of the conformity assessment, issuance (replacement) of certificates, market
surveillance, and management matters of the CNS Mark certification.
(4)In accordance with the provisions of Article 7 of the Regulations, the assessment and follow-up
assessment of quality management systems may be performed by the BSMI-recognized QMS CBs,
the inspection of factories may be performed by the factory inspection agency/bodies, and product
sampling or product inspection or other related activities may be performed by BSMI-recognized
testing laboratories.
2. Addition, Amendment and Rescission of Items on the CNS Mark Product List
(1)For the purpose of implementing the CNS Mark Certification System, the BSMI, according to
the provisions of Article 10 of the Standards Act and Article 2 of the Regulations, may announce to
the public a list of products to which the designated national standards mentioned in Article 10 of
the Standards Act apply as products covered by the CNS Mark (hereinafter referred to as “the CNS
Mark Product List”). Where it is no longer necessary to include certain items in the CNS Mark
Product List, the BSMI may also announce to the public of the decision of rescission.
(2)The CNS Mark Product List will be published on the BSMI website for reference after it is
announced. Products that have not been included in the CNS Mark Product List are under
continuous review in terms of their characteristics, the applicable national standard requirements,
the testing facilities and capacity of the BSMI, the BSMI branches, the third-party certification
bodies or BSMI-recognized testing laboratories, and the purpose of promoting national standards in
order for them to be added to the CNS Mark Product List at appropriate time. Where necessary, a
manufacturer may apply to the BSMI to add product items to the List.
(3)After addition, amendment or rescission is made to the items of the CNS Mark Product List, the
unit of BSMI that is responsible for CNS Mark certification (hereinafter referred to as “the
certification unit”) shall notify the applicant, who applies for the addition, amendment or rescission,
the involved CNS Mark registered manufacturers, the unit of BSMI that is responsible for
recognizing QMS CBs and the factory inspection bodies (hereinafter referred to as “the recognition
unit”), the units of BSMI that is responsible for implementing product testing and factory inspection
and BSMI branch with jurisdiction (hereinafter referred to as “the implementing units”), the
third-party certification bodies, the BSMI-recognized QMS CBs, the factory inspection
agency/bodies and the BSMI-recognized testing laboratories.
(4)Where a decision of rescission of products listed on the CNS Mark Product List is made and
announced to the public, the certification unit of BSMI or the third-party certification bodies shall,
in accordance with Subparagraph 13, Paragraph 1, Article 27 of the Regulations, rescind the CNS
Mark certificates of the involved registered manufacturers entitled to use the CNS Marks and
request the certificates to be returned. Notices shall be copied to the certification unit, the
recognition unit, the implementing units of BSMI, the third-party certification bodies, the
BSMI-recognized QMS CBs, the factory inspection agency/bodies and the BSMI-recognized testing
laboratories.
3. The Pattern and Marking of CNS Mark
(1)The Pattern of CNS Mark
(i)According to Paragraph 1, Article 4 of the Regulations, the pattern of CNS Mark is composed of
the abbreviation of “CNS” and a Chinese symbol “㊣”, as shown below:
(Please refer to the attached file.)
(ii)Dimensions and drawing: The BSMI will, in accordance with Paragraph 2, Article 4 of the
Regulations, publish the “Dimensions and Cartography of CNS Mark” as reference for drawing the
CNS Mark.
(iii)Name of the pattern:
Chinese name:正字標記
English name: CNS Mark
(2)Marking
(i)When affixing the CNS Mark, a manufacturer shall, in accordance with the provisions of
Paragraph 1, Article 5 of the Regulations, use the pattern mentioned in Clause 3(1)(i) and the
certificate number, creating the visual effect of an integrated marking, on a prominent place of the
product. Where it is not possible to affix the CNS Mark to the body of the product, the Mark shall
be affixed to the packaging or containers of the product. For products in loose packaging, the Mark
shall be displayed on the delivery notes.
(ii)For a manufacturer that does not observe the provisions of Clause 3(2)(i), the certification unit of
BSMI or the third-party certification bodies shall, in accordance with Paragraph 2, Article 5 of the
Regulations, notify the manufacturer to make rectification within one month, beginning the next day
the notice is received. In the case that the manufacturer cannot complete rectification within the
one-month period, it may explain the reason in writing to the certification unit of the BSMI or the
third-party certification bodies to apply for an extension of the period for another one month, for
one time only.
(iii)Upon receipt of the application for the extension, the certification unit of BSMI or the
third-party certification bodies shall immediately examine the claimed reason and make a decision
on whether to approve or reject the application. The decision shall be communicated to the
manufacturer in writing, copies of which shall be sent to the implementing units of BSMI, the
BSMI-recognized QMS CBs, the factory inspection bodies and the BSMI-recognized testing
laboratories.
(iv)For a manufacturer that violates the provisions of Clause 3(2)(i) and does not make rectification
within the specified time limit, the certification unit of BSMI or the third-party certification bodies
shall, in accordance with Subparagraph 1, Paragraph 1, Article 27 of the Regulations, rescind its
CNS Mark certificate and request that the certificate be returned. The notice shall be copied to the
certification unit, the recognition unit and the implementing units of the BSMI, the third-party
certification bodies, the BSMI-recognized QMS CBs, the factory inspection bodies and the
BSMI-recognized testing laboratories.
4. Application Procedures for the CNS Mark
(1)Selecting an appropriate product classification for the use of CNS Mark and the factory subject to
the application
When applying for the use of CNS Mark, a manufacturer may, in accordance with the provisions of
Article 11 of the Regulations, make individual applications for manufactured products by following
the requirements specified below.
(i)The appropriate product classification is selected from the CNS Product List.
(ii)Each product is limited to one application. However, where there are further classifications for
the product, applications shall be made based on such classifications. One application is confined to
each classification.
(iii)Separate applications shall be made for different products manufactured by the same factory.
Where the same product is manufactured by different factories of the same company, separate
applications shall be made in respect of different factories.
(2)Assessment of quality management systems (QMS) or factory inspection
Before applying for the CNS Mark, a manufacturer shall first apply for QMS certification to the
BSMI-recognized QMS CBs or apply for factory inspection to the factory inspection agency/bodies
based on the modules prescribed by the BSMI. According to Paragraph 2, Article 8 of the
Regulations, the implementing units of BSMI, the BSMI-recognized QMS CBs or the factory
inspection agency/bodies shall dispatch personnel to the manufacturer’s factory to perform QMS
assessments or factory inspection, and prepare a report to be delivered to the manufacturer.
(3)Product inspection and testing
(i)Before applying for the CNS Mark, a manufacturer shall first apply to the implementing units of
BSMI, the third-party certification bodies or BSMI-recognized testing laboratories for product
inspection and testing. Based on Paragraph 2, Article 9 of the Regulations, upon acceptance of the
application, the responsible unit or body shall sample products for testing after having confirmed the
production processes (including final assembly or separate packaging) and testing management.
(ii) The implementing units of BSM, the third-party certification bodies or BSMI-recognized testing
laboratories shall conduct inspection/testing of the selected samples against national standards and
the “List of CNS Mark Inspection Items.” Where the inspection items on the List are conducted in
the manner of witness testing, an assessment of the factory or the testing laboratories specified by
the manufacturer shall be performed to determine whether they have the facilities and capability
required by the inspection items in accordance with relevant national standards. Where the
assessment confirms compliance with the requirements, the testing shall be conducted under the
supervision of the BSMI.
(iii)After completion of product inspection/testing (including witness testing) and confirmation of
fees paid by the manufacturer, the implementing units of BSMI, the third-party certification bodies
or BSMI-recognized testing laboratories shall prepare an inspection report to be delivered to the
manufacturer. Copies of notice shall be sent to the certification unit of BSMI in accordance with
Paragraph 2, Article 9 of the Regulations.
(iv)Where a manufacturer has obtained other certification marks specified and announced by the
BSMI, the application for product inspection may be sent to the implementing units of BSMI, the
third-party certification bodies or BSMI-recognized testing laboratories by submitting the latest
product inspection/testing report for those certification marks under the circumstances that the
registration is still valid. Upon acceptance of application, the responsible unit of BSMI or the
responsible body shall compare the content of the product inspection/testing report with those
specified in the “List of CNS Mark Inspection Items.” Items that comply with the CNS may be
exempted from inspection/testing. Those that are not exempted shall be processed in accordance
with the provisions prescribed in Clause 4(3)(i)-(iii).
(4)For inspection items to which witness testing does not apply, where the circumstances stated in
Article 10 of the Regulations are met, a manufacturer may apply to the certification unit of BSMI
for witness testing by providing reasons.
(i)Huge and heavy products that are not easy for delivery;
(ii)Delicate and fragile products that are easily damaged;
(iii) Dangerous products that easily cause danger;
(iv)Manufacturer’s testing laboratories complying with CNS 17025 and accredited by Taiwan’s
laboratory accreditation body or accreditation bodies that are located in the same country as the
manufacturer and that signed the mutual recognition arrangement developed by the International
Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation under the condition that the accredited scope covers the
requirements specified in the applicable CNS concerning the product; or
(v)Other special circumstances approved by the BSMI.
(5)Upon receipt of the application for witness testing, the certification unit of BSMI shall notify the
implementing units of BSMI, the third-party certification bodies or BSMI-recognized testing
laboratories. An assessment shall be performed in accordance with Clause 4(4) to the
manufacturer’s testing laboratories or the laboratories specified by the manufacturer to determine
whether they have the facilities and capability required by the inspection items specified in relevant
national standards. An “Evaluation Report on the Capability to Perform Witness Testing” shall be
prepared based on the result of the assessment in order to determine whether an approval will be
given to the application. The decision shall be made known in writing to the applicant manufacturer,
with copies sent to the implementing units of BSMI, the third-party certification bodies and
BSMI-recognized testing laboratories.
(6)Preparation of application documents and filing of the application
(i)When making applications for the CNS Mark, in accordance with Paragraph 1, Article 12 of the
Regulations, a manufacturer shall fill in the application form, accompanied by the following
documents and the application fee, and apply to the certification unit of BSMI or the third-party
certification bodies:
a.A copy of the company certificate or business registration certificate, and a copy of factory
registration certificate or other equivalent certificate. However, this paragraph does not apply to
manufacturers that have filled in the business uniform number and the factory registration number
in the application form.
b.Basic information of the manufacturer (including organizational chart, brief factory layout map,
brief operation flow chart of the main production processes, geographic location or route map, etc.);
c.Copies of quality management system certificates or factory inspection reports that comply with
the provisions of Paragraph 2, Article 3 of the Regulations; and
d.Copies of product inspection/testing reports issued within 6 months prior to the date of
application.
(ii)Where a manufacturer has obtained other certification marks specified and announced by the
BSMI, copies of the certificates of those marks shall be provided along with the documents
mentioned in Clause 4(6)(i) under the circumstances that the registration is still valid.
(iii)Foreign manufacturers may entrust the agency whose office is located in Taiwan to make the
application for the CNS Mark on his/her behalf and provide the power of attorney and related
certificates prescribed in Clause 4(6)(i).
(iv)Where the documents are in a foreign language, their Chinese translations shall also be provided
at the same time.
(v)Where the application for the CNS Mark fails to comply with the requirements in Clauses
4(6)(i)-(iv), the manufacturer shall rectify within a month from the next day of receiving the notice
issued by the certification unit of BSMI or the third-party certification bodies. The application shall
not be accepted if the rectification is not made within a month or noncompliance still exists after
rectification.
(7)Review
The certification unit of BSMI or the third-party certification bodies shall review the reports and
relevant documents prescribed in Clause 4(6). Where the reports and documents comply with the
provisions after review, the manufacturer shall be notified of the eligibility to use the CNS Mark.
Where the reports and documents do not comply with the provisions after review, the application
shall be rejected with reasons stated. The whole process shall be completed within fourteen working
days.
(8)Issuance of Certificates
The certification unit of BSMI or the third-party certification bodies shall issue a CNS Mark
certificate, in accordance with Article 13 of the Regulations, copies of which shall be sent to the
certification unit and the implementing units of BSMI. Where the fee for an English certificate is
paid, an English certificate shall also be issued in accordance with Article 13 of the Regulations.
(9)Public Notice
For CNS Mark products, the certification unit of BSMI shall announce, in accordance with Article
29 of the Regulations, the names of the CNS Mark registered manufacturers, their factories, their
registered CNS Mark product names and related information, and publish the information on the
CNS gazette.
5. Factory Surveillance, Quality Management System Assessment and Subsequent Factory
Inspection
(1)Implementation of non-periodical factory surveillance
(i)The implementing units of BSMI or the third-party certification bodies may, in accordance with
Paragraph 1, Article 14 of the Regulations, dispatch personnel to visit factories of the CNS Mark
registered manufacturers to conduct non-periodical surveillance based on the CNS Mark
surveillance checklist at least once every year. Factory surveillance of those having their product
inspected/tested by BSMI-recognized testing laboratories shall be conducted by the implementing
units of BSMI or the third-party certification bodies.
(ii)In the case that any abnormality is found during factory surveillance, the implementing units of
BSMI shall notify the certification unit of BSMI. Where noncompliance occurs, the certification
unit of BSMI shall notify the manufacturer to rectify within a month. An extension of another month
may be approved if an application is made with justified reasons. Such extension is limited to one
time only. Upon completion of rectification or expiration of the approved time limit, the
implementing units of BSMI may conduct the surveillance again. When the third-party certification
bodies conduct the factory surveillance, the certification unit of BSMI may, if necessary, notify the
implementing units of BSMI to conduct joint surveillance. A copy of the surveillance report shall be
sent to the certification unit of BSMI.
(iii)For a manufacturer who fails to complete rectification upon the re-surveillance, the certification
unit of BSMI or the third-party certification bodies shall, in accordance with Subparagraph 3,
Paragraph 1, Article 27 of the Regulations, rescind the CNS Mark certificates and request return of
the certificates. Copies of the decision shall be sent to the certification unit, the recognition unit and
the implementing units of BSMI, the third-party certification bodies, the BSMI-recognized QMS
CBs and the BSMI-recognized testing laboratories.
(2)Implementation of annual quality management system follow-up assessment and subsequent
factory inspection
(i)Under any of the following circumstances and the manufacturer receives a notice to rectify within
a certain time limit, the products manufactured during the rectification period shall not bear the
CNS Mark in accordance with Article 15 of the Regulations.
a.Suspension, reduction of scope or termination of the quality management system certification;
b.Reduction of scope in the factory inspection reports;
c.Failure to cooperate with the factory inspection agency/bodies in the arrangement of subsequent
factory inspection;
d.Noncompliance with requirements during subsequent factory inspection; or
e.Noncompliance of the quality management system certificates or factory inspection reports with
the requirements concerning accreditation logos as specified in Paragraph 3, Article 3 of the
Regulations.
(ii)Where the manufacturer violates the provisions of Clause 5(2)(i), the certification unit of BSMI
or the third-party certification bodies shall rescind its CNS Mark certification and request the return
of the certificates in accordance with Subparagraph 4, Paragraph 1, Article 27 of the Regulations.
Copies of the notice shall be sent to the certification unit, the recognition unit and the implementing
units of the BSMI, the third-party certification bodies, the BSMI-recognized QMS CBs, the factory
inspection bodies and the BSMI-recognized testing laboratories.
(iii)Where the manufacturer has any of the circumstances mentioned in Article 15 of the
Regulations and fails to rectify within the notified time limit, the certification unit of BSMI or the
third-party certification bodies shall rescind the CNS Mark certificates and request the return of the
certificates in accordance with Subparagraph 3, Paragraph 1, Article 27 of the Regulations. Copies
of the notice shall be sent to the certification unit, the recognition unit and the implementing units of
the BSMI, the third-party certification bodies, the BSMI-recognized QMS CBs, the factory
inspection bodies and the BSMI-recognized testing laboratories.
(3) Obligations and penalties of violations under the implementation of factory surveillance
The implementing units of BSMI or the third-party certification bodies may perform inspection of
factories, offices or other premises of the CNS Mark registered manufacturer and request for
relevant documents to be provided. The manufacturer shall not evade, impede or refuse such
requests in accordance with Article 18 of the Regulations. For violations, the implementing units of
BSMI or the third-party certification bodies shall notify the manufacturer to rectify within a
specified time limit, with a copy sent to the certification unit of BSMI. Where a manufacturer does
not make rectification within the specified time limit, the certification unit of BSMI or the
third-party certification bodies shall rescind the CNS Mark certificates and request the return of the
certificates in accordance with Subparagraph 5, Paragraph 1, Article 27 of the Regulations. Copies
of the decision shall be sent to the certification unit, the recognition unit and the implementing units
of the BSMI, the third-party certification bodies, the BSMI-recognized QMS CBs, the factory
inspection bodies and the BSMI-recognized testing laboratories.
6. Non-periodical Inspection of CNS Mark Products
(1)Annual plan of non-periodical inspection of CNS Mark products
(i)The implementing units of BSMI or the third-party certification bodies shall draw up an “Annual
Non-periodical Product Inspection Plan” to inspect or test CNS Mark products purchased from the
market, taken from the construction sites or sampled from factories of CNS Mark registered
manufacturers, as prescribed in Paragraph 1, Article 16 of the Regulations. The plan shall be
notified to the certification unit of BSMI and relevant BSMI-recognized testing laboratories.
(ii)The annual product inspection mentioned in the preceding paragraph is conducted once a year in
principle; however, the frequency may be increased depending on the actual needs.
(iii)For CNS Mark products that do not have non-compliance records for a consecutive five years,
the annual product inspection may be performed once every two years.
(2)Sampling
(i)The implementing units of BSMI, the third-party certification bodies or the BSMI-recognized
testing laboratories may sample products from the marketplace, construction sites or factories of
CNS registered manufacturers for inspection/testing on a non-regular basis. When conducting
product sampling from the marketplace or construction sites, the implementing units of BSMI or the
third-party certification bodies may notify the manufacturers in writing, with copies sent to the
certification unit of BSMI.
(ii)Prior to sample products from the marketplace or construction sites, the manufacturer may be
requested to provide production and marketing records and to accompany personnel of the
implementing units of BSMI, the third-party certification bodies or the BSMI-recognized testing
laboratories to domestic warehouses, hypermarkets, distribution places or construction sites to
sample products. The fee for product sampled shall be paid by the manufacturer.
(iii)During sampling, the items recorded in the CNS Mark certificate shall be checked and the
pattern of CNS Mark shall be verified to make sure it complies with the provisions of Clause 3(2)(i).
Where it is found that changes are made to the basic information of the manufacturer, marking does
not comply with the requirements or the production processes of the factory do not cover final
assembly/separate packaging and inspection management, such findings shall be noted on the
Sampling Sheet of Product Inspection and signed by the manufacturer. Copies of the Sampling
Sheet shall be sent to the certification unit of BSMI or the third-party certification bodies.
(iv)Upon receipt of the Sampling Sheet of Product Inspection and having confirmed that the CNS
Mark products do not comply with the provisions of Clause 3(2)(i), the certification unit of BSMI or
the third-party certification bodies shall request rectification to be made by the manufacturer within
a specified time limit or rescind the CNS Mark certificates in question, depending on the nature of
non-compliance, in accordance with the provisions of Clauses 3(2)(ii)-(iv).
(3)Implementation of annual non-periodical inspection of CNS Mark products
(i)After having implemented the annual inspection plan as described in Clause 6(1), the relevant
units of BSMI or bodies shall take samples of CNS Mark products in accordance with the
provisions of Clause 6(2), and inspect/test these samples (including witness testing) in accordance
with the provisions of Clauses 4(3)(ii) and 4(3)(iv). A product inspection report shall be prepared
and delivered to the manufacturer. If the national standards are not met, a copy of the notice
(including the product inspection report) shall be sent to the certification unit of BSMI or the
third-party certification bodies.
(ii)Upon implementation of product inspection/testing (including witness testing) in accordance
with the provisions prescribed in the preceding paragraph, the BSMI-recognized testing laboratories
shall send a copy of the product inspection reports to the implementing unit of BSMI with the
jurisdiction over the factory.
(4)Rectification within a specified time limit
(i)Upon receipt of the product inspection report of non-compliance, the certification unit of BSMI or
the third-party certification bodies shall, in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph 3, Article
16 of the Regulations, notify the manufacturer to make rectification within one month and apply for
re-inspection to the implementing units of BSMI, the third-party certification bodies, or the
BSMI-recognized testing laboratories.
(ii)In accordance with the provisions of Paragraph 5, Article 16 of the Regulations, the CNS Mark
shall not be used on products manufactured during the rectification period and before receipt of
product inspection report of compliance. For violations, the certification unit of BSMI or the
third-party certification bodies shall, in accordance with Subparagraph 4, Paragraph 1, Article 27 of
the Regulations, rescind the CNS Mark certificates and request the return of the certificates. Copies
of the decision shall be sent to the certification unit, the recognition unit and the implementing units
of BSMI, the third-party certification bodies, the BSMI-recognized QMS CBs, the factory
inspection bodies and the BSMI-recognized testing laboratories.
(5)Implementation of product inspection after completion of rectification
(i)The implementing units of BSMI, the third-party certification bodies or the BSMI-recognized
testing laboratories shall carry out product inspection within one month upon receipt of the
manufacturers’ application.
(ii)Upon receipt of the product inspection report, where the requirements of national standards are
met, the certification unit of BSMI or the third-party certification bodies shall change the annual
non-periodical product inspection to be twice a year. The frequency will be resumed to once a year
after compliance of the two product inspection carried out in the same year. Where the requirements
of national standards are not met, in accordance with the provisions of Subparagraph 3, Paragraph 1,
Article 27 of the Regulations, the certification unit of BSMI or the third-party certification bodies
shall rescind the CNS Mark certificates and request the return of the certificates. Copies of the
decision shall be sent to the certification unit, the recognition unit and the implementing units of
BSMI, the third-party certification bodies, the BSMI-recognized QMS certification bodies, the
factory inspection bodies and the BSMI-recognized testing laboratories.
(6)Payment notice
After having completed the annual non-periodical product inspection of CNS Mark products, the
implementing units of BSMI shall issue the product inspection report upon receipt of payment of
related fees. Where a manufacturer refuses to pay the fees, the certification unit of BSMI or the
third-party certification bodies shall, in accordance with Subparagraph 2, Paragraph 1, Article 27 of
the Regulations, rescind the CNS Mark certificates and request the return of the certificates. Copies
of the decision shall be sent to the certification unit, the recognition unit and the implementing units
of BSMI, the third-party certification bodies, the BSMI-recognized QMS CBs, the factory
inspection bodies and the BSMI-recognized testing laboratories.
(7) Other circumstances of CNS Mark products not meeting the requirements of national standards
Where the CNS Mark product is reported to be non-compliant with national standards and such
non-compliance is verified by the certification unit of BSMI or the third-party certification bodies,
the provisions of Clauses 6(4)-(6) shall apply.
(8)Manufacturer's obtainment of other certification marks announced and specified by the BSMI
Where a manufacturer has obtained the certification marks announced and specified by the BSMI
and under the condition that the registration status of those marks remains valid, the product
inspection report issued within three years may be accepted in terms of product inspection items that
meet the national standards as mentioned in Clause 6(3). The rest of the product inspection items
shall be performed by the implementing units of BSMI, the third-party certification bodies or the
BSMI-recognized testing laboratories in accordance with the provisions of Clauses 6(2)-(6).
(9)Manufacturer's obligation under product inspection and penalties of violation
When the implementing units of BSMI or the third-party certification bodies perform sampling of
products for inspection and request the provisions of relevant documents, the manufacturer shall not
evade, impede or refuse such requests in accordance with Article 18 of the Regulations. For
violations, the implementing units of BSMI or the third-party certification bodies shall notify the
manufacturer to rectify within a specified time limit, with a copy sent to the certification unit of
BSMI. Where a manufacturer does not make rectification within the specified time limit, the
certification unit of BSMI or the third-party certification bodies shall rescind the CNS Mark
certificates and request the return of the certificates in accordance with Subparagraph 5, Paragraph 1,
Article 27 of the Regulations. Copies of the decision shall be sent to the certification unit, the
recognition unit and the implementing units of the BSMI, the third-party certification bodies, the
BSMI-recognized QMS CBs, the factory inspection bodies and the BSMI-recognized testing
laboratories.
7. Report of Suspending Manufacturing of CNS Mark Products and Follow-up Actions
(1)The CNS Mark registered manufacturers that suspend manufacturing of CNS Mark products
shall report the reasons and period of suspension to the implementing units of BSMI or the
third-party certification bodies within three months from the next day of suspension in accordance
with the provisions of Paragraph 1, Article 19 of the Regulations. According to the provisions of
Paragraph 2, Article 19 of the Regulations, the period of suspension may not exceed one year. If
there are justified reasons, the manufacturer may present evidence and apply to the implementing
units of BSMI or the third-party certification bodies for an extension, which shall be limited to one
time only and not exceed six months.
(2)Upon receipt of the report from CNS Mark registered manufacturers on the suspension of
manufacturing CNS Mark products, the implementing units of BSMI or the third-party certification
bodies shall acknowledge receipt of the report and record the information for reference. Copies of
the acknowledgement shall be sent to the certification unit and the recognition unit of the BSMI, the
BSMI-recognized QMS CBs, the factory inspection bodies and the BSMI-recognized testing
laboratories. Upon receipt of applications for an extension of the suspension period, a review shall
be made of the reasons and evidence provided by the manufacturers. Where approval is granted, an
extension of six months shall be given in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph 2, Article 19
of the Regulations. Copies of the decision on approval or rejection of the extension shall be sent to
the certification unit and the recognition unit of BSMI, the BSMI-recognized QMS CBs, the factory
inspection bodies and the BSMI-recognized testing laboratories.
(3)The CNS Mark shall not be applied to products manufactured during the suspension period in
accordance with the provisions of Paragraph 3, Article 19 of the Regulations. For violations of this
requirement, the certification unit of BSMI or the third-party certification bodies shall, in
accordance with Subparagraph 4, Paragraph 1, Article 27 of the Regulations, rescind the CNS Mark
certificates and request the return of the certificates. Copies of the decision shall be sent to the
certification unit, the recognition unit and the implementing units of BSMI, the BSMI-recognized
QMS certification bodies, the factory inspection bodies and the BSMI-recognized testing
laboratories.
(4)According to the provisions of Paragraph 4, Article 19 of the Regulations, upon expiration of the
suspension period or early resumption of production, the CNS Mark registered manufacturers may
apply the CNS Mark to their products after they have informed the implementing units of BSMI or
the third-party certification bodies that manufacturing of CNS Mark products has been resumed. If
the manufacturer does not resume production when the suspension period expires or applies the
CNS Mark to their products without informing the implementing units of BSMI or the third-party
certification bodies of the resumption of production, the implementing units of BSMI shall notify
the certification unit of BSMI. The certification unit of BSMI or the third-party certification bodies
shall rescind the CNS Mark certificates and request the return of the certificates in accordance with
Subparagraph 6 or 7, Paragraph 1, Article 27 of the Regulations. Copies of the decision shall be sent
to the certification unit, the recognition unit and the implementing units of BSMI, the
BSMI-recognized QMS CBs, the factory inspection bodies and the BSMI-recognized testing
laboratories.
(5)Upon receipt of the report from CNS Mark registered manufacturers regarding resumption of
manufacturing CNS Mark products, the implementing units of BSMI or the third-party certification
bodies shall acknowledge receipt of the report and record the information for reference. The
manufacturers shall also be informed that they are prioritized for quality management system
follow-up assessment, factory inspection and non-periodical product inspection. Copies of the
notice shall be sent to the certification unit of BSMI, the BSMI-recognized QMS CBs, the factory
inspection bodies and the BSMI-recognized testing laboratories.
8. Determination and Processing of Suspension of Manufacturing of CNS Mark Products
(1)Where the implementing units of BSMI or the third-party certification bodies find the factory
manufacturing CNS Mark products is under any of the circumstances mentioned in Article 20 of the
Regulations during factory surveillance or product sampling and the manufacturer fails to report in
accordance with Paragraph 1, Article 19 of the Regulations, the fact and the dates of the most recent
manufacturing records or quality records shall be stated in related working documents or sampling
sheet. The certification unit of BSMI or the third-party certification bodies shall also be informed of
such conditions. Where the BSMI-recognized testing laboratories find that the factory
manufacturing CNS Mark products is under any of the circumstances mentioned in Article 20 of the
Regulations and the manufacturer fails to report in accordance with Paragraph 1, Article 19 of the
Regulations, they shall inform the certification unit of BSMI or the third-party certification bodies
of such conditions.
(2)Upon receipt of the notice mentioned in preceding paragraph, the certification unit of BSMI or
the third-party certification bodies shall rescind the CNS Mark certificates and request the return of
the certificates in accordance with Subparagraph 6, Paragraph 1, Article 27 of the Regulations.
Copies of the decision shall be sent to the certification unit, the recognition unit and the
implementing units of BSMI, the third-party certification bodies, the BSMI-recognized QMS CBs,
the factory inspection bodies and the BSMI-recognized testing laboratories.
9. Processes Involved in the Revision or Rescission of National Standards for the CNS Mark
(1)Where the applicable national standard for a CNS Mark product is revised or rescinded, resulting
in the change of applicable national standard, the certification unit of BSMI, after having
determined that there is substantial impact, it or the third-party certification bodies shall, in
accordance with the provisions of Paragraph 1, Article 21 of the Regulations, notify the CNS Mark
registered manufacturers to rectify according to the revised or newly applicable national standard
within six months. Copies of the notice shall be sent to the implementing units of BSMI, the
BSMI-recognized QMS CBs, the factory inspection bodies or the BSMI-recognized testing
laboratories. Where the rescission of CNS results in no applicable national standard, related CNS
Mark certificates shall be rescinded and returned in accordance with Subparagraph 12, Paragraph 1,
Article 27 of the Regulations. Copies of such decisions shall be sent to the certification unit, the
recognition unit and the implementing units of BSMI, the third-party certification bodies, the
BSMI-recognized QMS CBs, the factory inspection bodies and the BSMI-recognized testing
laboratories.
(2)Where the CNS Mark registered manufacturers are not able to rectify according to the revised or
newly applicable national standard within six months, they may apply to the certification unit of
BSMI or the third-party certification bodies for an extension of up to six months by submitting
rectification plans in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph 1, Article 21 of the Regulations.
(3)Upon receipt of an application for extension made under the preceding paragraph, the
certification unit of BSMI or the third-party certification bodies shall immediately review the
rectification plan. A decision on granting or rejecting extension shall be made according to the
provisions of Paragraph 1, Article 21 of the Regulations. The decision shall be sent to the applicant
in writing, with copies sent to the certification unit and the implementing units of BSMI, the
BSMI-recognized QMS CBs, the factory inspection bodies and the BSMI-recognized testing
laboratories.
(4)Where the applicable national standard for a CNS Mark product is revised or rescinded, resulting
in the change of applicable national standard, the CNS Mark may continue to be applied to the CNS
Mark products in compliant with the original national standard that are manufactured prior to the
revision or rescission. Where the CNS Mark certificate is rescinded as a result of the rescission of
relevant national standards, the CNS Mark products in compliant with the original national
standards that are manufactured prior to the date of rescission may continue to bear the CNS Mark
according to the provisions of Paragraph 3, Article 27 of the Regulations.
(5)The CNS Mark registered manufacturers may continue to apply the CNS Mark to their products
that meet the revised or newly applicable national standards in accordance with Paragraph 4, Article
21 of the Regulations after having completed rectification by the end of the rectification period or
having reported to the certification unit of BSMI or the third-party certification bodies for early
completion of rectification.
(6)Upon receipt of the report on completed rectification made by the manufacturer, the certification
unit of BSMI or the third-party certification bodies shall acknowledge in writing receipt of the
report, record the information for reference and arrange for product inspection against the revised or
newly applicable national standard. Copies of the acknowledgement and arrangement shall be sent
to the implementing units of BSMI or the BSMI-recognized testing laboratories. Upon receipt of the
notice, the implementing units of BSMI shall apply mutatis mutandis Clause 6 to carry out
non-periodical product inspection of the manufacturer.
(7) For manufacturers that do not make rectification by the specified time limit or apply for an
extension, the implementing units of BMSI or the third-party certification bodies shall, upon
expiration of the rectification period, apply mutatis mutandis Clause 6 to carry out non-periodical
product inspection of the manufacturer.
10. Changes to the BSMI-recognized QMS CBs, the Factory Inspection Agency/Bodies or the
Product Inspection/Testing Bodies
(1)Where the registration scopes of CNS Mark manufacturers are affected by the withdrawal,
rescission or changes of registered scopes of the BSMI-recognized QMS CBs or the factory
inspection bodies, the CNS Mark manufacturers shall apply to the certification unit of BSMI or the
third-party certification bodies for relevant changes in accordance with Paragraph 1, Article 24 of
the Regulations within three months upon receipt of notices from the certification unit of BSMI or
the third-party certification bodies. An application form for such changes shall be filled out,
attached by copies of the ISO 9001 certificates or factory inspection reports issued by the new
BSMI-recognized QMS CBs or the factory inspection agency/bodies. The CNS Mark manufacturers
failing to apply for approval of such changes shall take corrective actions within one month upon
receipt of notices from the certification unit of BSMI or the third-party certification bodies. Where
corrective actions are not taken within the specified time limit, the CNS Mark certificates shall be
rescinded and returned in accordance with Subparagraph 3, Paragraph 1, Article 27 of the
Regulations. Copies of rescission notices shall be sent to the certification unit, the recognition unit
and the implementing units of BSMI, the third-party certification bodies, the BSMI-recognized
QMS CBs, the factory inspection bodies and the BSMI-recognized testing laboratories.
(2)The application mentioned in the preceding paragraph shall be approved after it is reviewed by
the certification unit of the BSMI or the third-party certification bodies to be in compliant with
relevant requirements. A notice of approval shall also be sent to the new BSMI-recognized QMS
CBs or the factory inspection agency/bodies, with copies sent to the certification unit, the
recognition unit and the implementing units of BSMI and the third-party certification bodies. The
application shall be rejected with reasons stated if it does not comply with relevant requirements.
The CNS Mark manufacturer may apply for a second review within one month beginning next day
of receiving the rejection notices. Where application is not made for the second review after the
one-month period or non-compliance remains after the second review, the CNS Mark certificates
shall be rescinded and returned in accordance with Subparagraph 8, Paragraph 1, Article 27 of the
Regulations. Copies of rescission notices shall be sent to the certification unit, the recognition unit
and the implementing units of BSMI, the third-party certification bodies, the BSMI-recognized
QMS CBs, the factory inspection bodies and the BSMI-recognized testing laboratories.
(3)Where the CNS Mark manufacturers apply for changes to the BSMI-recognized QMS CBs or the
factory inspection agency/bodies out of their own reasons, they shall apply to the certification unit
of BSMI or the third-party certification bodies for such changes in accordance with Paragraph 1,
Article 25 of the Regulations. An application form for such changes shall be filled out, attached by
copies of the ISO 9001 certificates or factory inspection reports issued by the new BSMI-recognized
QMS CBs or the factory inspection agency/bodies.
(4)Where the CNS Mark manufacturers apply for changes to the implementing units of BSMI, the
third-party certification bodies or the BSMI-recognized testing laboratories (hereinafter referred to
as “the product inspection/testing bodies”) out of their own reasons, they shall apply to the
certification unit of BSMI or the third-party certification bodies for such changes in accordance with
Paragraph 2, Article 25 of the Regulations. An application form for such changes shall be filled out,
attached by copies of the product inspection reports (sampled products) of the year issued by the
original product inspection/testing bodies. The application will not be accepted if it is made during
the rectification period mentioned in Paragraph 3, Article 16 of the Regulations.
(5)The application mentioned in the preceding two paragraphs shall be approved after it is reviewed
by the certification unit of the BSMI or the third-party certification bodies to be in compliant with
relevant requirements. A notice of approval shall also be sent to the new BSMI-recognized QMS
CBs, the factory inspection agency/bodies or the new product inspection/testing bodies, with copies
sent to the certification unit, the recognition unit and the implementing units of BSMI and the
third-party certification bodies. The application shall be rejected with reasons stated if it does not
comply with relevant requirements.
11.Replacement and Re-issuance of CNS Mark Certificates
(1)Where changes are made to the information stated in the CNS Mark certificate, the CNS Mark
registered manufacturers shall apply to the certification unit of BSMI or the third-party certification
bodies for a replacement of the certificate in accordance with Paragraph 1, Article 22 of the
Regulations. The application form for changes to information in the CNS Mark certificate has to be
filled out and submitted, together with the original certificate, relevant supporting documents and
payment of certificate fees. If the changes are made in a foreign language, the Chinese translation
shall also be provided.
(2)Where the changes involve relocation of factories, according to the provisions of Paragraph 2,
Article 22 of the Regulations, the application for a replacement of the CNS Mark certificate shall be
made to the certification unit of BSMI or the third-party certification bodies by submitting copies of
the registration documents of the factories or equivalent documents. The application form for
changes to information in the CNS Mark certificate has to be filled out and submitted, together with
copies of quality management system certificates or factory inspection reports, product inspection
reports issued within 6 months and payment of certificate fees.
(3)Where a product name is changed due to revisions to national standards, the certification unit of
BSMI or the third-party certification bodies shall immediately inform the manufacturer to replace
the CNS Mark certificate. In this case, the manufacturer only needs to submit the original certificate
and the replacement certificate will be issued at no charge.
(4)According to the provisions of Paragraph 3, Article 22 of the Regulations, if a manufacturer does
not apply for replacements of certificates according to the relevant provisions, the certification unit
of BSMI or the third-party certification bodies shall notify the manufacturer to rectify within one
month starting from the next day of receiving the rectification notice. If the manufacturer fails to
rectify within the one-month period, the certification unit of BSMI or the third-party certification
bodies shall, in accordance with the provisions of Subparagraph 3, Paragraph 1, Article 27 of the
Regulations, rescind the CNS Mark certificates and request the return of the certificates. Copies of
the decision shall be sent to the certification unit, the recognition unit and the implementing units of
BSMI, the third-party certification bodies, the BSMI-recognized QMS certification bodies, the
factory inspection bodies and the BSMI-recognized testing laboratories.
(5)If the CNS Mark certificate is lost, destroyed or damaged, the CNS Mark registered
manufacturers may write to the certification unit of BSMI or the third-party certification bodies by
providing the reasons (stamped with the company’s seals) and paying the fee to apply for
re-issuance of certificates.
(6)The certification unit of BSMI or the third-party certification bodies shall send copies of the
replaced or re-issued certificates to the implementing units of BSMI, the BSMI-recognized QMS
certification bodies, the factory inspection bodies or the BSMI-recognized testing laboratories.
(7)According to the provisions of Subparagraphs 14 or 15, Paragraph 1, Article 29 of the
Regulations, for the CNS Mark registered manufacturers, if their company or business registration
certificates, factory registration certificates or equivalent documents are revoked, rescinded or
cancelled by the competent authorities, or if they dissolved or close their business, the certification
unit of BSMI or the third-party certification bodies shall rescind their CNS Mark certificates and
request the return of the certificates. Copies of the decision shall be sent to the certification unit, the
recognition unit and the implementing units of BSMI, the third-party certification bodies, the
BSMI-recognized QMS CBs and the factory inspection bodies, and the BSMI-recognized testing
laboratories.
12. Rescission and Revocation of the CNS Mark Certificates
(1)After having made the decision to rescind or revoke the CNS Mark certificates in accordance
with the provisions of Articles 26 and 27 of the Regulations, the certification unit of BSMI or the
third-party certification bodies shall notify the registered manufacturers involved and send copies of
the decision to the certification unit, the recognition unit and the implementing units of BSMI, the
third-party certification bodies, the BSMI-recognized QMS CBs, the factory inspection bodies and
the BSMI-recognized testing laboratories. Upon receipt of the notice, the manufacturers shall return
their CNS Mark certificates.
(2)According to the provisions of Articles 26 and Subparagraphs 1-10, Paragraph 1, Article 27 of
the Regulations, a manufacturer shall not apply the CNS Mark to their products after the CNS Mark
certificates are rescinded or revoked. Where the certificates are rescinded in accordance with
Subparagraphs 12-15, Paragraph 1, Article 27 and Paragraph 2, Article 27 of the Regulations,
products manufactured prior to the date of recission and complying with relevant national standards
may continue to bear the CNS Mark.
(3)For unauthorized use of the CNS Mark after the rescission or revocation of the CNS Mark
certificates, the certification unit of BSMI shall process the case in accordance with Article 16 of the
Standards Act. In the event that illegal and unauthorized use of the CNS Mark is deemed to cause
damage or has potential damage to consumers’ life, body, health or property, the certification unit of
BSMI shall also process the case in accordance with Article 17 of the Standards Act.
(4)The manufacturers shall not apply for CNS Mark for the same products that are subject to the
decision of revocation in accordance with Article 26 or rescission in accordance with Subparagraphs
1-11, Paragraph 1, Article 27 of the Regulations for a period specified in Articles 26 and 28 of the
Regulations, beginning from the date following receipt of the revocation or rescission notice. The
application shall be rejected by the certification unit of BSMI or the third-party certification bodies.
(5)The certification unit of BSMI shall announce the names of the CNS Mark registered
manufacturers that are subject to the decision of revocation or recission, their factories, names of
their products and related information in accordance with Article 29 of the Regulations. All the
information shall also be published on the CNS gazettes.
13. Removal of CNS Marks
(1)Within two months following the day of revocation of CNS Mark certificates or rescission of
CNS Mark certificates in accordance with Subparagraph 1-11, Paragraph 1, Article 27 of the
Regulations, the manufacturer shall remove the CNS Mark graphic and certificate numbers from the
packages, containers, delivery notes and related documents as well as other texts indicating that the
products are granted to use the CNS Mark of products manufactured prior to the date of rescission
or revocation in accordance with the provisions of Articles 26 and 28 of the Regulations.
(2)Where a manufacturer does not remove the CNS Mark graphic and CNS Mark certificate
numbers as well as other texts indicating that the products are granted to use the CNS Mark
according to the relevant provisions, the certification unit of BSMI shall process the cases in
accordance with the provisions on penalties of unauthorized use of CNS Mark set forth in Clause 12(3). |