Recently, with the approval of the State Administration for Market Regulation，the China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment (CNAS) has officially issued and implemented the Trial Accreditation Scheme for Product Carbon Footprint Verification Bodies (hereinafter referred to as the Scheme). This move aims to further standardize the operations of product carbon footprint verification bodies and improve the quality of product carbon footprint data.

The Scheme specifies the basic qualifications, personnel competency, standardization of verification activities and accreditation procedures for product carbon footprint verification bodies. It applies to CNAS accreditation activities for such institutions and shall take effect on June 15, 2026.

Previously, CNAS has steadily advanced accreditation work related to carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals and established an accreditation system for greenhouse gas validation and verification bodies. To date, a total of 49 institutions has been accredited, covering key sectors including civil aviation, manufacturing, power generation, iron and steel, aluminum and mining. Currently, competent authorities increasingly recognize CNAS accreditation results in the administration of carbon emission verification bodies. This urges these bodies to deliver accurate and reliable verification services for enterprises, continuously improve the authenticity and accuracy of carbon emission data, and provide solid support for governmental regulation and corporate green transition.

Going forward, the State Administration for Market Regulation will guide CNAS to conduct publicity, training and implementation of the accreditation system for product carbon footprint verification bodies. Relevant accreditation work will be carried out in a steady manner to comprehensively enhance the professional capacity of verification bodies, and help key industries accelerate low-carbon transformation.