Proposal for Streamlining Inspection Procedures of Mechanical Products

Proposal for streamlining inspection procedures of mechanical products

By the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection, Ministry of Economic Affairs

Background:

During the past forty years, Batch-by-Batch Inspection has been the main conformity assessment procedure used to ensure the compliance of commodities with relevant technical regulations. The Registration of Product Certification (RPC) Scheme was introduced in July 1999 as an alternative to the Batch-by-Batch Inspection with a view to reducing the impact on trade resulting from border controls. Commodities registered under the RPC Scheme can be waived from requiring inspection at customs during import. The RPC Scheme, similar to the modular approach of conformity assessment adopted by the European Communities, covers the design stage (type testing) and manufacturing stage (quality management system) of the product. This is to ensure the continued compliance of product with requirements.

Forty-nine items of mechanical products were announced to be included under the RPC Scheme starting from April 1, 2000. (Stage I Products) Another 27 items of mechanical products were announced to be included under the RPC Scheme starting from January 18, 2002 (Stage II Products). Three-year transitional periods, which end on March 31, 2003 and January 17, 2005 respectively, were provided to allow industry to adapt to the new system. Different manufacturing-stage requirements are required depending on the characteristics and potential risks of the product involved. For some products (e.g. fire doors for buildings) ISO 9000 Quality Management System certification (module IV or V) would be required. Thirty items among the above-mentioned mechanical products (e.g. fire doors for buildings, parts of LPG automobile fuel systems, cooking appliances, and gas ranges made by iron or steel) were announced to be subject to Type-Approved Batch Inspection (simplified Batch-by-Batch Inspection with Type Approval required as a prerequisite) starting from January 1, 2003.

In a recent review of the new system, the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) again solicited comments from industry regarding their preparation for the new system after the transitional period ends. Following several public hearings with representatives of industry and importers and after several internal review meetings, the BSMI has submitted the following proposal for streamlining the inspection procedures for mechanical products.

Main Description of the Proposal:

1. The transitional period for certain mechanical products is proposed to be extended, which will allow manufacturers or importers of such products to follow the Batch-by-Batch Inspection procedure until December 31, 2003.
2. For those products of which the conformity assessment procedures require ISO 9000 quality management system in the RPC Scheme, an alternative, in the form of a Factory Inspection module will be introduced. Manufacturers or importers may choose the most appropriate module when applying for registration under the RPC Scheme.

The procedures of the RPC Scheme and the Type-approved Batch Inspection are as follows:

1. Registration of Product Certification (Modules II + III, IV, V or VII)

Under this procedure, manufacturers must have products type-tested by the BSMI or designated testing laboratories recognized by the BSMI (Module II) before applying for registration of their products. Manufacturers or importers will also be required to ensure by declaration that all products made at their manufacturing facilities are in conformity with the prototypes submitted for type testing in Module II (Module III).

For products subject to the Module IV or V procedures, the manufacturing facilities must have implemented ISO 9000 quality management system (full quality management system or production quality management system respectively) certified by the BSMI or certification bodies recognized by the BSMI. As an alternative, manufacturers may establish a quality system that complies with the requirements stipulated by the BSMI (Module VII) and obtain a factory inspection report issued by the BSMI or inspection bodies recognized by the BSMI.

Products will be allowed to use a certification mark after they are certified and registered with the BSMI. These products can then pass through customs directly without any further inspection. The application fee and annual fee for RPC is NT$5,000 for each type of product, and a RPC certificate is valid for three years.

2. Type-approved Batch Inspection

Under this procedure, the manufacturer or importer shall have products type-tested by the BSMI or designated testing laboratories recognized by the BSMI, and then file an application for Type Approval with the BSMI, in Taipei or at branch offices, depending on where the manufacturer or importer is located.

After manufacturers or importers obtain type-approval certificates, they are required to file an application for inspection with the BSMI before their products are to be released from the production premises or arrive at the port of entry. The BSMI will then review the application and accompanying documents according to the simplified procedures, and additional samples may be required for further testing. The fees for type testing vary by product and depend on the testing laboratory. The fee for a Type Approval is NT$3500, and a Type Approval certificate is valid for three years.

Proposed Date of Implementation:

‧January 1, 2003

Products and Inspection standards covered (related codes and RPC modules):

‧Please see attached table and remarks for mechanical products subject to legal inspection

Locations to apply for Type Testing:

‧The BSMI or designated testing laboratories recognized by the BSMI

Locations to apply for Registration of Product Certification:

‧The BSMI or its branches with jurisdiction over the applicant.

Time required for Registration of Product Certification:

‧Fourteen working days. (This does not including the time for corrective actions by the applicant due to deficiencies in the documents or samples; another 14 days may be required if additional tests are required)

1

Table of Standards, Conformity Assessment Modules and Inspection Requirements for Mechanical Products to be inspected via the Registration of Product Certification Scheme (Proposed date of implementation: January 1, 2003)

Part 1: Mechanical products

C.C.C. Code
(the first 6 digits are the same as HS Code) / Description of Products / Safety Standard(s) / EMC Standard(s) / Conformity Assessment Modules for RPC Scheme
4418.20.00.00.4 / Doors and their frames and thresholds, of wood (inspection scope: only fire door for buildings below 3m*3m) / CNS 11227 / Module II and III
6815.99.90.00.6B / Other articles of stone or of mineral substances (inspection scope: only fire door for buildings below 3m*3m) / CNS 11227 / Module II and III
7213.10.00.00.7 / Bars and rods, hot-rolled, of iron or non-alloy steel, containing indentations, ribs, grooves or other deformations produced during the rolling process (inspection scope: steel bar for building) / CNS 2473, CNS 3300, CNS 3828, CNS 3892, CNS 479, CNS 560, CNS 8279, CNS 9552 / Module II and IV or
Module II and V or Module II and VII
7213.91.20.00.5 / Bars and rods, hot-rolled, of iron or non-alloy steel, of circular cross-section measuring less than 14mm in diameter, containing by weight 0.25% or more but less than 0.6% of carbon indentations, ribs, grooves or other (inspection scope: steel bar for building) / CNS 2473, CNS 3300, CNS 3828, CNS 3892, CNS 479, CNS 560, CNS 8279, CNS 9552 / Module II and IV or
Module II and V or Module II and VII
7214.20.00.00.4 / Other bars and rods of iron or non-alloy steel, containing indentations, ribs, grooves or other deformations produced during the rolling process or twisted after rolling (inspection scope: steel bar for building) / CNS 2473, CNS 3300, CNS 3828, CNS 3892, CNS 479, CNS 560, CNS 8279 / Module II and IV or
Module II and V or Module II and VII
7214.99.10.10.6 / Other bars and rods of iron or non-alloy steel, of circular cross-section measuring less than 14mm in diameter, containing by weight less than 0.25% of carbon (inspection scope: steel bar for building) / CNS 2473, CNS 3300, CNS 3828, CNS 3892, CNS 479, CNS 560, CNS 8279 / Module II and IV or
Module II and V or Module II and VII
7214.99.10.20.4 / Other bars and rods of iron or non-alloy steel, of circular cross-section measuring 14mm or more but less than 42mm in diameter, containing by weight less than 0.25% of carbon (inspection scope: steel bar for building) / CNS 2473, CNS 3300, CNS 3828, CNS 3892, CNS 479, CNS 560, CNS 8279 / Module II and IV or
Module II and V or Module II and VII
7214.99.10.30.2 / Other bars and rods of iron or non-alloy steel, of circular cross-section measuring 42mm or more but less than 70mm in diameter, containing by weight less than 0.25% of carbon (inspection scope: steel bar for building) / CNS 2473, CNS 3300, CNS 3828, CNS 3892, CNS 479, CNS 560, CNS 8279 / Module II and IV or
Module II and V or Module II and VII
7214.99.10.40.0 / Other bars and rods of iron or non-alloy steel, of circular cross-section measuring 70mm or more in diameter, containing by weight less than 0.25% of carbon (inspection scope: steel bar for building) / CNS 2473, CNS 3300, CNS 3828, CNS 3892, CNS 479, CNS 560, CNS 8279 / Module II and IV or
Module II and V or Module II and VII
7214.99.20.10.4 / Other bars and rods of iron or non-alloy steel, of circular cross-section measuring less than 14mm in diameter, containing by weight 0.25% or more but less than 0.6% of carbon (inspection scope: steel bar for building) / CNS 2473, CNS 3300, CNS 3828, CNS 3892, CNS 479, CNS 560, CNS 8279 / Module II and IV or
Module II and V or Module II and VII
7214.99.20.20.2 / Other bars and rods of iron or non-alloy steel, of circular cross-section measuring 14mm or more but less than 42mm in diameter, containing by weight 0.25% or more but less than 0.6% of carbon (inspection scope: steel bar for building) / CNS 2473, CNS 3300, CNS 3828, CNS 3892, CNS 479, CNS 560, CNS 8279 / Module II and IV or
Module II and V or Module II and VII
7214.99.20.30.0 / Other bars and rods of iron or non-alloy steel, of circular cross-section measuring 42mm or more but less than 70mm in diameter, containing by weight 0.25% or more but less than 0.6% of carbon (inspection scope: steel bar for building) / CNS 2473, CNS 3300, CNS 3828, CNS 3892, CNS 479, CNS 560, CNS 8279 / Module II and IV or
Module II and V or Module II and VII
7214.99.20.40.8 / Other bars and rods of iron or non-alloy steel, of circular cross-section measuring 70mm or more in diameter, containing by weight 0.25% or more but less than 0.6% of carbon (inspection scope: steel bar for building) / CNS 2473, CNS 3300, CNS 3828, CNS 3892, CNS 479, CNS 560, CNS 8279 / Module II and IV or
Module II and V or Module II and VII
7215.50.10.00.4 / Other bars and rods of iron or non-alloy steel, not worked further than cold-formed or cold-finished, containing by weight less than 0.25% of carbon (inspection scope: steel bar for building) / CNS 3300, CNS 479, CNS 560, CNS 9552 / Module II and IV or
Module II and V or Module II and VII
7215.50.20.00.2 / Other bars and rods of iron or non-alloy steel, not worked further than cold-formed or cold-finished, containing by weight 0.25% or more but less than 0.6% of carbon (inspection scope: steel bar for building) / CNS 3300, CNS 479, CNS 560, CNS 9552 / Module II and IV or
Module II and V or Module II and VII
7308.30.00.00.9 / Doors, windows and their frames and thresholds for doors, of iron or steel (inspection scope: only fire door for buildings below 3m*3m) / CNS 11227 / Module II and III
7311.00.00.00.0A / Cylinders, compressed gas, iron or steel (inspection scope: only empty cylinder, which capacity is less than 500L) / CNS 1261, CNS 1337, CNS 2724, CNS 12242 / Module II and IV or
Module II and V or Module II and VII
7311.00.00.00.0B / Cylinders, iron or steel, for liquefied gas (inspection scope: only empty cylinder, which capacity is less than 500L) / CNS 1323, CNS 1325, CNS 2724, CNS 5636, CNS 12242 / Module II and VII
7311.00.00.00.0C / Containers for LPG automobile fuel system / CNS 13181 / Module II and III
7312.10.90.20.4 / Ropes and cables, of iron or steel, not electrically insulated (inspection scope: only ropes and cables) / CNS 1111, CNS 941 / Module II and III
7321.11.00.00.5 / Cooking appliances and plate warmers, of iron or steel, for gas fuel or for both gas and other fuels (inspection scope: only household ovens used, including those equipped with gas appliance) / CNS 13604 / Module II and IV or
Module II and V or Module II and VII
7321.81.00.00.0A / Gas ranges, iron or steel / CNS 13604, CNS 14529 (With the provisional inspection requirements for household ceramic stove burners, household stoves). / Module II and IV or
Module II and V or Module II and VII
7323.91.00.00.6 / Table, kitchen or other household articles and parts thereof, of cast iron, not enameled (inspection scope: only for inside volume less than ten litre household pressure cooking pots) / CNS 12574 / Module II and III
7323.92.00.00.5 / Table, kitchen or other household articles and parts thereof, of cast iron, enameled (inspection scope: only for inside volume less than ten litre household pressure cooking pots) / CNS 12574 / Module II and III
7323.93.00.00.4 / Table, kitchen or other household articles and parts thereof, of stainless steel (inspection scope: only for inside volume less than ten litre household pressure cooking pots) / CNS 12574 / Module II and III
7323.94.00.00.3 / Table, kitchen or other household articles and parts thereof, of iron (other than cast iron) or steel, enameled (inspection scope: only for inside volume less than ten litre household pressure cooking pots) / CNS 12574 / Module II and III
7323.99.00.00.8 / Other table, kitchen or other household articles and parts thereof, of iron or steel (inspection scope: only for inside volume less than ten litre household pressure cooking pots) / CNS 12574 / Module II and III
7325.10.00.00.2 / Articles of non-malleable cast iron (inspection scope: only hook and shackle) / CNS 3542, CNS 5394 / Module II and III
7325.99.90.00.7 / Other cast articles of iron or steel (inspection scope: only hook and shackle). / CNS 3542, CNS 5394 / Module II and III
7326.19.90.00.3 / Other cast articles of iron or steel, forged or stamped, but not further worked (inspection scope: only hook and shackle) / CNS 3542, CNS 5394 / Module II and III
7326.90.90.90.6 / Other articles of iron and steel (inspection scope: only hook and shackle) / CNS 3542, CNS 5394 / Module II and III
7412.20.90.00.5 / Tube or pipe fittings, of other copper alloys (inspection scope: only quick connector for fire hose) / CNS 10206 / Module II and IV or
Module II and V or Module II and VII
7418.19.00.00.1 / Table, kitchen or other household articles and parts thereof, of copper (inspection scope: only for inside volume less than ten litre household pressure cooking pots) / CNS 12574 / Module II and III
7419.99.90.00.4 / Other articles of copper (inspection scope: only fire door for buildings below 3m*3m) / CNS 11227 / Module II and III
7609.00.00.00.1 / Aluminum tubes or pipe fittings (inspection scope: only quick connector for fire hose) / CNS 10206 / Module II and IV or
Module II and V or Module II and VII
7610.10.00.00.6 / Door, windows and their frames and thresholds for doors, of aluminum (inspection scope: only fire door for buildings below 3m*3m) / CNS 11227 / Module II and III
7615.19.00.00.2 / Table, kitchen or other household articles and parts thereof, of aluminum (inspection scope: only for inside volume less than ten litre household pressure cooking pots) / CNS 12574 / Module II and III
8409.91.90.10.0 / Carburetors for LPG (inspection scope: only vaporizer for LPG automobile fuel systems) / CNS 13181 / Module II and III
8419.11.00.00.6 / Instantaneous gas water heater, non-electric / CNS 13603 / Module II and IV or
Module II and V or Module II and VII
8424.10.00.90.1 / Other fire extinguishers, whether or not charged (inspection scope: only portable fire extinguishers that have been charged with the specified chemicals under CNS 1387 [water, chemical foam, carbon dioxide or dry powder) / CNS 10978, CNS 1387 / Module II and IV or
Module II and V Module II and VII
8424.90.10.00.1 / Parts of fire extinguishers (inspection scope: only hoses, nozzles, nozzle valves and hose reel for moveable carbon dioxide fire extinguisher) / CNS 11177 / Module II and IV or
Module II and V or
Module II and VII
8425.42.00.10.9 / Jacks, portable for vehicles, hydraulic / CNS 4074, CNS 5432, CNS 5433 / Module II and IV or
Module II and V or
Module II and VII
8425.49.00.10.2 / Other jacks, portable for vehicles (inspection scope: portable screw jacks for vehicles) / CNS 4076 / Module II and IV or
Module II and V or
Module II and VII
8481.10.00.00.0 / Pressure-reducing valves (for import and domestic inspection, scope only includes outlet pressure is 230-330 mm H2O of household L.P.G. regulator and household L.P.G. control regulators) / CNS 7088, CNS 7089 (With the provisional inspection requirements for household liquefied petroleum gas control regulators). / Module II and III
8481.30.00.00.6D / Remote filling point for LPG automobile fuel systems (with check-valves device) / CNS 13181 / Module II and III
8481.30.00.00.6E / Filling unit (with non-return device) for LPG automobile fuel systems / CNS 13181 / Module II and III
8481.40.00.00.4A / Valves for liquefied petroleum gas cylinders / CNS 1324 / Module II and III
8481.40.00.00.4B / Valves for high pressure gas cylinders / CNS 10848, CNS 10849 / Module II and III
8481.40.00.00.4C / Valves for acetylene cylinders / CNS 4152, CNS 10849 / Module II and III
8481.40.00.00.4E / Pressure relief valve for LPG automobile fuel systems / CNS 13181 / Module II and III
8481.80.90.00.6P / Service valve for LPG automobile fuel systems / CNS 13181 / Module II and III
8481.80.90.00.6Q / Excess flow valve for LPG automobile fuel systems (including overflow-valves) / CNS 13181 / Module II and III
8481.80.90.00.6R / Multi-valve for LPG automobile fuel systems / CNS 13181 / Module II and III
8481.80.90.00.6S / Pressure regulator for LPG automobile fuel systems / CNS 13181 / Module II and III
8481.80.90.00.6T / Shut-off valve for LPG automobile fuel systems / CNS 13181 / Module II and III
8508.10.00.00.9A / Electric drills of all kinds (inspection scope: portable electric drill powered by AC) / CNS 3264 (performance testing) / CNS 13783-1 / Module II and IV or
Module II and V or
Module II and VII
8508.10.00.00.9B / Electric drills of all kinds (inspection scope: those powered by AC, except portable electric drill) / CNS 13783-1 / Module II and IV or
Module II and V or
Module II and VII
8508.20.00.00.7A / Electric saws (inspection scope: portable electric circular saws powered by AC) / CNS 9811, CNS 9812 (performance testing) / CNS 13783-1 / Module II and IV or
Module II and V or
Module II and VII
8508.20.00.00.7B / Electric saws (inspection scope: those powered by AC, except portable electric circular saws) / CNS 13783-1 / Module II and IV or
Module II and V or
Module II and VII
8508.80.10.00.2A / Portable electric grinders powered by AC / CNS 3265, CNS 10609 (performance testing) / CNS 13783-1 / Module II and IV or
Module II and V or
Module II and VII
8508.80.10.00.2B / Portable electric disc grinders powered by AC / CNS 3266, CNS 10610 (performance testing) / CNS 13783-1 / Module II and IV or
Module II and V or
Module II and VII
8508.80.20.00.0 / Electric scissors powered by AC / CNS 13783-1 / Module II and IV or
Module II and V or
Module II and VII
8508.80.30.00.8 / Electric impact wrench powered by AC / CNS 13783-1 / Module II and IV or
Module II and V or
Module II and VII
8508.80.90.00.5 / Other electro-mechanical tools for working in the hand (inspection scope: only those powered by AC) / CNS 13783-1 / Module II and IV or
Module II and V or
Module II and VII
8547.90.10.00.3 / Electrical conduit tubing, of base metal lined with insulating material (inspection scope: only rigid steel conduit) / CNS 2607 / Module II and III
8708.21.00.00.4 / Safety seat belts (including coiler) / CNS 3972, CNS 3973, CNS 4118, CNS 4119 / Module II and IV or
Module II and V or Module II and VII
8708.70.90.00.5 / Other road wheels and parts and accessories thereof (inspection scope: only light alloy disc wheels below 18” for automobiles). / CNS 7135 / Module II and IV or
Module II and V or
Module II and VII
8715.00.00.00.0 / Baby carriages and parts thereof (inspection scope: only stroller and carriages). / CNS 6263, CNS 12940 / Module II and III
9026.10.10.00.8 / Instruments and apparatus for measuring or checking the flow or level of liquids, for vehicles or motorcycles (inspection scope: only level indicator for LPG automobile fuel systems level indicator (LPG)) / CNS 13181 / Module II and III
9403.20.00.00.1 / Other metal furniture (inspection scope: only cradles). / CNS 6262, CNS 12990 / Module II and III
9403.50.90.00.5 / Other wooden furniture of kind used in the bedroom (inspection scope: only cradles). / CNS 6262, CNS 12990 / Module II and III
9403.70.00.00.0 / Furniture of plastics (inspection scope: only cradles). / CNS 6262, CNS 12990 / Module II and III
9403.80.90.00.9 / Furniture of other materials (inspection scope: only cradles). / CNS 6262, CNS 12990 / Module II and III
9501.00.10.00.4A / Wheeled toys designed to be ridden by children (for example, tricycles, scooters, and pedal cars) doll’s carriages. / CNS 6264, CNS 13035 / Module II and III
9506.70.90.00.7 / Ice skates and roller skates including skating boots with skates attached (inspection scope: only roller-skates & skateboards). / CNS 12789, CNS 12790, CNS 14620 for roller-skates
CNS 12870, CNS 12871 for skateboards / Module II and III
9506.99.00.90.4 / Articles and equipment for other sports or outdoor games, not specified of including elsewhere in this chapter; swimming pools and paddling pools (inspection scope: only skateboards). / CNS 12870, CNS 12871 / Module II and III

Part 2: Remarks