Planning for BSMI certification without understanding the process and timeline is like driving without a navigation system. Efficient certification not only saves costs but also is key to seizing market opportunities. Based on the latest certification practices and regulatory updates, this guide breaks down the complete journey from initiation to certification, tailored for manufacturers expanding into Taiwan, China.
Before starting, clarify two critical prerequisites—they directly determine the subsequent path and timeline:
1.Confirm the Certification Mode: This is the basis for all follow-up work. Based on product risk levels, BSMI offers three main modes: "Registration of Product Certification (RPC)", "Type Approval with Batch Inspection", and "Declaration of Conformity (DoC)". Most complete electronic products (e.g., laptops, power adapters, home appliances) fall under the "RPC" mode, the most common path. "DoC" applies to low-risk IT components, with a simplified process.
2.Appoint a Local Agent: This is a mandatory legal requirement. Manufacturers from Mainland China or other regions must entrust a company legally registered in Taiwan, China as their legal representative. The agent will submit applications, communicate with BSMI, and hold the certification certificate. Choosing a reliable partner is the first step to a smooth project.
Full BSMI Certification Process & Timeline Breakdown
The entire process can be clearly divided into four phases, with detailed tasks and timeframes below:
Phase 1: Preparations & Technical Document Submission (Approx. 1-2 Weeks)
The core of this phase is "document compliance"—inadequate preparation is the main cause of delays later.
·Key Tasks: Collaborate with your local agent and testing laboratory to prepare a complete set of technical documents. Highlights include: accurate Traditional Chinese user manuals and product labels, circuit diagrams, Bill of Materials (BOM) for critical components, and certification certificates for each key safety component. All documents must be in Traditional Chinese.
·Critical Reminder: Starting in 2025, audio-visual and information technology equipment must fully adopt the new safety standard CNS 15598-1 (equivalent to IEC 62368-1). Reports based on old standards are no longer accepted. Ensure testing is conducted in accordance with the latest standards.
Phase 2: Sample Testing & Report Issuance (Approx. 3-5 Weeks)
This is the most critical technical phase, with a relatively fixed timeline.
·Key Tasks: Send samples in final mass-production status to a BSMI-accredited local laboratory. The laboratory will conduct safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) tests in accordance with relevant standards.
·Timeline Estimate: If tests pass on the first attempt, the laboratory will issue a complete test report in 3 to 5 weeks. If tests fail and modifications are required, the timeline will be extended accordingly.
Phase 3: Report Review & Certificate Issuance (Approx. 1-2 Weeks)
After successful testing, enter the official review and certification phase.
·Key Tasks: The testing laboratory submits the report and relevant application documents to the BSMI system for review.
·Timeline Estimate: BSMI’s review and certification process typically takes 1 to 2 weeks. Once approved, the certificate will be issued directly to your designated local agent in Taiwan, China, and you will receive a copy.
Phase 4: Post-Certification Obligations & Factory Audits (If Applicable)
Obtaining the certificate is not the end—maintaining its validity is equally important.
·Key Obligations: Products must be permanently marked with the Commodity Inspection (CI) Mark. Additionally, "RPC" certificates are valid for 3 years, requiring annual fees and compliance with random market inspections. Renewal is required before expiration.
·Factory Audits (Major Update): Traditionally, BSMI did not conduct factory inspections for most ordinary products. However, per the latest 2025 regulations, mandatory factory quality system audits (or proof of recognized ISO 9001 certification) have been introduced for high-risk products such as secondary lithium batteries and power banks. The transition period ends on July 1, 2027, after which this requirement will become mandatory for such products to obtain certification.
Practical Strategies to Shorten BSMI Certification Timeline
To obtain certification and launch products faster than competitors, proactively adopt these strategies:
Strategy 1: Leverage "CB Report Conversion": If your product already has an internationally recognized CB Test Report (especially based on IEC 62368-1), apply for conversion at a Taiwanese laboratory. This significantly waives duplicate safety tests, reducing the testing timeline by 30%-50%.
Strategy 2: Opt for "Series Certification" Over "Single-Model Certification": For product series with multiple models, select one "primary test model" for full-item testing, and conduct only difference tests for other models. This is one of the most effective ways to control costs and time.
Strategy 3: Conduct "Pre-Testing" to Eliminate Obstacles: Before formal sample submission, send samples to an experienced third-party laboratory for pre-evaluation. Identify and rectify potential non-compliance issues in advance to ensure first-time pass in formal testing, avoiding costly re-tests and delays.
Latest Updates & Risk Alerts
In addition to the above changes, these trends deserve attention:
1.Expanding Regulatory Scope: Drones were added in 2024; fixed energy storage systems and desk lamps for reading/writing are scheduled to implement new inspection regulations between 2026-2027.
2.Tightened Requirements for Digital Cameras: Starting January 1, 2025, digital cameras have been reclassified from "Declaration of Conformity (DoC)" to the more stringent "Registration of Product Certification (RPC)" mode.
If you can provide specific details about the BSMI-mandated product type (e.g., ordinary home appliances, battery-powered products, or upcoming regulated desk lamps), BLUEASIA Technology: +86 13534225140, will provide professional certification consulting services.
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