Mutual Recognition Agreement on Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Components (MRA)
The FTA contains an agreement on the mutual recognition of conformity assessment for electrical and electronic equipment (MRA). The MRA is contained in Annex 14 of the FTA.The MRA concerns electrical and electronic products that are subject to the China Compulsory Certification (CCC) system and to the requirements of New Zealand supplier declarations of conformity for such products.
Currently Chinese exports to New Zealand must be tested to New Zealand standards while New Zealand exports to China must be tested, inspected and certified by Chinese conformity assessment bodies. The MRA gives suppliers in both countries an alternative way to demonstrate compliance with electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility regulatory requirements.
New Zealand exporters will be able to apply the CCC mark to products before the products are exported to China, on the basis of accreditations and conformity assessment procedures carried out by New Zealand agencies which have been formally accepted in China and to have their products recognised as meeting Chinese requirements on importation.
The MRA will make it easier for New Zealand regulators to monitor and enforce the electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility of imported products, including through providing for cooperation with Chinese regulators in surveillance and enforcement actions.
Other benefits include reduced language barriers; better compliance of Chinese imports by making it easier for Chinese manufacturers to demonstrate compliance; and improved quality assurance through requirements for factory inspections and certification.
The MRA is a first for China. It is the first agreement under which its authorities accept the results of testing, inspection and certification by Conformity Assessment Bodies accredited in another jurisdiction.
In addition to the benefits for trade in covered products by the MRA, the MRA will provide a basis for the exploration with China of similar approaches to reduce transactions costs and manage risks associated with regulation of other areas of interest to New Zealand in the bilateral trading relationship.
The MRA preserves the sovereign right of each country to set and apply mandatory requirements in relation to the covered products; and to take any measures deemed necessary in relation to non-compliant products.
Product scope of MRA expanded (16/12/2009)
The Agreement between New Zealand and the People's Republic of China on Cooperation in the Field of Conformity Assessment in Relation to Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Components (MRA) was originally negotiated to apply to a narrow scope of electrical and electronic products with the strategic objective of expanding its coverage over time.
The New Zealand and China Governments have now agreed to add two new product categories to the Schedules of the MRA. These are:
- Electric motor soft starters intended to electronically start or stop motors; and
- Audio products including high-end, niche market audio amplifiers.
A number of technical amendments updating standards referenced in the MRA's Schedules have also been made.
The administrative procedures to bring these amendments into effect have now been completed.
Discussions have now begun on further refinements to the MRA to increase compliance co-operation and further improve access into the Chinese market for New Zealand manufacturers of electrical and electronic equipment.
For information on the standards and technical regulations that apply to these additional products, as well as for the standards that have been updated, please see below:
For frequently asked questions about the MRA please see below:
- Page last updated: 16 July 2010
