The Situation of Achieving Unified Market Access Through EAC Certification

Establishing a Unified Certification System to Eliminate Technical Barriers
EAC certification is a mandatory certification system jointly implemented by the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) (Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan), established in accordance with the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union and technical regulations (TRCU/EAEUTR). This system aims to eliminate technical barriers between member states and unify market access standards. Products that have not passed EAC certification cannot be legally sold or circulated within the Union, including during import clearance and product sales. This unifies the previously differing market access rules between countries, eliminating the need for businesses to undergo multiple adjustments and certifications to comply with different national standards.

Unified certification validity promotes free product circulation
EAC certificates have equal legal validity across the five countries. Products that have passed certification can circulate freely among member states without the need to apply for separate certifications in each country (e.g., Russia's GOST-R). The certification mark (EAC mark) must be affixed to the product or packaging, with a height of no less than 5 millimetres, ensuring it is clearly visible. This unified certification effectiveness significantly reduces enterprises' market access costs and time costs, improves product circulation efficiency within the Union, and truly achieves unified market access.

Specific circumstances and acceptance levels in each member state
Russia
As the largest economy in the alliance, Russia enforces strict oversight of EAC certification. High-risk products (such as medical devices and pressure equipment) must obtain EAC Conformity of Certification (COC) certification, which involves factory audits and sample testing. In 2024, China-Russia trade volume reached 244.8 billion USD, making EAC certification a critical compliance threshold for China-Russia trade, highlighting its significant impact on international trade in terms of unified market access.

Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan has high quality requirements for imported products. EAC certification covers sectors such as machinery and equipment, and food contact materials. The certification process requires localised testing and document reviews. Products that obtain EAC certification can enter the Kazakhstani market smoothly and compete with products from other member states, achieving unified market access.

Belarus
In the machinery manufacturing sector, EAC certification is a prerequisite for products to enter the Belarusian market, with certification bodies imposing strict requirements for production consistency checks. This ensures that all products entering the Belarusian machinery manufacturing market comply with unified standards, safeguarding fair competition and unified market access.

Armenia and Kyrgyzstan
Although the markets of these two countries are relatively small, EAC certification is still a mandatory requirement, particularly for consumer products such as electronic and electrical products and toys. This means that such products must obtain EAC certification regardless of their country of origin to enter these markets, thereby promoting unified market access. Certification Body: Shanghai Jiheng Industrial Equipment Testing Co., Ltd. Specialising in Russian and Eurasian Economic Union certification for over 20 years, it is the Chinese representative office of the Russian Testing and Certification Group.