The new <Type Test Rules for Pressure Piping Components> has been released, paving the way for new industry advancements.

In the wave of industrial development, pressure pipe components—essential as critical infrastructure elements—are of paramount importance in terms of both quality and safety. On July 7, 2023, the State Administration for Market Regulation approved and released the new Type Testing Rules for Pressure Pipe Components, a landmark event that has brilliantly illuminated the path forward for the pressure pipe component industry, serving as a guiding beacon.

I. The journey of the new rule's creation highlights rigor and professionalism.

Looking back at the journey that led to the creation of the new rules, it truly stands as a testament to a collaborative effort brimming with countless minds and heartfelt dedication. In 2015, the Special Equipment Safety Supervision Bureau under the former State Administration for Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine issued a task assignment to revise the "Type Test Rules for Pressure Pipeline Components," aiming to update outdated provisions in the existing "Type Test Rules for Pressure Pipeline Components" (TSG D7002—2006). This decision clearly underscores the nation's unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of pressure pipeline components, as well as its forward-thinking approach to supporting the industry's sustainable growth.

2015 In May, the Technical Regulations Department of the China Special Equipment Testing and Research Institute swiftly mobilized, assembling a team of expert professionals in Suzhou to kick off the drafting process. This elite group meticulously crafted a detailed work plan for revising the "Rules," outlining clear principles, key areas for revision, and addressing critical issues. Like a team of meticulous artisans, they carefully refined every detail. Guided by this comprehensive plan, team members divided responsibilities clearly and established a timeline for the revision and drafting process, laying a solid foundation for the smooth execution of subsequent tasks.

Over the following years, the drafting working group dedicated significant time and effort to their task. By August 2019, after countless discussions and revisions, the draft version of the "Rules" was finally completed. This marked the culmination of their collective wisdom—and also served as a hopeful vision for the industry's future. In October 2019, the State Administration for Market Regulation issued a public announcement, inviting extensive feedback from grassroots departments, relevant organizations, experts, and citizens alike. This open and inclusive approach fully embodied the principle of democratic decision-making, ensuring that the new rules would align as closely as possible with the diverse needs of all stakeholders.

However, as administrative licensing reforms advance, the scope of pressure piping component products requiring type testing has shifted. The drafting working group once again stepped up to the challenge, carefully revising and supplementing the content of the "Rules." In September 2021, the State Administration for Market Regulation issued a notice, once again making the draft for public comment available to the entire society. They listened attentively to every voice, continuously refining the new rules to ensure they are more scientific, rational, and practical.

2022 In January, the drafting working group held a meeting to thoroughly examine and discuss the feedback received, ultimately finalizing a draft for review. This process was akin to a vigorous exchange of ideas, with every perspective receiving full respect and careful consideration. In February 2022, the Special Equipment Bureau followed the established procedures for revising and developing safety technical standards, submitting the draft to the Special Equipment Safety and Energy-Saving Technology Committee under the State Administration for Market Regulation for deliberation. The drafting team then convened a working meeting in April 2022 to analyze and discuss the committee’s feedback, making necessary revisions accordingly.

To ensure the feasibility and effectiveness of the new regulations, in July and August 2022, the Special Equipment Bureau separately sought input from 20 manufacturing companies and 8 provincial-level market supervision departments. The drafting team then made further revisions, finalizing the draft for approval. In November 2022, this draft was submitted by the State Administration for Market Regulation to the WTO/TBT Notification System; by December 2022, the WTO/TBT notification process had been completed. After a long and challenging journey, on July 7, 2023, the Regulations were officially approved and released by the State Administration for Market Regulation.

The introduction of the new regulations fully reflects the nation's strong emphasis on and rigorous oversight of the pressure piping components industry. It comprehensively takes into account the recent advancements in China’s manufacturing capabilities and technological progress in this sector, as well as the growing demands of safety supervision for special equipment—providing robust support for the industry’s sustainable and healthy development.

II. Interpretation of the New Rules: Clarifying Direction and Requirements

The new rules for type testing of pressure piping components clearly define the scope of products subject to type testing, and provide detailed regulations on the type-testing procedures, supervisory management requirements, as well as the specific test items, content, and methods for pressure piping component products.

First, the type-test certificate is valid for 4 years. This regulation provides manufacturers with a clear time frame, encouraging them to continuously enhance their product quality and safety performance during the certificate’s validity period—ensuring that their products always meet the requirements of relevant safety and technical standards.

Secondly, on-site verification is a critical component of the new regulations. Type-testing organizations are required to conduct on-site checks of the technical documentation and inspection records for products manufactured within the validity period of the manufacturer’s certificate, as well as for work-in-progress or inventory items. If necessary, these organizations may also carry out factory acceptance tests directly at the manufacturer’s premises. The key areas of on-site verification include: randomly inspecting whether products fall within the scope covered by the type-test certificate; verifying the consistency between the products and the design, manufacturing processes, and other details specified in the type-test report samples; and assessing whether the product’s key safety performance characteristics meet the required standards. Type-testing organizations must formally communicate their on-site verification findings in writing to the manufacturer. This regulation strengthens oversight and management of manufacturers, ensuring that product quality and safety performance are effectively safeguarded.

In addition, the new regulations provide detailed specifications for the type-test items, content, and methods of pressure piping component products. These provisions offer manufacturers clear technical standards and operational guidelines, helping them enhance both product quality and safety performance, while also furnishing type-testing organizations with a scientific and reliable basis for conducting inspections.