I. Basic Qualifications for Exporting Enterprises
To engage in the export of photovoltaic (PV) components, enterprises must first possess two types of basic qualifications: first, registration as a foreign trade operator to obtain the right to conduct foreign trade; and second, filing as a consignor/consignee of import and export goods with Customs to complete customs declaration registration. Enterprises involved in export tax rebates should also obtain “general taxpayer” status. These qualifications are prerequisites for conducting export business and handling customs declarations and foreign exchange receipts;
when collaborating with suppliers, buyers may request proof of these registrations and cross-verify the information.
II.
Product Certification: Based on the Internationally Recognized IEC System
Photovoltaic product certification is based on International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards.
According to the Technical Guide for Export Commodities: Photovoltaic Modules issued by the Ministry of Commerce, the primary international standards for PV modules are IEC 61215 (performance and type approval), IEC 61646 (thin-film modules), and IEC 61730 (safety requirements).
The IECEE CB Scheme is the world’s first internationally recognized certification system; once PV modules obtain a CB certificate, they can be converted to national certification marks through minimal differential testing, significantly reducing the cost of repeated testing.
In addition to modules, components such as junction boxes, connectors, cables, mounting structures, tracking systems, and inverters also have corresponding IEC or UL standards.
III. Certification Requirements for Target Markets
Certification requirements vary significantly across markets: The EU market requires CE certification; specifically, PV modules subject to the Low Voltage Directive must undergo assessment based on IEC 61215/61730, with certifications from third-party bodies like TÜV and VDE widely accepted. The North American market requires UL certification (UL 1703/61730/61215 for modules), issued by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) authorized by OSHA; states such as California also require CEC listing. The Japanese market primarily relies on JET certification, corresponding to JIS standards; Australia requires CEC listing; and India requires BIS certification.
Notably, Thailand has included PV modules, DC circuit breakers, fuses, PV cables, lithium-ion energy storage batteries, and inverters in its TISI mandatory certification scheme. Relevant regulations are expected to take effect in September 2026, and products lacking certification will be barred from customs clearance and sale;
purchasers must closely monitor the latest mandatory certification updates in their target markets.
IV. Applicable Standards for Specific Components
By product category: PV modules correspond to IEC 61215/61730 and UL 1703; PV mounting structures correspond to UL 2703, while tracking systems correspond to UL 3703. PV inverters and energy storage converters must pass IEC 62109-1/-2 safety testing, with the North American market requiring compliance with UL 1741 and IEEE 1547 grid-connection standards. PV cables correspond to standards such as IEC 62930 and EN 50618;
junction boxes and connectors correspond to IEC 62790 and IEC 62852. Purchasers should require suppliers to provide certificates covering the specific models intended for the target market and verify the validity and scope of those certificates.
V. Trade Compliance: Trade Remedies and Supply Chain Traceability
In addition to certifications, photovoltaic (PV) exports are subject to trade remedy policies.
Historically, the EU has imposed anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties on Chinese crystalline silicon PV modules, while the US has initiated anti-circumvention investigations regarding PV cells and modules from four Southeast Asian countries, requiring exporters and importers to sign declarations and provide supply chain traceability documentation.
When selecting suppliers, buyers are advised to verify that the supplier possesses trade compliance experience relevant to the target market and maintains comprehensive raw material traceability records;
this helps prevent customs clearance delays or the imposition of high tariffs due to compliance deficiencies.
Conclusion
Export qualifications for PV components can be summarized as a three-tiered system comprising corporate qualifications, product certifications, and trade compliance.
For overseas buyers, incorporating supplier registration status, target market certifications, and traceability capabilities into the due diligence process is essential for mitigating procurement risks and ensuring the timely implementation of projects.
