Who Really Owns Your Certification? Navigating FCC and CE Compliance from Chinese Suppliers

This guide explains why certification ownership is critical when sourcing electronics from China—if a factory holds the certification in their name rather than yours, you lose legal responsibility and market access if you switch suppliers. Many Chinese manufacturers provide certificates issued under their own names or that don't match your actual product, leaving importers legally exposed and unable to continue selling in regulated markets. Understanding the certification structures—including FCC's requirement for a responsible grantee and CE's mandate for an EU Authorized Representative—is essential to protect your business and maintain compliance.