Case Study

Accreditation boosts SME export orders by 15% annually

 

Summary

A Hebei-based rubber products manufacturer entered global automotive, electronics, and aerospace supply chains through accreditation. Export orders grew 15% yearly, reaching markets in Europe, Southeast Asia, and Africa, significantly lifting international market share.

Background

To promote the specialised, refined, distinctive, and innovative development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which are also known as “Specialized and New” enterprises, since early 2024, the Chinese government has been encouraging SMEs to obtain quality management system certification accredited by the China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment (CNAS) as an important measure to strengthen quality management and enhance production management capabilities.

Strategy

An enterprise in Hebei, after obtaining ISO 9001 Quality Management System Certification and ISO 14001 Environmental Management System Certification accredited by CNAS, significantly improved its quality management and research and development (R&D) innovation capabilities. Production efficiency rose by 25%, production costs decreased by 15%, and overall corporate benefits increased markedly. Rubber products entered the international supply chain, with export orders growing by an average of 15% annually and international market share expanding substantially. The certification certificates bearing the CNAS accreditation mark and the IAF international mutual recognition mark provided robust support for the enterprise’s export breakthroughs.

The company, a rubber products manufacturer, introduced ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 standards in 2015，two years after its establishment，and obtained certification from Hebei Quality Certification Co., Ltd. in 2016.

After obtaining certification, it established systematic and documented quality/environmental management systems, ensuring product stability and reliability. The first-pass product qualification rate increased from 85% to 95%, and customer complaints dropped by 30%. In recent years, R&D investment consistently exceeded 5% of sales revenue, with over 10 new or improved products launched annually. The company forged long-term partnerships with renowned firms, optimising supply chain costs and boosting efficiency by 20%. To meet export market requirements, it commissioned third-party testing for environmental indicators (e.g., European Union Restriction of Hazardous Substances [RoHS], Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons [PAHs], California Proposition 65, Substances of Very High Concern [SVHC]), demonstrating strong green development thoughts and capabilities.

The enterprise was recognised as a High-Tech Enterprise of Hebei Province in 2017, a National-Level Sci-Tech SME in 2018, and a Hebei “Specialized, Refined, Unique, and Innovative” SME in 2023.

Results and impact

Export orders grew 15% yearly, reaching markets in Europe, Southeast Asia, and Africa, significantly lifting international market share.

The first-pass product qualification rate increased from 85% to 95%, and customer complaints dropped by 30%. In recent years, R&D investment consistently exceeded 5% of sales revenue, with over 10 new or improved products launched annually. The company forged long-term partnerships with renowned firms, optimising supply chain costs and boosting efficiency by 20%.

Contact

Organisation: Compiled by China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment (CNAS)