Certification of warehouse services: the experience of China

China is one of the world leaders in logistics and storage. High trade density, developed infrastructure and large-scale export-import operations require strict control and standardization of warehouse services.

Certification of warehouse services in China plays an important role in ensuring safety, efficiency and compliance with international requirements. Chinese companies adhere to strict standards of warehouse management, implement digital technologies and enforce environmental regulations.

In this article, we will consider the basic requirements for the certification of warehouses in China, the classification of warehouse facilities, the standards used and the world experience in this field.

Importance of Warehouse Services Certification

Warehouse certification is required for:

• Improving customer confidence Companies strive to confirm the quality of logistics services.
• Compliance with government regulations China is tightening control over the storage of goods, especially food products, chemicals and medicines.
• Risk reduction Standards minimize loss of goods and improve employee safety.
• Optimizing logistics Certified warehouses pass inspections faster and work according to a simplified document flow scheme.

Types of warehouses in China and their classification

There are several types of warehouse facilities in China, varying in automation level, purpose and certification requirements.

1. Classification by appointment

• Ordinary warehouses (ы, Pùtōng Cāngkù) - intended for storage of consumer goods.
• Temperature warehouses (ы, Lěngkù) - used for storage of food, pharmaceuticals and other goods requiring compliance with the temperature regime.
• Specialized warehouses (а, Zhuānyè Cāngkù) - intended for chemicals, dangerous goods and electronics.
• Customs Warehouses (???, B?oshuì C?ngkù) - used for temporary storage of imported goods without paying duties.

2. Classification by level of automation

• Traditional warehouses Management is carried out manually, without the use of automated systems.
• Semi-automated warehouses - Mechanized shelving and accounting systems are used.
• Intelligent warehouses (ы, Zhìnéng Cāngkù) - equipped with artificial intelligence systems, robotic stackers and automated accounting lines.

Key standards for warehouse services certification in China

China applies both national standards and international certification systems.

1. National Chinese Standards

• GB/T 28581-2012 - standards of warehouse logistics management, including rules of storage, accounting and control.
• GB 8958-2016 requirements for storage of food products.
• GB 190-2009 Safety standards for warehouses with dangerous goods.
• GB/T 18354-2016 Supply chain management and quality control of warehouse operations.

2. International Standards Used in China

• ISO 9001 Quality management system of warehouse services.
• ISO 14001 Environmental standards for the management of warehouse facilities.
• ISO 45001 Safety and security of personnel in warehouses.
• HACCP Quality control of food storage.
• GMP Standards for pharmaceutical warehouses.

3. Certification of e-commerce warehouses

With e-commerce booming in China, logistics companies are seeking to certify their warehouses to JD Logistics, Cainiao Network (Alibaba) and SF Express standards. These certifications confirm the compliance of warehouses with the requirements of the largest Chinese marketplaces.

Certification of warehouses in China

Main stages of certification

1. Preparation of documents The company provides statutory documents, technical characteristics of the warehouse, plans of premises and data on the management system.
2. Audit of the facility Experts check the compliance of the warehouse with standards.
3. Evaluation of process management - systems of accounting, temperature control, security and document management are analyzed.
4. Testing and testing - inspection of equipment, ventilation systems, fire safety and protection of goods from damage.
5. Issuance of certificate After successful completion of all stages, the warehouse receives official confirmation of compliance.

State bodies and organizations issuing certificates

In China, warehouses are certified by:

• China Standardization Administration (SAC)
• State Administration of Markets (SAMR, 国м)
• Chinese Logistics and Procurement Association (CFLP)

Benefits of Certified Warehouses

Simplified exports and imports Goods in certified warehouses pass customs procedures faster.
Increasing customer confidence Large brands prefer to work with certified logistics companies.
Reducing costs Automated processes help minimize losses and costs.
Compliance with requirements of international partners Companies working with foreign customers must comply with international standards.

Chinese Experience in Warehouse Certification: What Can the World Learn?

China has developed a comprehensive warehouse logistics control system that can be useful for other countries.
Hybrid warehouse models The combination of automated and traditional solutions helps to adapt to different types of cargo.
State support for digitalization Introduction of blockchain technologies and artificial intelligence in warehouse logistics.
Environmental control Strict requirements for warehouse carbon footprint and energy efficiency.
Integration with online commerce Certified warehouses work in conjunction with marketplaces, ensuring fast delivery of goods.

China’s experience in certifying warehouse services demonstrates the importance of quality standards, automation and government control. Thanks to strict requirements and the introduction of digital technologies, Chinese warehouses ensure the reliability, safety and efficiency of goods storage.

For businesses working with China, warehouse certification is not just a formality, but a strategic advantage to strengthen their market position and increase customer confidence.