Vehicles exported from China to Russia must apply for OTTC certification. This article will provide a detailed analysis of the definition, validity period, application steps, fees, timeline, and required materials for OTTC certification to help automotive export companies better understand and navigate this certification process.

The full name of the Russian vehicle type certification is Одобрение типа транспортного средства, abbreviated as OTTC or OTTS. It is a mandatory certification for motor vehicles in Russia and also serves as a customs market access certificate. Translated into Chinese, OTTC means Vehicle Type Approval Certificate. It represents a standard set by the Russian Federation for vehicle engines, auxiliary components, safety, quality, and environmental protection.

For Chinese vehicles, Russia only issues 1-year OTTC certificates and does not issue 3-year certificates.

First, the application must be submitted by the manufacturer itself and cannot be handled by a freight forwarding company. The certification body will conduct factory inspections. The application fee for each vehicle model exceeds RMB 1 million, and the application process takes 6-8 months.

Required application materials include a cover letter, guarantee letter, application form, product safety declaration, quality management system certificate or a statement ensuring that the vehicles performance and indicators meet safety and environmental production conditions, the international manufacturer code (WMI), product classification code, technical specifications, user manual, applicants business registration certificate, address, factory (small batch) test or certification test reports, etc.

For automotive OTTC certification, the most critical aspect is the engine. If the engine is from Japan, Europe, or the U.S., the testing process is relatively simpler and the cycle shorter. If the engine is domestically produced, the testing cycle will be longer.