"This shows that China is acting in accordance with international practices," the paper quotes State Council Wu Yi as saying at Wednesday's ceremony to mark the birth of the commission in Beijing.

There are presently two sets of quality authentication system in China. One was established by the former State Administration for Quality and Technology Supervision, and the other is run by the State Administration for Exit-Entry Inspection and Quarantine.

Normally, domestic products should go through the former authentication system, and foreign products, the latter.

The two overlap in many aspects. However, enterprises that have gone through one authentication process are not admitted by the other, which has caused great inconvenience for enterprises, especially those dealing in both the domestic and overseas markets.

In April, the State Council merged the previous two authorities to become a ministerial-level State General Administration for Quality Supervision and Inspection and Quarantine.

The newly established China National Regulatory Commission for Certification and Accreditation will be put in charge of all matters concerning certification and accreditation.

(Xinhua 08/30/2001)