HAF604/HAF 604 Advisory

Keywords: HAF604 certification, HAF604 requirements, HAF604 regulation, HAF604 application, HAF604 English

HAF stands for "he anquan fagui" (核安全法规） and means "nuclear safety laws and regulations". The 600 series of the HAF specifically deals with registration/certification for vendors of components and services related to nuclear safety in China. The 600 series includes 4 chapters:

HAF601 - Certification for Domestic Suppliers of Nuclear Safety Equipment
HAF602 - Certification for NDE Personnel to inspect Nuclear Safety Equipment
HAF603 - Certification for Welding Technicians to work on Nuclear Safety Equipment
HAF604 - Certification for the Import of Nuclear Safety Equipment

For foreign firms seeking to provide nuclear safety components or services to the Chinese nuclear market, obtaining HAF604 registration is a necessary prerequisite procedure .  In many cases it will be necessary to obtain HAF604 certification before participating in any bid issued by a Chinese nuclear power plant that relates to safety components. Generally speaking, an HAF604 certificate is required for the design, manufacture, or installation of most safety components for a nuclear power plant in China. Additionally, company HAF604 certification is required for the provision of non-destructive examination (NDE) services to Chinese nuclear power plants (HAF602 is required for the personnel; HAF604 is required for the company).

The definition of "safety equipment" is a key component of determining the HAF604 obligation. In China, nuclear safety equipment is split into two major categories: electrical and mechanical. The classes of equipment that must be certified if they are to serve a safety-related function include electrical equipment that is Class 1E and mechanical equipment that is categorized as Class I, II, or III.

If your company intends to produce these safety-class components from a domestic Chinese factory, or has already entered into a joint venture with a Chinese firm, you may need to pursue registration under HAF601 rather than HAF604. HAF601 is the Chinese regulation that serves as the domestic counterpart to HAF604. Domestic Chinese enterprises must pursue registration under HAF601 in order to provide safety-related equipment to the Chinese nuclear marketplace.

Any company considering an application for HAF604 registration can stand to benefit from the support of a trusted and specialized partner for HAF604 work. Nicobar Group is positioned right here on the ground in China and is totally dedicated to the mission of supporting foreign firms in their interactions with Chinese power plants, EPCs, and regulators.  Nicobar Group offers total package support for HAF604 application, including application preparation and review, translation of technical specifications, onsite inspection support, and assistance for regulator inquiries.

If you aren't sure how to get started with HAF604, need more information about HAF604 requirements, or aren't sure whether your products need to be HAF604 certified or not, then Nicobar is the best place to start with your inquiry.  We're also happy to provide a free HAF604 English version translation of the regulation document, translated by bilingual Western staff.

Reach out at nuclear@nicobargroup.com and you'll have a response within 24 hours, guaranteed.