FTZ Reforms to be Implemented Nationwide

On November 10, the State Council released a circular to guide nationwide implementation of pilot reforms that were successful in the free trade zones (FTZ).

According to the circular, three items in investment management, seven items in trade facilitation, and two items in supervision will be rolled out across the nation, including administrative reform on foreign enterprises to set up in China, simplified procedures using an electronic platform, and introduction of intermediary services to carry out bonded verification, cancellation, and business inspection. In addition, seven reform items will be promoted in customs special supervision areas, such as new supervision mode on imported maintenance products and multiple entries with one approval.

The Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), General Administration of Customs (GAC), State Administration for Industry and Commerce (SAIC), General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ), and Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP) will be involved in the effort, with their respective tasks to be completed before November 30, 2016.

FTZs in Guangdong province, Fujian province, Tianjin and Shanghai have been examining reform since April 2015.