Amendments to China Cybersecurity Law
Issuing Agency: National People’s Congress (NPC)
The amendments, to come into effect on 1 January 2026, are the most significant changes brought to date to the country’s Cybersecurity Law. They include extensive regulatory additions on AI, and reinforce personal-information obligations for network operators, in alignment with the Personal Information Protection Law. They also increase penalties for data breaches and improper disclosure of information related to cybersecurity. Read the full text in Chinese >
2025 List of Sino-Foreign SME Cooperation Zones
Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT)
Selected zones will create international service platforms and assist SMEs in joining international supply chains. Local authorities are tasked with issuing targeted support policies to improve the business environment for SMEs. China-Europe cooperation zones for SMEs are located in Hebei, Jiangsu, Shandong and Sichuan. Read the full text in Chinese >
New Extension of the Safeguard Investigation into Beef Imports
MOFCOM
On 25 November 2025, China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) announced a three-month extension of its investigation period into beef imports. The safeguard investigation, launched in December 2024, will now run until 26 January 2026. Read the full text in Chinese >
Notice on Further Facilitating Foreign Exchange Settlement
State Administration of Foreign Exchange
China eases foreign-exchange procedures for multinational companies and foreign employees. Qualified foreign enterprises gain simpler net-settlement for trade payments, broader FX facilitation in high-level pilot zones and smoother centralised cash management across projects and regions. Banks may process salaries for foreign-related staff without document checks within approved limits. Cross-border e-commerce and foreign trade service providers receive easier FX settlement and fee payments. Read the full text in Chinese >
Notice on Strengthening Trademark Use
State Intellectual Property Office
China will intensify checks on misleading trademark claims, including false origin, quality or “handmade” indications often used in marketing. Firms must avoid deceptive pairing of trademarks with packaging or advertising. Authorities will strengthen scrutiny of collective and certification marks, tighten oversight of trademark agencies and increase enforcement in food, pharmaceuticals, toys and electronics. Read the full text in Chinese >
Opinions on the Deepening Cosmetics Regulatory Reform
National Medical Products Administration
The proposals include the opening of faster approval channels for new functions and new ingredients, making electronic labelling standard, and shortening review timelines for low-risk changes. Online sales would face tighter checks, with increased adverse-reaction monitoring. The Opinions also propose to move closer to international norms with reduced reliance on animal testing and quicker adoption of globally recognised ingredients. Read the full text in Chinese >
