Policy News for SMEs in China: May 2026

28 May 2026

China Releases Comprehensively Revised Implementing Provisions of Drug Administration Law

State Council

China’s revised Implementing Provisions of the Drug Administration Law took effect on 15 May 2026 with a major overhaul. The new rules formally recognise overseas research data and strengthen fast-track approval pathways for innovative drugs. They introduce clinical trial data protection and market exclusivity periods for some rare and pediatric disease drugs. They also impose stricter obligations on online drug sales platforms. Read the full text in Chinese >


Decree 280 on Registration of Overseas Food Manufacturers Enters into Force

On 1 June 2026, Decree 280 officially replaces Decree 248, simplifying in part the registration process for low-risk food categories. High-risk products still require an official recommendation from a competent authority to register. Decree 280 also introduces batch registration for approved countries and automatic renewal for some registrations. Source: General Administration of Customs of the PRC (GACC)Read the full text in Chinese >


Imported Cosmetics: New Inspection, Quarantine and Supervision Measures

On 6 May, China announced new cosmetics inspection rules (Order No. 284) that will take effect on 1 December 2026. The measures strengthen oversight of imported and exported cosmetics. They standardise import declarations, inspections and laboratory testing, with new digital verification procedures. The rules vow to simplify the supervision of exhibition cosmetics and exempt some semi-finished products from certain checks. Cosmetics imported via CBEC are not concerned by the new rules. Source: GACC. Read the full text in Chinese >


China’s Hazardous Chemicals Safety Law Takes Effect

The new law replaces the previous regulatory framework with a unified lifecycle management system covering production, storage, transport and emergency response. The law strengthens supervision of chemical industrial parks, introduces stricter tracking and risk monitoring requirements, and increases corporate compliance obligations. Source: National People’s CongressRead the full text in Chinese >


New Rules on Pricing Practices for Online Platforms

China’s new Rules on Pricing Practices for Online Platforms took effect on 10 April 2026. The rules strengthen pricing autonomy for business operators and restrict platforms from using algorithms or rankings to pressure sellers. They also impose stricter transparency obligations on pricing, discounts and search rankings. Misleading promotions and algorithmic price discrimination practices are explicitly prohibited. Source: National Development and Reform Commission and other agencies. Read the text in Chinese >

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EU SME Centre: China Market Research, Training, Advice | Get Ready for China
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