China revises definition of diesel fuel in Hazardous Chemicals List
16 November 2022 
China
China
Overview, Environmental Standards
The Environmental Protection Law at China’s environmental legislative system
China’s system of environmental legislation is established based on the Environmental Protection Law of the People’s Republic of China that was enacted in 1989. Under this law, other separate laws have been enacted for controlling pollution. Some of these laws are as follows:
- Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Prevention and Control of Air Pollution
- Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Prevention and Control of Water Pollution
- Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Prevention and Control of Environmental Pollution by Solid Waste
- Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Environmental Impact Assessment
- Law of the People’s Republic of China on Prevention and Control of Pollution from Environmental Noise
- Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Promotion of Clean Production.
China updated the Environmental Protection Law in 2015. This was the first major revisions. The revised law includes stricter punishments on polluters. It also allows non-governmental organizations to file environmental lawsuits against violators. The National People’s Congress revised other laws, including the Law on the Prevention and control of Air Pollution in 2018 and the Law on the Prevention and Control of Water Pollution in 2017. The Congress also adopted the Law on the Prevention and Control of Soil Pollution on August 31, 2018.
Air
Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Prevention and Control of Air Pollution was enacted in 1987 and amended in 1995, 2000, 2015 and 2018. This Law is formulated in order to prevent and control atmospheric pollution, protect and improve people’s environment and the ecological environment, safeguard human health, and promote the sustainable development of economy and society. The concentration of the discharged pollutants may not exceed the standards prescribed by the State and local authorities. The quality standards for products containing volatile organic compounds, such as coal, petroleum coke, biomass fuel, and coatings, fireworks and firecrackers, boilers, etc., are developed and the atmospheric environment protection requirements are specified.
The environmental legislative framework to protect the air pollution is as follows.
Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Prevention and Control of Air Pollution
- List of toxic and hazardous air pollutants
- National standards on air pollution prevention:
- Ambient air quality standards (GB3095-2012), etc.
- Stationary source emissions:
- Standard for fugitive emission of volatile organic compounds（GB37822-2019）
- Emission standard of air pollutants for boiler（GB13271-2014）
- Emission standard of air pollutants for industrial kiln and furnace (GB9078-1996)
- Integrated emission standard of air pollutants (GB16297-1996)
- Emission standards for odor pollutants (GB14554-93), etc.
- Emission Standard for Mobile-source Pollutants:
- Limits and measurement methods for emissions from light-duty vehicles (CHINA 6) (GB18352.6-2016), etc.
- Announcement regarding enforcement of special emission limits for air pollutants
- Local standards for air quality protection
Water
Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Prevention and Control of Water Pollution is formulated in order to prevent and control water pollution, protecting and improving the environment, and safeguarding the safety of drinking water.
The environmental legislative framework to protect the water pollution is as follows.
Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Prevention and Control of Water Pollution
- List of Toxic and Hazardous Water Pollutants
- National Advanced Pollution Control Technology List
- Measures for controlling the Collection and Usage of Pollution Discharge Fee
- National standards on water pollution prevention:
- Water quality standards：
- Environmental quality standards for surface water（GB 3838-2002）
- Quality standard for ground water (GB/T 14848-93), etc.
- Standards on pollutants discharge from water stationary sources:
- Integrated wastewater discharge standard (GB 8978-1996), etc.
Waste management
Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Prevention and Control of Environmental Pollution by Solid Waste is the national primary law governing municipal and industrial waste management. This law lays out basic requirements for solid waste disposal for industrial facilities. It requires the specified facilities to get approval from the local environmental protection bureau for waste disposal plans prior to construction. The bureaus are also responsible for issuing permits for the collection, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste.
The environmental legislative framework on waste management is as follows.
Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Prevention and Control of Environmental Pollution by Solid Waste
- Standards for the prevention and control of environmental pollution by solid wastes:
- Standard for pollution control on the storage and disposal site for general industrial solid wastes (GB 18599-2001)
- Standard for pollution control on the security landfill site for hazardous wastes (GB 18598-2001)
- Standard for pollution control on hazardous waste storage (GB 18597-2001)
- Pollution control standard for hazardous wastes incineration (GB 18484-2001)
- Environmental protection control standard for imported solid wastes as raw materials —Smelt slag (GB16487.2-2017), etc.
- Identification standards for solid wastes – General rules (GB 34330-2017)
- Identification standards for hazardous waste – General rules (GB 5085.7-2019), etc.
Chemicals
Industrial chemicals are mainly regulated by the following regulations in China:
“Decree of the State Council No 591 Regulations on Safe Management of Hazardous Chemicals”
“Order of the Ministry of Environmental Protection No. 7 Environmental Management of New Chemical Substances”
Pursuant to article 15 of the Decree No 591, manufacturers of hazardous chemicals shall provide safety data sheet on the hazardous chemicals that are produced, post or affix a chemical safety label on the package. The contents in safety data sheet and chemical safety labels should meet the requirements of relevant national standards. The relevant standards in China are as follows:
- General rule for classification and hazard communication of chemicals (GB 13690-2009)
- 28 rules for classification and labelling of chemicals (GB 30000.2-2013 to GB 30000.29-2013)
- General rules for preparation of precautionary label for chemicals (GB 15258-2009)
- Safety data sheet for chemical products – Content and order of sections (GB/T 16483-2008)
- Guidance on the compilation of safety data sheet for chemical products (GB/T 17519-2013)
On April 29, 2020, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People’s Republic of China (MEE) issued the final Measures on Registrations of New Chemical Substances for Environmental Management under Ministry Order No. 12. The new Measures replaces the current 2010 version and comes into force on January 1, 2021, when the Order No.7 will be repealed.
Same as the current version, the new Measures require manufacturers and importers to register new chemical substances with MEE before placing the new chemical substances on the Chinese market. They also introduce a notification process for new uses of existing listed substances.
Law on the Safety of Hazardous Chemicals (Revision draft for solicitation of comments)
In order to strengthen the safety management of hazardous chemicals, prevent and reduce hazardous chemical accidents, the Ministry of Emergency Management organized the consultation on the draft of the “Law on the Safety of Hazardous Chemicals”, which had been open to the public comments until 1 November, 2020. If approved, it will replace Decree No. 591.
The draft law is applicable to the safety management of the production, storage, use, operation, transportation and disposal of hazardous chemicals. It consists of 11 chapters (Article 137), and based on the lessons learned from the explosion accident, “Safety of hazardous chemical disposal” etc. was added to clarify the responsibility for safety supervision of the disposal (Disposal safety). The State implements a hazardous chemical registration system.
Index of China EHS
Framework of EHS laws and regulations in China.
Posts of China
China’s Hebei province revises regulations on solid waste management
Hazardous waste will be regulated more tightly
15 November 2022
China
China
On Sept. 28, 2022, the Standing Committee of the People’s Congress of Hebei province, China, published revised “Hebei Regulations on the Control of Solid Waste Environmental Pollution,” which will come …
China issues revised list of standards used to specify couplers subject to China Compulsory Certification
14 November 2022
China
China
On Oct. 9, 2022, China’s Certification and Accreditation Administration issued a revised list of standards used to specify couplers for household and similar uses (e.g., connectors and plugs that connect …
China will ban the use of non-degradable plastic packaging at postal service outlets from 2025
14 November 2022
China
China
On October 14, 2022, the State Post Bureau of China held the regular press conference of the fourth quarter of 2022. At the press conference, the implement progresses of “9917” …
Improving China’s Pollutant Discharge Permit System: New Policy Movements
12 November 2022
China
China
The Pollutant Discharge Permit System is how the Ministry of Ecology and Environment in China monitors and enforces legal restrictions on polluting entities and polluting behaviors.While it boasts a major …
China revises national standard for water metering devices
10 November 2022
China
China
On July 11, 2022, the State Administration for Market Regulation released the national standard “General rules for equipping and managing the water metering devices in water-use organizations” (GB/T 24789-2022). This …
Introduction of 10 cases of violation of VOC fugitive emissions in Jiangsu Province, China
Unused waste gas treatment facilities, performing work that generates VOCs in open workplaces, etc.
9 November 2022
China
China
On September 22, 2022, the Ecological Environmental Department of Jiangsu Province of China announced 10 cases of violation of VOC emission rules. Fugitive emissions are the irregular discharge of air …
Shenzhen, China, promulgated the “Sponge City Construction Management Regulations”
9 November 2022
China
China
On July 25, 2022, the Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government, China, promulgated the “Shenzhen Sponge City Construction Management Regulations.” The regulations came into effect on September 1, 2022. A sponge city …
Jiangsu Province, China announces Carbon Peaking Implementation Plan
Indicates specific measures for industry and transportation
7 November 2022
China
China
On October 2, 2022, the Jiangsu Provincial People’s Government, China announced the “Jiangsu Province Carbon Peaking Implementation Plan.” The plan presents targets such as achieving a total capacity of more …
Beijing, China, announces Carbon Peaking Implementation Plan
Aims to raise renewable energy consumption to around 25% by 2030
7 November 2022
China
China
On October 13, 2022, the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality, China announced the “Beijing Carbon Peaking Implementation Plan.” The plan proposes targets such as achieving a share of renewable energy …
China releases report on notable cases of illegalities regarding new chemicals
A Tianjin-based manufacturer received a fine of $2,810 for failing to register new chemicals
31 October 2022
China
China
On Sept. 27, 2022, China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment published a report on cases where some companies were punished for violating the Measures on the Environmental Management and Registration …
China’s Zhejiang province publishes revised regulations on solid waste management
The revision will come into effect Jan. 1, 2023
28 October 2022
China
China
On Sept. 29, 2022, China’s Zhejiang province published revised regulations on solid waste environmental pollution control, which will come into effect Jan. 1, 2023. The revised regulations set out the …
China’s Shandong province publishes regulations on solid waste management
The new regulations will come into effect Jan. 1, 2023
28 October 2022
China
China
On Sept. 21, 2022, China’s Shandong province published provincial regulations on solid waste environmental pollution control that are based on a national law called the Solid Waste Environmental Pollution Control …
China revises regulations on railway transportation of dangerous goods
The revised regulations include a clear definition of dangerous goods and aim to manage the whole process of transportation effectively
27 October 2022
China
China
On Sept. 26, 2022, China’s Ministry of Transport issued revised regulations on safety in the railway transportation of dangerous goods, which will come into effect Dec. 1, 2022. Under the …
China issues “opinions” on advancing reform of regulatory systems for EEE
Lithium-ion batteries will be added to the mandatory certification scheme
21 October 2022
China
China
On Sept. 23, 2022, China’s State Council issued “opinions” on advancing the reform of regulatory systems for electrical and electronic equipment. The opinions set out measures such as adding lithium-ion …
China’s Zhejiang province releases draft plan for new pollutant control
19 October 2022
China
China
On Sept. 30, 2022, The Department of Ecology and Environment of Zhejiang province, China, released a draft plan for new pollutant control to seek public comments, which will be accepted …
China revises policies on national standards under Law on Standardization
The revision will take effect March 1, 2023
18 October 2022
China
China
On Sept. 9, 2022, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation published revised Measures on National Standards, which will come into effect March, 1, 2023. The measures are subordinate legislation of …
China’s Shanghai to promote hydrogen energy industry, fuel cell vehicles
17 October 2022
China
China
On Aug. 26, 2022, the Shanghai Municipal Development & Reform Commission, Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization and other eight departments of the government of Shanghai, China, announced a …
China to support environmental protection of Yellow River basin with state funds
13 October 2022
China
China
On Aug. 24, 2022, China’s Ministry of Finance announced a program to financially support the ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin with state funds. The program …
China’s Tianjin announces program for carbon peaking
China’s Tianjin announces program for carbon peaking
12 October 2022
China
China
On Sept. 14, 2022, the government of Tianjin, China, announced a program for carbon peaking. This program is developed by Tianjin city based on the central government’s “Opinions on Achieving …
China Announces Q&A on National Carbon Emissions Trading Market
10 October 2022
China
China
In August 2022, the China Environment Publishing Group released its Q&A on the National Carbon Emissions Trading Market. The five-chapter document, which was reviewed and approved by the Department of …
China’s Tianjin releases draft measures setting limits on pollutant discharge
Emissions of nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds and other important pollutants would be regulated
7 October 2022
China
China
On Sept. 14, 2022, the government of Tianjin, China, released draft measures setting limits on pollutant discharge by private companies and public entities. Comments on the draft will be accepted …
China to implement stricter regulations on excessive packaging of goods
Manufacturers are required to employ simple packaging designs and use less packaging for their products
6 October 2022
China
China
On Sept. 1, 2022, the General Office of China’s State Council announced a series of measures to restrict excessive packaging of goods. The measures include targets for 2025 as well …
China’s Sichuan province releases draft plan for controlling new pollutants
5 October 2022
China
China
On Aug. 17, 2022, the Department of Ecology and Environment of Sichuan province, China, published on its website a Draft Plan for Controlling New Pollutants. The department accepted public comments …
Chinese national institute provides supplemental explanation about packaging recycling logo
4 October 2022
China
China
On Aug. 25, 2022, the China National Export Commodities Packaging Research Institute released an article explaining China’s national standard called Packaging Recycling Marking (GB/T 18455-2022). Here are its most notable …
China announces program for ecological protection of Yellow River basin
Pollution outlet inspections and groundwater contamination control measures will be carried out
4 October 2022
China
China
On Aug. 5, 2022, China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment and other government departments announced a Program for Ecological Protection of the Yellow River Basin. The program focuses on outstanding …
China’s Jiangsu province issues local standard for environmental management by manufacturers
3 October 2022
China
China
On Sept. 6, 2022, the Market Regulatory Administration of Jiangsu Province, China, issued a local standard called the Guidelines for Whole-process Environmental Management of Industrial Enterprises (DB/T 4342-2022), which will …
China Releases Draft List of Key Controlling New Pollutants
Control measures are proposed for 14 types of pollutants, including PFOA and dechlorane plus
3 October 2022
China
China
On Sept. 27, 2022, China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment released a draft 2022 List of Key Controlling New Pollutants to seek public comments, which will be accepted through Oct. …
China releases industrial standard for service life of tableware disinfection cabinets
28 September 2022
China
China
On Sept. 5, 2022, the China Household Electrical Appliances Association released a standard called “Safe service life for household electrical appliances Part 8：Tableware disinfection cabinet” (association standard T/CHEAA 0011.8-2022), which …
Macao announces import ban on disposable plastic cutlery
28 September 2022
China
China
To protect the environment and reduce the use of plastic, on August 31, 2022, the Macao Special Administrative Region Government of China announced an amendment to the Article 5 (1) …
China reveals violation cases of illegally falsified EIA reports
26 September 2022
China
China
On Aug. 6, 2022, China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment published an article on three cases of environmental impact assessment (EIA) report falsification, which took place in Jiangsu, Sichuan and …
China extends purchase tax exemption policy for new-energy vehicles to promote their sale
23 September 2022
China
China
On Aug. 18, 2022, at an Executive Meeting presided by Premier Li Keqiang, China’s State Council approved several policies that encourage the purchase of high-value goods, including new-energy vehicles among …
China’s Shandong province requires companies to attach two-dimensional barcodes to hazardous chemicals by Oct. 30
20 September 2022
China
China
According to information released Aug. 31, 2022 by a source familiar with the matter, the Emergency Management Office of China’s Shandong province plans to fully implement the “one company, one …
China adds 22 chemicals into the “List of existing chemical substances”
15 September 2022
China
China
On July 19, 2022, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China released a list of 22 chemical substances, which will be added into the “List of existing chemical substances”, …
Shanghai issues rules for identifying party responsible for pollution of land for construction
13 September 2022
China
China
On Aug. 15, 2022, the Municipal Bureau of Ecology and Environment and Municipal Bureau of Planning and Natural Resources of China’s Shanghai issued Measures for Identifying the Party Responsible for …
China designates 60 cities as key cities to develop waste recycling system
9 September 2022
China
China
On July 19, 2022, the National Development and Reform Commission and other 6 central government departments jointly designated Beijing and other 59 cities as key cities to develop waste recycling …
China’s Guangdong province announces action plan to address plastic pollution
Biodegradable plastic is promoted.
7 September 2022
China
China
On July 29, 2022, the Department of Ecology and Environment of China’s Guangdong Province announced an action plan for 2022–2025 to take measures against plastic pollution. The plan aims to …
Shanghai introduces new regulations on road transportation of dangerous goods
5 September 2022
China
China
On Aug. 3, 2022, the Municipal Transportation Commission and other two departments of Shanghai, China announced new rules for the road transportation and storage of dangerous goods/hazardous chemicals. The rules …
Shenzhen city releases draft standard setting limits on VOCs in electronics cleaning agents
31 August 2022
China
China
On July 29, 2022, the Department of Ecology and Environment of China’s Shenzhen city released a draft local standard called the Limit of Volatile Organic Compounds and Certain Harmful Substances …
China gives explanation for new pollutant control measures
30 August 2022
China
China
At a press conference held by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China on July 21, 2022, Liu Zhiquan, the director of the Environmental Impact Assessment and Pollution Emission …
China publishes FAQs on GHS labels, classification, 2D codes, etc. of hazardous chemicals
30 August 2022
China
China
China’s Ministry of Emergency Management irregularly publishes explanatory information on hazardous chemicals in the “emergency online” section of its website. Here are some of the Q&A released in August 2022. …
Comprehensive Utilization of Bulk Solid Waste in China
29 August 2022
China
China
A key focus area in the comprehensive use of resources in China, bulk solid waste consists of seven different types[1]: coal gangue, fly ash, tailings, industrial by-product gypsum, slag, construction …
China’s FAQs on customs clearance, declaration of hazardous chemicals, dangerous goods
29 August 2022
China
China
On July 27, 2022, China’s customs published Q&A on the customs declaration of hazardous chemicals on its official account of WeChat. Below are the details. Question Answer About determining if …
China announces program to ensure carbon emissions peaking in manufacturing sector
25 August 2022
China
China
On Aug. 1, 2022, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, National Development and Reform Commission and Ministry of Ecology and Environment announced a program to ensure carbon emissions peaking …
China issues mandatory national standards for food-contact paper, bamboo, wood materials
Limits have been set on the concentrations of residual and leachable chemicals
24 August 2022
China
China
On July 28, 2022, China’s National Health Commission and State Administration for Market Regulation jointly issued 36 mandatory national standards for food safety along with revision tables for three standards. …
China releases national standard setting limits on some chemicals, plasticizers in children’s watches
24 August 2022
China
China
On April 15, 2022, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation released a recommended national standard called “Children’s Watches” (GB/T 41411-2022). It will come into effect on Nov. 1, 2022. The …
China to introduce data labeling rules for automated monitoring of pollutant discharge for more effective regulation
22 August 2022
China
China
On July 19, 2022, China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment issued new rules for labeling automated monitoring data of pollutant discharge. The rules aim to help establish a system to …
China announces measures to promote consumption of environmentally friendly household appliances
22 August 2022
China
China
On July 28, 2022, China’s 13 central government agencies, including the Ministry of Commerce, announced a “Notice on Several Measures to Promote the Consumption of Green Smart Home Appliances,” which …
China, Waste Home Appliance Recovery: Enhancement of EPR Regulations
Waste Home Appliance Recovery: Accelerated Construction of a Recycling System and Implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) System
15 August 2022
China
China
Waste Home Appliance Recovery: Accelerated Construction of a Recycling System and Implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) System The quality of life in China has consistently increased alongside rapid economic …
China releases recommended national standard for green supply chains in electronics, IT manufacturing
15 August 2022
China
China
On July 11, 2022, the China Electronics Standardization Institute released a recommended national standard called the Specification of Green Supply Chain Management for Manufacturing Enterprises in Electronics Information Industry (GB/T …
China releases draft national mandatory standard for energy efficiency of servers
Minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) would be set for servers
15 August 2022
China
China
On July 14, 2022, the China National Institute of Standardization released the second draft version of a national mandatory standard for server energy efficiency to seek public comments, which will …
China revises recommended national standard for recycling logos on product packaging
11 August 2022
China
China
On July 11, 2022, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation released a revised version of the recommended national standard “Packaging Recycling Marking” (GB/T 18455-2022), which will come into effect on …
China to call for information on the use and impot/export status of chemicals proposed for listing under the POPs Convention
Dechlorane Plus, UV-328 and Methoxychlor are included
9 August 2022
China
China
On July 20,2022, the Ministry of Environment and Ecology of China released a “Notice on the public call for information of three persistent organic pollutants including Methoxychlor”, which are under …
China steps up efforts against “black and smelly” water bodies in cities
Enhanced measures will be taken to control pollution from industrial companies
9 August 2022
China
China
On July 17, 2022, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development and other three government departments of China announced a program to solve the issue of “black and smelly” water …
China releases industry standard for collection, dismantling of end-of-life electric vehicles to seek public comments
Requirements for traction battery storage and other processes would be introduced
5 August 2022
China
China
On July 1, 2022, China’s Ministry of Commerce released an industry standard called the Technical Requirements for End-of-Life Electric Vehicles Collecting and Dismantling to seek public comments. The standard includes …
China releases “Yellow River Basin Ecological Environment Protection Plan”
To promote water conservation, intensive use, and wastewater recycling in industry
3 August 2022
China
China
On June 11, 2022, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Natural Resources, and the Ministry of Water Resources issued …
China releases draft measures to oversee industrial energy conservation to seek public comments
Companies would be monitored to ensure compliance with energy consumption limits and other energy conservation rules
2 August 2022
China
China
On July 5, 2022, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology released draft measures to oversee industrial energy conservation to seek comments, which will be accepted through Aug. 5, 2022. …
China releases draft for opinions on “List of Solid Waste Classification”
To establish a solid waste classification system and strengthen the management
1 August 2022
China
China
On June 23, 2022, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China released the draft for opinions on “List of Solid Waste Classification”. The deadline for submitting opinions is July …
China announces comprehensive program to improve water environment in Lake Taihu basin
Industrial pollution control and the green transformation of the manufacturing industry are promoted
29 July 2022
China
China
On June 23, 2022, the National Development and Reform Commission and other five government departments of China announced a comprehensive program to improve the water environment in the Lake Taihu …
China releases experimental guidelines on safety management of construction projects for hazardous chemical production
28 July 2022
China
China
On June 10, 2022, China’s Ministry of Emergency Management released experimental guidelines on the safety risk management of “hazardous chemical production construction projects”. A “hazardous chemical production construction project” refers …
Law on the Protection of the Yangtze River (Whitelist of hazardous goods)
25 July 2022
China
China
On December 26, 2020, The China’s National People’s Congress published the Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Protection of the Yangtze River (the “Law”). The purpose of …
China releases FAQs on environmental management registration of new chemical substances
25 July 2022
China
China
On June 30, 2022, China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the department that processes new chemical registrations, published on its website FAQs on the registration of new chemical substances. This …
China seeks public comments on chemicals that should be assessed for environmental risks with priority
25 July 2022
China
China
On July 20, 2022, China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment announced on its website that it is seeking proposals for chemicals to be included in the First Plan for Prioritized …
China’s Zhuhai city releases draft 2022 list of banned, restricted, controlled hazardous chemicals to seek comments
22 July 2022
China
China
On June 24, 2022, Zhuhai city, Guangdong province, China, published on its website a draft 2022 list of banned, restricted and controlled hazardous chemicals to seek public comments, which were …
China releases guidelines on management plan, manifest of hazardous waste for waste-generating companies
21 July 2022
China
China
On June 20, 2022, China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment released a national ecology and environment standard called the Technical Guideline for Deriving Hazardous Waste Management Plans and Records (HJ …
Shanghai to launch compliance inspections of pollutant discharge permit holders
20 July 2022
China
China
On July 5, 2022, the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Ecology and Environment announced a plan for 2022 to carry out compliance inspections of pollutant discharge permit holders across Shanghai, China’s …
China’s Tianjin city releases draft plan to develop system to encourage whole community to promote low carbon emissions
Companies would be incentivized to reduce carbon emissions
20 July 2022
China
China
On July 6, 2022, the Tianjin Ecology and Environment Bureau released a draft plan to develop a system to encourage the city’s whole community to reduce carbon emissions. Tianjin city …
China’s Jiangxi province announces plan to eliminate “black, smelly” water bodies from its urban areas
The province will take measures against pollution from industrial companies and other issues
15 July 2022
China
China
On June 20, 2022, the Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of Jiangxi Province, China, announced a plan to address the issue of “black and smelly” water bodies in its …
China announces action plan to improve water use efficiency
China announces action plan to improve water use efficiency
13 July 2022
China
China
On June 21, 2022, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and other five government departments announced an action plan to improve water use efficiency in the country. The action …
China announces action plan to improve energy efficiency in industry sector
Measures for better energy efficiency are implemented in electronics and other key industries
12 July 2022
China
China
On June 23, 2022, China’s six government departments, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the National Development and Reform Commission, announced an action plan to improve energy …
China National Light Industry Council releases standards for green product assessment of air conditioner compressors
Criteria for hazardous substance content have been introduced
8 July 2022
China
China
On May 31, 2022, the China National Light Industry Council released a public notice of association standards called the “Technical Specification for Green-design Product Assessment — Compressors for Room Air …
Guangdong, China release 11 technical documents on VOC control measures for key emission industries
Including technical guidelines for air pollutant emission grade evaluation by industries
8 July 2022
China
China
To accelerate the reduction of VOC emissions and continuously improve the air quality, on June 5, 2022, the Department of Ecology and Environment of Guangdong Province, China, released 11 technical …
China strongly promotes recycling of waste vehicle
8 July 2022
China
China
China is currently the world’s largest vehicle consuming market, and the amount of the production and sales and possessing of vehicles have long maintained the top position in the world. …
China further strengthens environmental monitoring system
8 July 2022
China
China
China is currently the world’s largest vehicle consuming market, and the amount of the production and sales and possessing of vehicles have long maintained the top position in the world. …
Beijing city to implement carbon emissions assessment in construction projects on trial basis
6 July 2022
China
China
On June 20, 2022, the Beijing Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau released draft experimental rules for carbon emissions assessment in the environmental impact assessment of construction projects to solicit public …
China’s Guangdong province issues mandatory standards for volatile organic compound emissions from stationary sources
6 July 2022
China
China
On June 1, 2022, the Department of Ecology and Environment of Guangdong province, China, and the Guangdong Administration for Market Regulation issued a set of mandatory local standards called the …
China announces key areas of enterprise standards “Top Runner” for FY2022
Total of 240 industries are listed, including electronic equipment manufacturing industry and automotive manufacturing industry
4 July 2022
China
China
On June 1, 2022, the State Administration for Market Regulation of China announced key areas of enterprise standards “Top Runner” for FY2022. Key areas of this year have been further …
Port of Shanghai announces new requirements for advance notification of containers of imported hazardous chemicals
1 July 2022
China
China
On June 20, 2022, Shanghai International Port Group, the operator of the Port of Shanghai, announced the enhancement of safety measures for containers of hazardous chemicals. More specifically, the port …
Beijing to revise the mandatory local standard “Emission standards of air pollutants for printing industry”
The emission limit for fugitive emission of VOC was added
30 June 2022
China
China
On June 1, 2022, the Beijing Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau released the draft for comments on revision of the mandatory local standard, “Emission Standards of Air Pollutants for Printing …
Beijing to revise the emission standard of air pollutants for automotive manufacturing industry
Adding requirements for controlling VOC content of coatings, adhesives, and other materials
30 June 2022
China
China
On June 7, 2022, the Beijing Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau released a draft for comments on revision of the mandatory local standard, “Emission Standard of Air Pollutants for Automotive …
Beijing releases the draft for comments on “Specifications for waste electrical and electronic equipment recycling”
30 June 2022
China
China
On May 19, 2022, the Beijing Municipal Market Supervision and Administration Bureau released several drafts for comments on local standards, including the “Specifications for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Recycling” …
China releases national standards defining terminology used in chemical tests for environmental risk management
29 June 2022
China
China
On June 6, 2022, China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment released national ecological and environmental standards called “Chemical substances environmental management—Terminology for testing of chemical substances” (HJ 1257-2022), which came …
Tianjin, China announces the 2022 Pollution Prevention and Control Plan
Strengthening VOC regulations to promote green and low-carbon development
29 June 2022
China
China
On May 25, 2022, the Tianjin Municipal People’s Government released the 2022 Pollution Prevention and Control Plan. In the Plan, environmental targets for 2025 and 2035 are set out respectively. …
China releases draft mandatory standards for hazardous substance limits on musical instruments to solicit comments
Stricter limits than the WTO notification version of the standards would be set on some substances
28 June 2022
China
China
On June 16, 2022, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology released a draft (pending approval) of mandatory national standards called Limits of Hazardous Substances for Musical Instruments to solicit …
China advances digital transformation of hazardous waste environmental management
24 June 2022
China
China
On June 7, 2022, China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment issued a Circular on Advancing the Digital Transformation of Hazardous Waste Management. The circular aims to ensure that the Solid …
China issues rules for spot checks of 15 types of products, including hazardous chemical packaging
23 June 2022
China
China
On June 1, 2022, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation issued on its website implementation rules for spot checks of 15 types of products, including toys, hazardous chemical packaging, electric …
China releases “opinions” on financial support for peaking carbon emissions, achieving carbon neutrality
Low-carbon development is encouraged for different industries
22 June 2022
China
China
On May 30, 2022, China’s Ministry of Finance released its “opinions” on financial support for peaking carbon emissions and achieving carbon neutrality. The opinions set some objectives (e.g., to establish …
China’s Zhejiang province issues environmental protection regulations
New rules for pollution allowance purchase and ecological and environmental damage compensation have been introduced
21 June 2022
China
China
On May 27, 2022, the Standing Committee of the Zhejiang Provincial People’s Congress issued Provincial Regulations on Environmental Protection, which comes into effect on Aug. 1, 2022. The Regulations of …
China issues technical standards for waste plastic pollution control
Industrial companies are required to take measures against waste plastic pollution
21 June 2022
China
China
On May 31, 2022, China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment issued a National Ecological and Environmental Standard on Technical Specification for Pollution Control of Plastic Waste (HJ 364-2022), which came …
China’s Jiangsu province launches large-scale inspection of pollution outlets in Huai River basin
Issues will be corrected. Stricter regulations are being introduced
21 June 2022
China
China
According to a report published by the Department of Ecology and Environment of Jiangsu province, China on June 10, 2022, it has launched a thorough inspection of pollution outlets into …
China announces the implementation of the selection work for the “top runner” in water use efficiency
20 June 2022
China
China
On May 31, 2022, the Ministry of Water Resources and the National Development and Reform Commission of China announced a notice for the implementation of the selection work for the …
China introduces whitelist of dangerous goods not banned for water transportation under Yangtze River Protection Law
14 June 2022
China
China
China’s Shanghai Maritime Safety Administration has introduced a whitelist of goods that are not considered dangerous goods banned for transportation under the Yangtze River Protection Law. The Yangtze River Protection …
China to revise hazardous chemical business licensing system
A business license would be no longer required for household and medical chemicals
13 June 2022
China
China
According to a public message of China’s Ministry of Emergency Management released April 29, 2022 (an official answer to a question from the public), the Measures on the Hazardous Chemical …
China releases draft standards for setting limits on contamination of land for development
10 June 2022
China
China
China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment on June 2 released draft standards called the Guidance for Establishing Soil Clean-up Level on Construction Land (trial implementation) to solicit public comments, which …
China releases association standards for smart toilets
Performance grades, technical requirements, test methods, and labeling and packaging requirements of smart toilets are defined
9 June 2022
China
China
On May 20, the Chaozhou Building Sanitary Ceramics Industry Association released association standards for smart toilets called “Smart Water Closets” (T/CBCSIA 1-2022), which will come into effect on Aug. 1. …
$16,000 fine imposed on company in Jiaxing city, China for not registering, properly managing hazardous chemicals
8 June 2022
China
China
On May 11, 2022, the Emergency Management Agency of Jiaxing city, Zhejiang province, China published a WeChat post regarding a case of a company violating hazardous chemical registration and management …
China’s Hebei province issued emission trading rules to develop pollution market
7 June 2022
China
China
The Department of Ecology and Environment of China’s Hebei province issued emission trading rules called the Interim Measures of Hebei Province on Emission Trading on May 11, 2022, and the …
China’s Guangdong province publishes examples of volatile organic compound control in relevant industries
Powder coating, regenerative thermal oxidizers and many other methods are leveraged
3 June 2022
China
China
On May 11, the Department of Ecology and Environment of China’s Guangdong province published the first compilation of examples of comprehensive volatile organic compound (VOC) control efforts in industries that …
China’s Hainan province announces plastic pollution control action plan for 14th Five-Year Plan period
Less single-use plastics will be used in the province
3 June 2022
China
China
China’s Hainan province April 27 announced a plastic pollution control action plan for the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021–2025). With the aim of tackling plastic pollution in earnest, the province …
China released draft revision of Provisions on Safety Oversight of Dangerous Goods Transportation by Ship
Companies’ responsibility would be increased. Shippers’ responsibilities changed
3 June 2022
China
China
On May 11, China’s Ministry of Transport released on its website a draft revision of the Provisions on Safety Oversight of Dangerous Goods Transportation by Ship to solicit public comments, …
