Adds new restrictions in market access negative list
16 Apr 2025
On 16 April 2025, China announced the 2025 edition of the nationwide market access Negative List, which sets out sectors and activities restricted to both domestic and foreign business entities, following approval by the Central Committee Communist Party of China and the State Council. Replacing the version issued on 12 March 2022, the list reduces the number of restricted items from 117 to 106 across 21 industries (see here: https://investmentpolicy.unctad.org/investment-policy-monitor/measures/5070/china-reduces-restricted-activities-in-market-access-negative-list).
At the same time, new or tighter restrictions have been introduced in sensitive sectors:
- Investment in civil unmanned aerial vehicles (excluding micro UAVs) now requires certification approval;
- e-cigarette production is subject to stricter licensing tied to capacity expansion;
- online sales of drugs and medical devices are limited to licensed entities; and
- non-commercial internet information services now require prior approval rather than a simple filing.
Nature of measure:
Type:
-
Entry and establishment (Approval and admission - screening, Approval and admission - other)
Industry:
-
Manufacturing (Manufacture of food products, beverages and tobacco products, Manufacture of transport equipment)
-
Services (Wholesale and retail trade, Publishing, audiovisual and broadcasting activities, Computer programming, consultancy and related activities)
Inward FDI:
Yes
Outward FDI:
No
Sources:
