China Chemical Law Draft Out

The Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) released the Second Draft of the Hazardous Chemicals Safety Law for public consultation. This proposed law seeks to modernize and tighten China’s regulation of hazardous chemicals throughout their entire lifecycle—from production to disposal.

The draft law introduces significant new responsibilities, licensing systems, and enforcement mechanisms that will reshape how businesses operate in China’s chemical sector.

🧾 Key Highlights of the Second Draft

📆 Public Consultation Timeline

The draft law is open for public comment for 30 days starting from September 16, 2025.

📝 Stakeholders — including manufacturers, importers, and chemical distributors — are urged to:

• Review the draft for compliance implications
• Assess labeling, licensing, and registration impacts
• Submit feedback through the NPC portal or industry channels

🧭 Next Steps for Industry

Given the draft’s broad scope and stringent requirements, companies operating in or trading with China’s chemical sector should:

⚙️ Evaluate supply chain and operations risk
📋 Prepare compliance roadmaps based on licensing and zoning changes
🧪 Update chemical safety data and employee training protocols
🌐 Stay engaged with Chinese regulators, associations, and legal counsel

This legislation reflects China’s commitment to enhancing environmental and industrial safety, while aligning with global chemical governance norms like EU REACH and UN GHS.

🌏 Why This Matters

The draft law represents one of the most comprehensive overhauls of chemical regulation in China in over a decade. If adopted, it will:

• Strengthen chemical safety oversight across the entire lifecycle
• Elevate compliance costs for businesses operating in or exporting to China
• Influence global supply chains, especially in the specialty and industrial chemicals sectors

Reference: Second Draft – Hazardous Chemicals Safety Law (NPC Website)