China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) has extended the deadline for companies to apply for continued confidentiality of chemical substance identification information, a move that could help protect trade secrets and ensure regulatory compliance.
Extended Confidentiality Period for Chemical Registrations
The Solid Waste and Chemicals Management Center of MEE announced that companies now have until September 15, 2025, to submit applications for a five-year extension of confidentiality protection. This applies to chemicals registered under MEE Order No. 7 (before December 31, 2020) and those listed on the IECSC prior to the enactment of Order No. 12.
Without this extension, existing confidentiality protections will expire on December 31, 2025, and chemical identity information will become publicly available.
Who Is Eligible?
The confidentiality extension applies to:
• Substances registered under Order No. 7 before December 31, 2020
• Substances listed on the IECSC before the implementation of Order No. 12 and previously granted confidentiality
Eligible companies can maintain confidentiality for chemical names and identities for an additional five years.
Application Requirements & Submission
Applications must be submitted via the Online Registration System for New Chemical Substances, along with:
• Supporting documentation
• Justification for continued confidentiality
📅 Deadline: All applications must be submitted by September 15, 2025
📍 Platform: Online Registration System
Why It Matters?
Failing to apply by the deadline will result in automatic disclosure of confidential chemical identification information starting January 1, 2026. This could expose sensitive trade data and compromise competitive advantages.
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Final Reminder
Companies holding confidentiality protections are strongly urged to review their registration status and submit applications before the deadline to avoid unintentional disclosure.
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