The Administrative Measures for the Registration of Production and Business Operation of Foreign Countries (Regions) Enterprises within the Territory of China (2020) was promulgated in 1992 and amended in 2016, 2017 and 2020 respectively. The latest revision entered into force on November 3, 2020.

There are 19 articles in total, which aim to supervise foreign enterprises engaged in production and operations within China. The key points are as follows:

1.Foreign enterprises engaged in production and operations within China should apply to the local market supervision bureau (registration authority) for registration. (Article 2)

2.A foreign enterprise can only start production and operation after it has been approved by the examination and approval authority, approved by the registration authority for registration, and obtained a business license. (Article 2)

3.Foreign enterprises engaged in the following production and business operations shall be registered:

(1) exploration and development of petroleum and other mineral resources on land and ocean;

(2) construction and decoration of houses and civil engineering or engineering contracting for installation of lines, pipelines and equipment;

(3) contracting or accepting entrusted operation and management of foreign-invested enterprises;

(4) opening branches by foreign banks in China;

(5) other production and business permitted by the state. (Article 3)