NPCSC is Soliciting Comments on Drafts for Three Parts of Ecological and Environmental Code
ISSUING AUTHORITY:
Standing Committee of the National People's Congress
DATE OF ISSUANCE:
September 12, 2025
EFFECTIVE DATE:
September 12, 2025
On September 12, the 17th session of the 14th Standing Committee of the National People's Congress reviewed and released the General Provisions of the Ecological and Environmental Code (Second Draft), the Ecological Conservation of the Ecological and Environmental Code (Second Draft) and the Green and Low-Carbon Development of the Ecological and Environmental Code (Second Draft) to solicit comments with a deadline until October 11.
In the Draft General Provisions, it is specified that ecological and environmental protection shall apply to China’s territories and maritime space under its jurisdiction, and enterprises shall prevent pollution, conserve resources, control greenhouse gas emissions, and bear liability for damages; the ecological and environmental zoning administration, redline administration, standard systems and monitoring system shall be implemented, and ecological and environmental impact assessment, information disclosure and public participation shall be strengthened; an ecological conservation compensation mechanism shall be established, a response system for ecological and environmental emergency shall be perfected, and the green finance, industrial development and transactions at resource factor market shall be promoted.
The Draft Ecological Conservation covers seven chapters of ecosystem, natural resources, species, conservation of important geographical units, ecological degradation governance and restoration, etc. China will carry out the integrated conservation of mountains, waters, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasslands and deserts. A hierarchical management system for national parks, nature reserves and nature parks will be established. A system of strict conservation and paid use of arable lands, black soil, minerals, water resources, etc. will be implemented. The ecological risk prevention and control, invasive alien species prevention and control, ecological restoration project management and effectiveness evaluation will be strengthened. The division of duties and functions of governments and departments at different levels will be specified, and the involvement of enterprises and social capital in ecological conservation and restoration will be highlighted.
The Draft Green and Low-Carbon Development stipulates the administrative requirements for circular economical development, cleaner production, waste recycling, green consumption, energy conservation and green low-carbon transformation, addressing climate change, etc., including key provisions on mandatory cleaner production audit, green product design and packaging, extended producer responsibility for waste recycling, government green procurement, dual control system on energy consumption, carbon emission trading market, carbon footprint management, minimum renewable energy share target, climate change adaptation and risk assessment, global cooperation, etc. Relevant enterprises shall fulfil their green and low-carbon social responsibilities, and promote the technological innovation, green procurement, and collaborative green transformation across supply chains.
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