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The main legislations governing the chemical market in China is Order No. 12 of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE), Measures for the Environmental Management Registration of New Chemical Substances, also known as MEE Order No.12. This regulation came into force on 1 January 2021 and the previous regulation (MEP Order No.7) was simultaneously repealed.

Anyone who wants to research, produce, import, or process new chemical substances in China has to register before carrying out their activities. They are:

  • Chinese manufactures or importers
  • Chinese processing users
  • Foreign companies who wish to sell new chemical substances in China.

Chinese manufacturers and importers can register the chemical substances themselves. Overseas enterprises, however, must appoint a Chinese agent (Only Representative (OR)) who will share the legal responsibility with them to fulfil the registration and post-registration obligations. The OR should be acknowledgeable and qualified to carry out the registration activities. 

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News

MEP Order NO.7 has been China’s main chemical regulation since 2010
MEP Order NO.7 has been China’s main chemical regulation since 2010

Jan-03-2026

MEP Order NO.7 has been China’s main chemical regulation since 2010 and it only controls new chemicals. The regulation has been revised by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) and...

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China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment Strengthens Global Chemicals Treaty Collaboration
China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment Strengthens Global Chemicals Treaty Collaboration

On November 10, 2025, China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) hosted senior representatives from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP),and the United Nations Industrial Development...

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ACF GHS Report