News Details

On 12 March 2026, China officially adopted the Environmental Code of the People’s Republic of China, marking a significant milestone as the country enters a new phase of codified ecological and environmental governance. 

Key Highlights of the New Environmental Code 

China’s top legislative body, the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China, adopted the Environmental Code during the fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress. This makes it the second law in China to carry the designation of a “code,” following the Civil Code. 

The newly adopted code consolidates and strenghtens China’s environmental legal framework into a unified and comprehensive system. 

Structure and Scope of the Code 

The Environmental Code consists of the following: 

• Five major sections:  

• General Provisions  

• Pollution Prevention and Control  

• Ecological Protection  

• Green and Low-Carbon Development  

• Legal Liability and Supplementary Provisions  

• A total of 1,242 articles, covering a wide range of environmental governance areas  

Legislative Background and Development 

The codification process reflects a major legislative initiative led by the central government and guided by the principles of ecological civilization. The draft was first reviewed in April 2025 by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress. 

Following extensive revisions: 

• Over 200 amendments were made.  

• More than 100 substantive changes were incorporated.  

• The draft underwent multiple rounds of deliberation before final approval.  

Strategic Importance 

The Environmental Code represents a significant step forward in China’s legal and environmental policy landscape. Its adoption aims to: 

• Promote improved coordination between environmental protection and development objectives. 

• Strengthen the rule-of-law governance in environmental protection.  

• Support high-quality economic development alongside environmental protection measures.  

• Enhance public welfare through strengthened ecological standards.  

• Establish a more unified, authoritative, and systematic legal framework.  

Implementation Timeline 

• The Environmental Code will take effect on 15 August 2026. 

• Upon implementation, 10 existing environmental laws, including the Environmental Protection Law, will be repealed.