Laws and Regulations

 

National

 

1. Nine Authorities Issue Policy Measures to Promote Service Exports

[Keywords: Service, Export]

 

Recently, the Ministry of Commerce, together with eight other authorities, issued the Several Policy Measures on Promoting Service Exports. The document sets out 13 targeted policy measures, including optimizing the zero-tax rate declaration procedures for service exports, facilitating cross-border movement of people and inbound consumption, improving the management of cross-border capital flows, and enhancing the convenience of cross-border settlement in trade in service.

 

Source: Ministry of Commerce

http://fms.mofcom.gov.cn/zcfg/zhzcfg/art/2025/art_2aa3821acbf744b8ad325c320024b47f.html

 

2. Eight Authorities Release Guidelines to Boost Digital Consumption

[Keywords: Digital consumption]

 

Recently, the Ministry of Commerce and seven other authorities issued the Guiding Opinions on Vigorously Developing Digital Consumption and Jointly Creating a Better Life in the Digital Era. The document outlines 14 measures in four key areas: enriching the supply of digital consumption, fostering and strengthening market players in the digital consumption sector, enhancing the support system for digital consumption, and creating a favorable environment for digital consumption.

 

Source: Ministry of Commerce

https://dzsws.mofcom.gov.cn/gztz/art/2025/art_6ae5681604854331b3b513f9213fca07.html

 

3.Supreme People’s Court Issues Opinions to Advance High-quality Development of the International Commercial Court and Support High-standard Opening-up

[Keywords: International Commercial Court]

 

Recently, the Supreme People’s Court released the Opinions on Advancing the High-quality Development of the International Commercial Court and Supporting High-standard Opening-up. Focusing on serving and supporting the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative and advancing high-standard opening-up, the document sets out 15 measures in five key areas.

 

Source: Supreme People’s Court

 

Shanghai

 

1. Revised Regulations on the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone Released

[Keywords: Shanghai FTZ]

 

The revised Regulations on the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone were promulgated recently and officially came into force on September 29. Focusing on the reform and innovation practices of the Shanghai FTZ over the past decade, the revision adopts a systematic and integrated institutional design to showcase the achievements and confidence of the Shanghai FTZ’s development to both domestic and international market players. It will further consolidate the role of the Shanghai FTZ as a pioneer and trailblazer in reform and opening up.

 

Source: Shanghai Municipal People’s Congress

 

2.Draft Amendment to the Shanghai Regulations on Optimizing the Business Environment Released for Public Comment

[Keywords: Business environment]

 

Recently, the Draft Amendment to the Shanghai Regulations on Optimizing the Business Environment was released for public comment, with feedback accepted until October 9. The document focuses on three key areas: implementing new national requirements for improving the business environment, codifying best practices for optimizing the business environment into statute, and supporting high-standard benchmarking reforms in municipal access sectors.

 

Source: Shanghai Municipal People’s Congress

 

Regulations Entering into Force

 

Q&A

 

Head of the Fourth Civil Division of the Supreme People’s Court answers questions from the press on advancing the high-quality development of International Commercial Court 

Q1

The released Opinions of the Supreme People’s Court on Advancing the High-quality Development of International Commercial Court and Supporting High-standard Opening-up is the first normative judicial policy specifically formulated to promote the high-quality development of international commercial court. Could you elaborate on the innovative mechanisms introduced in the document to strengthen international commercial adjudication?

A1

The document puts forward innovative measures to enhance international commercial adjudication in six key areas.

First, on optimizing jurisdiction mechanisms for foreign-related commercial cases, the document calls for improving the judicial system that enables parties to foreign-related civil relations to lawfully agree on jurisdiction, with full respect for the principle of party autonomy. It proposes developing model clauses for jurisdiction agreements in foreign-related contracts to facilitate parties’ choice of dispute resolution mechanisms. The document also emphasizes refining and amending judicial interpretations of the Civil Procedure Law to further improve jurisdiction mechanisms for foreign-related cases, while appropriately addressing parallel proceedings and jurisdictional conflicts. In addition, it highlights the importance of drawing on best practices of jurisdiction by designation at a higher level, allowing more significant, complex, and difficult foreign-related cases to be elevated to the International Commercial Court of the Supreme People’s Court for adjudication, so as to give full play to its role in providing guidance through rules.

Second, on improving case management mechanisms, the document calls for strengthening the pre-trial conference mechanism for cases, and formulating unified standards for case process management and trial procedures in the International Commercial Court. The goal is to establish a comprehensive case management system characterized by refinement, professionalism, and standardization throughout the entire process.

Third, on improving mechanisms for litigation facilitation, the document emphasizes the accurate application of the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents to simplify procedures for verifying foreign documents and evidence. It also calls for streamlining authorization procedures for foreign parties through methods such as video witnessing and one-time authorizations. In addition, the document proposes unifying the format of commonly used English translations of foreign-related judicial documents and litigation procedure guidelines, etc., with a view to maximizing efficiency in foreign-related adjudication within the framework of existing laws.

Fourth, on improving mechanisms for the application of international treaties and practices, the document emphasizes the accurate interpretation and application of international treaties, and calls for refining the filing mechanism for judgments applying international treaties and practices. It highlights the effective use of both domestic and international rules to ensure equal protection of the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese and foreign parties. China has already submitted 50 cases to the UNCITRAL CLOUT (Case Law on UNCITRAL Texts) system and will continue to expand its efforts to recommend more cases to international organizations in the future.

Fifth, on improving mechanisms for ascertaining foreign law, the document proposes building a cross-border legal service database to empower people’s courts with technology for efficient and accurate ascertainment of foreign laws. It also calls for enhancing the participation of foreign law experts in litigation proceedings, enabling them to appear in court and help in ascertaining foreign law. In addition, the document emphasizes studying the mechanisms for cost allocation in foreign law ascertainment and clarifying specific working procedures. These measures aim to provide authoritative legal ascertainment services for both Chinese and foreign parties in litigation, as well as for Chinese enterprises “going global” to operate in compliance with the law.

Sixth, on innovating court operation mechanisms, the document proposes supporting the lawful selection of qualified international commercial expert committee members from the Chinese mainland as well as Hong Kong and Macao to serve as people’s jurors with relevant expertise. They may participate in the trial of certain types of first-instance international commercial cases in local international commercial court.

Moving forward, efforts will be made to further refine and implement the relevant rules in greater detail, with a view to enhancing the professionalism and internationalization of the International Commercial Court.

 

Source: Supreme People’s Court

 

Expert Perspective

 

A Quick Comment on the 2025 Arbitration Law — Steady Progress with Promising Prospects

By He Junming (Shanghai United Law Firm)

 

[Continued from the Previous Issue]

(I) Comprehensive Enhancement of the Internationalization of China’s Commercial Arbitration System

2.

The 2025 Arbitration Law formally establish “arbitration institution” as the unified designation and pilot the use of ad hoc arbitration, aligning with traditional categorizations in international commercial arbitration. This will help improve the recognition of China’s Arbitration Law in the international community.

The 2025 Arbitration Law enhances the compliance and recognition of China’s arbitration system in the international arena. It makes a clear shift from the term “arbitration commission” to “arbitration institution”. This change is reflected in numerous provisions, including Articles 4, 6, 10, 12, Chapter II, and Articles 27, 29, 31, 32, 33, 35, 36, 39, and 43, among others. The replacement of terminology is also a substantial recognition of the pioneering practices of institutions such as the Beijing Arbitration Commission, which concurrently adopted the name Beijing International Arbitration Center. At the same time, the 2025 Arbitration Law, in Chapter VII Special Provisions on Foreign-related Arbitration, effectively establishes the system of ad hoc arbitration under Article 82.

Returning to the matter of classification, while these provisions do not mean that China has fully recognized or liberalized the ad hoc arbitration system, it is nevertheless noteworthy that this approach fills the long-standing gap under Chinese law regarding ad hoc arbitration. It helps Chinese enterprises gain a better understanding of this mechanism, while also easing the hesitation of Chinese courts in recognizing and enforcing foreign ad hoc arbitral awards due to the lack of domestic legal support. Moreover, by adopting the internationally accepted classification of commercial arbitration into institutional arbitration and ad hoc arbitration, the legislation reflects a more open and international perspective on the part of Chinese lawmakers in addressing commercial arbitration. This approach also facilitates better understanding of China’s arbitration law system by foreign counterparts and parties, thereby enhancing compliance with and recognition of the relevant laws and regulations.

[To be Continued]

 

One Week in Shanghai

 

Latest News

 

1. International Operation Center for Digital RMB Officially Launched

[Keywords: Digital RMB]

 

On September 24, the promotion event for the International Operation Center for Digital RMB business platform was held in Shanghai, marking the official commencement of the Center’s operations. The Center is tasked with building and operating cross-border and blockchain infrastructure for the digital renminbi, advancing connectivity between domestic and overseas financial infrastructure, promoting the international operations and market applications of the digital renminbi, and supporting innovation in digital finance.

 

Source: People’s Bank of China

 

2.UNESCO Established International Institute for STEM Education in Shanghai

[Keywords: International Institute for STEM Education]

 

Recently, the inauguration ceremony of the UNESCO International Institute for STEM Education was held in Shanghai, marking the official establishment of the Category 1 Centre of UNESCO — the International Institute for STEM Education — in the city.

 

Source: Shanghai Release

 

3. China-Germany International Mediation Center Inaugurated in Shanghai

[Keywords: China-Germany International Mediation Center]

 

Recently, the China-Germany International Mediation Center was officially inaugurated in Shanghai. Leveraging the rich experience and resources of both China and Germany in the field of commercial mediation, the Center will provide enterprises with more efficient, flexible, and professional cross-border dispute resolution services, further enhancing Shanghai’s internationalized and rule-of-law-based business environment.

 

Source: Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Justice

 

Corporate Activities

 

1. Ford Establishes New Subsidiary in Shanghai

[Keywords: Ford]

 

Recently, Ford Motor (China) Ltd. announced the establishment of Ford Motor Sales and Service (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary in Shanghai. The new subsidiary will take full responsibility for the marketing, sales, and service operations of Ford-branded passenger cars and pickup trucks in the Chinese market. It is scheduled to officially begin operations on October 1.

 

Source: Ford China Information Center

 

2. Henkel Inaugurated its Inspiration Center for Adhesive Technologies in Shanghai

[Keywords: Henkel]

 

Recently, Henkel inaugurated its new Inspiration Center for Adhesive Technologies in Shanghai. The Center brings together more than 500 scientists and technical experts specializing in product development, application technology, and technical services. It will provide customers across a wide range of industries with cutting-edge solutions in adhesives, sealants, and functional coatings.

 

Source: Henkel China

 

Competitive Event

 

1. UIM F1H2O World Championship Grand Prix of Shanghai, China 2025 to Return to Baoshan During National Day Holiday

[Keyword: F1H2O]

From October 2 to 4, the UIM F1H2O World Championship Grand Prix of Shanghai, China 2025 will once again take place on the waters of Binjiang Changtan of the Baoshan District. This year’s event will bring together over 20 top competitors from more than 10 countries to race at breathtaking speeds. It will be staged as an international festival integrating speed, culture, tourism, and technology, adopting an innovative model to create a dynamic “land-and-water” synergy with the F1 racing circuit, and offer a multi-dimensional sporting experience.

 

Source: International Services Shanghai

https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-SportsEvents/20250828/ae78f506ef0f40008f640c9d5d4ff058.html

 

Culture & Art

 

1. Shanghai Urban Space Art Season 2025 Kicks Off

[Keywords: Shanghai Urban Space Art Season]

The Shanghai Urban Space Art Season 2025 kicked off on September 30. With the theme “Quantum-Revive”, this year’s edition features a “1+16” exhibition structure, presenting a citywide art “carnival” that combines professional depth with broad public participation. The event will run until December 13.

 

Source: Shanghai Release

 

2. 2025 Shanghai Service Consumption Carnival and Shanghai International Horse Culture Week Kick off

[Keywords: Shanghai International Horse Culture Week]

The 2025 Shanghai Service Consumption Carnival and Shanghai International Horse Culture Week will be grandly staged during the National Day Golden Week. Under the theme “Shanghai Charm on Horses”, the event for the first time brings together the two flagship brands — “Shanghai Service Consumption Carnival” and “Shanghai International Horse Culture Week”. It will create a new comprehensive service consumption scene that integrates sporting events, cultural experiences, tourism promotion, and exhibitions.

 

Source: International Services Shanghai

https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-MajorConsumerEvents/20250925/bf7e1ad483904c2aacc11ac460084e4c.html

 

3. Shanghai Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026 Set to Open

[Keywords: Shanghai Fashion Week]

The Shanghai Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026 will open on October 9. With the theme “Beyond Boundaries · Redefining Style”, this season’s event integrates technology, art, culture, and sustainability to create a fashion gala that is perceivable, experienceable, and shareable.

 

Source: International Services Shanghai

https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-MajorConsumerEvents/20250923/a71694bdef6441868b99bdad6548c564.html