Laws and Regulations

 

National

 

1. Five Authorities Issue Guiding Opinions to Enhance Overseas Integrated Service System

[Keywords: Overseas, Integrated services]

 

Recently, the Ministry of Commerce, together with four other authorities, released the Guiding Opinions on Further Improving the Overseas Integrated Service System. The document sets out 16 concrete measures across six areas, aiming to foster a multi-tiered, full-chain ecosystem for overseas integrated services, which are characterized by central-local coordination, inter-regional collaboration, resource aggregation, and seamless connectivity between domestic and international operations.

 

Source: Ministry of Commerce

https://www.mofcom.gov.cn/zwgk/zcfb/art/2025/art_bf4dced16a3b46cf9b7f29d09185c23b.html

 

2. Measures on Certification for Personal Information Export Released

[Keywords: Personal information, Cross-border certification]

 

Recently, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) and the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) released the Measures on Certification for Personal Information Export. The document refines provisions on the applicable scenarios, application procedures, and certification requirements for transfer of personal information overseas. It will take effect on January 1, 2026.

 

Source: CAC Website

https://www.cac.gov.cn/2025-10/17/c_1762449728720008.htm

 

3. CSRC Issues Revised Code of Corporate Governance for Listed Companies

[Keywords: Listed companies]

 

Recently, the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) released the revised Code of Corporate Governance for Listed Companies. The revision focuses on four areas: improving systems governing the appointment, performance of duties, and resignation of directors and senior executives; strengthening incentive and restraint mechanisms for listed companies; regulating the conduct of controlling shareholders and de facto controllers; and ensuring consistency with the current regulatory framework. The document will take effect on January 1, 2026.

 

Source: CSRC

https://www.csrc.gov.cn/csrc/c101954/c7589726/content.shtml

 

Shanghai

 

1.Implementation Rules for Special Development Funds of the Shanghai Eastern Hub International Business Cooperation Zone Issued

[Keywords: Eastern hub]

 

The Implementation Rules for Special Development Funds of the Shanghai Eastern Hub International Business Cooperation Zone were issued recently. The document provides support across seven areas of projects: functional enhancement, conferences and events, exhibitions and conventions, training programs, professional services, international economic organizations, and cross-border trade. The document took effect on October 21, 2025, and will remain valid through December 31, 2027.

 

Source: People’s Government of Pudong New Area, Shanghai

https://www.pudong.gov.cn/zwgk/014020/2025/294/347163.html

 

2.Model Rules for Commercial Mediation in the Yangtze River Delta Released

[Keywords: Yangtze River Delta, Commercial mediation]

 

Recently, the justice authorities of Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui jointly issued the Model Rules for Commercial Mediation in the Yangtze River Delta. The document covers all aspects of mediation process management, including procedures, settlement agreements and fee arrangements, and provides strong guidance and practical reference for commercial mediation organizations to formulate or further improve their own mediation rules.

 

Source: Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Justice

 

Q&A

 

Relevant officials from the CAC answered a reporter’s question regarding the Measures on Certification for Personal Information Export

Q1

What are the main contents of the Measures?

A1

The Measures provide for the following:

First, it clarifies the legislative purpose, basis, and scope of application. The Measures apply where a personal information processor provides personal information outside the People’s Republic of China by means of personal information protection certification.

Second, it clarifies the applicable circumstances for certification for personal information export. It specifies the circumstances under which personal information processors may provide personal information abroad through the mechanism of personal information protection certification. Certification applies where a non–critical information infrastructure operator, from January 1 of the current year, cumulatively provides overseas personal information of more than 100,000 but fewer than 1,000,000 individuals (excluding sensitive personal information), or sensitive personal information of fewer than 10,000 individuals, and such personal information does not include important data.

Third, it clarifies the application method, certification requirements, and certificate validity period for personal information export. A personal information processor shall apply to a professional certification body for personal information protection certification for cross-border data transfers. A personal information processor located outside the territory of the People’s Republic of China that applies for personal information protection certification shall be assisted by its specialized agency established in China or by a designated representative. Professional certification bodies shall carry out certification activities in accordance with the fundamental standards for certification and the rules for personal information protection certification. The certification certificate is valid for three years; where continued use is needed upon expiry, the personal information processor shall apply for renewal six months before the expiry of the validity period.

Fourth, it clarifies the obligations of professional certification bodies. Professional certification bodies shall submit information on certificates for cross-border personal information certification to the National Certification and Accreditation Information Public Service Platform. Upon discovering that cross-border personal information activities violate laws, administrative regulations or relevant national provisions, they shall promptly report to the CAC and other competent authorities.

Fifth, it clarifies the supervision and management requirements. A professional certification body shall file with the CAC within ten working days from obtaining certification qualification. The SAMR and the CAC shall supervise certification activities relating to personal information export.

Relevant officials from the CAC answered a reporter’s question regarding the Measures on Certification for Personal Information Export 

Q2

How is China’s institutional design for cross-border data flow framework?

A2

The Cybersecurity Law, the Data Security Law, the Personal Information Protection Law, and the Regulation on Network Data Security Administration set out the fundamental rules governing cross-border data flows. If a personal information processor needs to provide personal information outside the territory of the People's Republic of China due to business needs, it must meet one of the following conditions: (1) pass a security assessment organized by the CAC; (2)  obtain personal information protection certification from a professional body in accordance with the provisions of the CAC; (3) enter into a contract with the overseas recipient using the standard contract formulated by the CAC, stipulating the rights and obligations of both parties; or (4) satisfy other conditions prescribed by laws, administrative regulations, or the CAC.

The CAC successively issued the Measures for Security Assessment of Data Export, the Measures on the Standard Contract for Personal Information Export, and the Provisions on Promoting and Regulating Cross-border Data Flows. These documents clarify implementation paths for the security assessment of transferring data overseas and the standard contract for personal information exports, and establish a negative list mechanism for data exports in pilot free trade zones.

The promulgation of the Measures clarifies the specific implementation path for providing personal information overseas by way of certification. This signifies the full implementation of the outbound data security assessment, personal information protection certification, standard contract for personal information outbound flow, and other outbound data system designs specified in the Personal Information Protection Law, and also marks the comprehensive establishment of China’s institutional framework for cross-border data flow.

 

Source: CAC

https://www.cac.gov.cn/2025-10/17/c_1762449729087239.htm

 

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]

II. Standardization of China’s Commercial Arbitration Sector from Multiple Perspectives

1. In accordance with the Civil Code, the revised framework clarifies the legal nature of arbitration institutions and affirms the unique status of the arbitration institutions established under the China Chamber of International Commerce.

Article 13 of the 2025 Arbitration Law, for the first time in statutory form, defines arbitration institutions as “public-interest, non-profit legal persons”. This ends a longstanding debate over the legal nature of arbitration institutions. Going forward, the operations and related matters of arbitration institutions should be subject to corresponding regulatory oversight, like other public-interest non-profit legal persons, and an orderly exit channel should be in place. This approach is further reflected in Articles 16 and 17. Furthermore, several provisions, including Article 3, have made adjustments to natural persons, legal persons, and unincorporated organizations in accordance with the Civil Code, enhancing the coordination and coherence of the Arbitration Law with the existing legal system.

It is also worth noting that, with respect to arbitration institutions, the 2025 Arbitration Law, in its Article 14, distinguishes arbitration institutions established by the China Chamber of International Commerce with the approval of the State Council from other arbitration institutions. The former is only required to file with the justice administration department under the State Council, without having to register with local justice administration authorities. This arrangement may also help resolve long-standing disputes in practice, such as questions over the legitimacy of certain branches of organizations.

(2) The “whole-life-cycle” management of arbitrators and personnel of arbitration institutions is appropriately balanced between flexibility and rigor, with a more orderly entry and exit mechanism.

Article 21 of the 2025 Arbitration Law adds the competency requirements for arbitrators, expressly providing for “professional competence”, “diligence and due care”, “integrity and probity”, and “adherence to professional ethics”. Read together with the newly added principle of good faith in Article 8, these provisions reflect the legislature’s clear recognition of the importance of arbitrator ethics to the development of China’s arbitration industry.

It is reasonable to expect that, with the implementation of the 2025 Arbitration Law, more arbitration institutions will build on the above provisions and draw on domestic leading practice (such as CIETAC’s Code of Conduct for Arbitrators and Regulations on the Assessment of Arbitrators’ Conduct) and international best practice (such as the IBA Guidelines on Conflicts of Interest in International Arbitration) to develop an arbitrator management regime suited to their own circumstances. In doing so, they will achieve continuous and effective supervision of arbitrator ethics at the institutional level.

At the same time, Article 23 introduces explicit circumstances on disqualification and removal, placing more regularized requirements on both arbitrators and arbitration institutions. It is reasonable to believe that this provision will help establish a smoother exit mechanism for arbitrators while enhancing public confidence in the integrity of the arbitrators as a whole.

In addition, Article 18 sets out specific provisions on the term of office for the members of arbitration institutions. It is reasonable to believe that this provision draws upon the successful practices established under local legislation (such as the Regulations of the Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration) and internal institutional rules that set, for example, a five-year term for the governing boards of arbitration institutions. With the implementation of the 2025 Arbitration Law, arbitration institutions are likely to continue setting higher standards for themselves by imposing greater discipline and establishing stricter rules and expectations regarding the terms of office and rotation of their governing members.

[To be Continued]

 

One Week in Shanghai

 

Latest News

 

1. Shanghai’s Economic Performance in the First Three Quarters Released

[Keywords: Shanghai, National economy]

 

Recently, the Shanghai Municipal Statistics Bureau and the Shanghai Survey Office of the National Bureau of Statistics released the city’s economic performance for 2025. According to unified regional GDP accounting results, Shanghai’s GDP reached RMB 4.0721 trillion in the first three quarters, up 5.5% year-on-year at constant prices. By industry, the added value of the primary industry was RMB 6.426 billion (+0.9%), the secondary industry RMB 844.867 billion (+3.9%), and the tertiary industry RMB 3.2208 trillion (+5.9%).

 

Source: Shanghai Statistics

 

2. “CIIE Spillover Effect ad Linkage Policy Package” Released

[Keywords: China International Import Expo (CIIE)]

 

The Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, together with the Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau, the Shanghai Tax Service of the State Taxation Administration, Shanghai Customs, and the Hongqiao International Central Business District Administrative Committee, has released a “CIIE Spillover Effect and Linkage Policy Package”. The package covers policies on debut economy, tax refund upon departure, post-exhibition retention and purchase of exhibits, the sale of imported exhibits, facilitation of entry-exit services, and measures relating to the Hongqiao Central Business District.

 

Source: Shanghai Commerce

 

3. ITU Confirms Shanghai as Host City for WRC-27 and Related Meetings

[Keyword: World Radiocommunication Conference]

 

Recently, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) issued a circular to its member states confirming that the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-27) and related meetings will be held in Shanghai, China, from October 11 to November 12, 2027.

 

Source: Shanghai Release

 

4. Achievement of First Batch of “6+1” Collaborative Innovation Zones of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone Released

[Keywords: Free Trade Zone, Collaborative Innovation Zones]

 

Recently, the Shanghai Municipal Development & Reform Commission selected exemplary, distinctive cases from the first batch of “6+1” Collaborative Innovation Zones and compiled them into an e-book titled Practical Cases of Collaborative Innovation Zones of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone. The collection features benchmark practices in key areas such as investment facilitation, trade liberalization, financial openness and innovation, sci-tech innovation, and support for production factors. It also showcases differentiated achievement of each Collaborative Innovation Zone in line with its own industrial strengths.

 

Source: Shanghai Municipal Development & Reform Commission

 

5. London P&I Club (UK) Opens Shanghai Representative Office in Pudong

[Keywords: London P&I Club (UK)]

 

The Shanghai Representative Office of the London P&I Club (UK) was recently inaugurated in Pudong. As the first overseas non-profit mutual insurance organization to establish a presence in the Chinese mainland, the new office brings the number of international shipping-related economic organizations in Pudong to 11.

 

Source: Pudong Release

 

Corporate Activities

 

1. Pfizer Open Innovation R&D Center Unveiled in Pudong

[Keyword: Pfizer]

 

Recently, as Pfizer (China) marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of its R&D Center in Shanghai’s Pudong, the company is once again focusing on the transformation and application of local scientific R&D achievements, unveiling the Pfizer R&D Open Innovation Center in Pudong. Leveraging the resource strengths of Pfizer’s R&D hubs in Beijing and Shanghai, the Center provides capacity-building and resource support for Chinese universities, innovative biotech companies, hospitals, and clinical research institutions.

 

Source: Pudong Release

 

2. Lexus Office Building Opens

[Keyword: Lexus]

 

Recently, Lexus inaugurated its new office building located in Shanghai’s Jinshan District. Since breaking ground in June 2025, the Lexus New Energy project in Jinshan has progressed steadily. The project is scheduled for completion in August 2026 and commencement of production in 2027.

 

Source: iJinshan

 

Forum & Exhibition

 

1. 2025 World Cities Day: Global Sustainable Cities Congress (Shanghai)Held

[Keyword: SDG Cities Global Conference]

 

The 2025 World Cities Day: Global Sustainable Cities Congress (Shanghai) was held at the Grand Halls, Shanghai, from October 26 to 27. Co-hosted by the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government and UN-Habitat, the conference embodied the theme “Innovative Development Towards People-centered Smart Cities”, and featured a plenary session, three thematic meetings, and multiple special forums. The conference simultaneously released the 2025 English editions of the Shanghai Manual and the Shanghai Adapted Index.

 

Source: Shanghai Release

 

Culture & Art

 

1. 2025 Shanghai “Import Shopping Festival” and “Month of Country-themed Goods & Culture” Launched

[Keywords: Imported Goods Shopping Festival]

 

Shanghai launched the 2025 Imported Goods Shopping Festival and the Country-specific Product Cultural Month on October 23. During the festival, the city will stage 29 themed activities on imported goods and 20 “country-themed goods & culture” event series. These activities cover five major consumption scenarios, namely, food, transport, tourism, shopping and entertainment. They aim to build a comprehensive consumption ecosystem that integrates global culinary experiences, convenient travel, the convergence of culture, tourism, commerce, and sports, seamless online–offline interaction, and the fusion of culture and entertainment.

 

Source: Shanghai Commerce

 

2. “Reform Mission — Guangdong Art Centennial Exhibition” Opens in Shanghai

[Keywords: Guangdong, Fine arts]

The “Reform Mission — Guangdong Art Centennial Exhibition” recently kicked off at the Shanghai Art Museum. Showcasing representative works by more than 350 Lingnan masters from modern and contemporary times, the exhibition spans over 20,000 square meters and presents more than 800 treasured pieces of Lingnan art.

 

Source: China Art Museum