On September 21, 2026, China's Ministry of Emergency Management opened consultation on revised Measures for the Administration of Hazardous Chemicals Trading Licences. Comments are due October 22, 2026.

The draft defines municipal- and county-level licensing responsibilities, updates operating and storage safety conditions, formalises electronic licences as legally equivalent to paper licences and retains a three-year licence term. It also requires specified applications, changes and renewals within set time limits.

Article 28 would allow the authority to stop unlicensed business, confiscate hazardous chemicals and illegal proceeds, and impose a RMB 100,000-500,000 fine. The draft is not yet effective; its commencement date remains blank pending final adoption.

Impact

Impact assessment: High.

Key reasons: The draft combines revised safety conditions, licensing allocation, electronic credentials, renewal and change obligations, and material penalties. On September 21, 2026, China's Ministry of Emergency Management opened consultation on revised Measures for the Administration of Hazardous Chemicals Trading Licences. Comments are due October 22, 2026.

Who is affected?

Companies trading, storing or warehousing hazardous chemicals in China, including licence holders, site operators, safety managers and compliance teams.

Conclusion:

Map licence ownership, permitted business modes, sites, storage conditions and renewal calendars, and submit comments before October 22, 2026. Treat the requirements as proposed until final adoption.