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徐州市城市市容和环境卫生管理条例(2004年修正)

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徐州市城市市容和环境卫生管理条例(2004年修正)

江苏省徐州市人大常委会


徐州市人民代表大会常务委员会关于修改《徐州市城市市容和环境卫生管理条例》的决定


(2004年7月16日徐州市第十三届人民代表大会常务委员会第十五次会议通过 2004年8月20日江苏省第十届人民代表大会常务委员会第十一次会议批准 2004年8月27日徐州市人民代表大会常务委员会公告第23号公布 自2004年9月1日起施行)



徐州市第十三届人民代表大会常务委员会第十五次会议决定对《徐州市城市市容和环境卫生管理条例》作如下修改:

一、将第十条第一款修改为:“因建设等原因需要挖掘道路,应当持城市规划部门批准签发的文件和有关设计文件,到市政工程行政主管部门办理审批手续,并向城市市容环境卫生行政主管部门备案。影响道路安全的,还应当征得公安交通管理部门的同意。”第三款修改为:“在道路两侧和公共场地临时堆放物料、搭建非永久性建筑物、构筑物以及其他设施的,应当征得城市市容环境卫生行政主管部门同意后,按有关规定办理审批手续。”

二、删除第十三条第二款。

三、删除第十七条第一款。

四、将第十九条第一款修改为:“建设单位在新区开发和旧城改造时,应当按规划配建环境卫生设施,并与主体工程同时设计、同时施工、同时验收、同时投入使用。环境卫生设施未配建或者验收不合格的,建设工程不得交付使用,交付使用前的环境卫生工作,由建设单位负责。”

五、删除第二十九条。

六、将第三十四条第一款修改为:“市区内禁止饲养鸡、鸭、鹅、兔、猪等家禽、家畜;因科研、教学或者其他特殊原因确需饲养的,必须经城市市容环境卫生行政主管部门批准。军队饲养畜禽,按照国家有关法律、法规规定执行。”

七、将第三十五条修改为:“违反本条例第六条、第二十一条、第二十九条规定的,责令限期改正;逾期未改正的,处以一百元以上一千元以下罚款。”

八、将第三十六条修改为:“违反本条例第七条、第八条第一款、第二款、第九条第一款规定行为之一的,由城市市容环境卫生行政主管部门责令改正、限期清除,处以一百元以上五百元以下罚款。”

九、将第三十七条修改为:“有下列行为之一的,由城市市容环境卫生行政主管部门或者其委托的单位责令纠正,并按照下列规定予以罚款:

(一)违反本条例第二十三条规定的,处以二十元以上二百元以下罚款;

(二)违反本条例第二十八条规定的,处以二十元以上二百元以下罚款;

(三)违反本条例第二十四条、第二十五条、第三十条、第三十二条第二款规定的,处以五十元以上二百元以下罚款;

(四)违反本条例第三十三条第一款规定的,按照每只(头)处以二十元以上五十元以下罚款;

(五)违反本条例第十二条规定的,处以一百元以上五百元以下罚款;

(六)违反本条例第二十条第二款规定的,处以一百元以上一千元以下罚款;

(七)违反本条例第十七条、第十九条规定的,处以五百元以上三千元以下罚款;

(八)违反本条例第八条第三款、第四款、第二十六条规定的,处以五百元以上五千元以下罚款。”

此外,根据本决定对条文顺序作相应修改。

本决定自2004年9月1日起施行。

《徐州市城市市容和环境卫生管理条例》根据本决定作相应修改,重新公布。



附:徐州市城市市容和环境卫生管理条例(2004年修正本)

(1996年7月12日徐州市第十一届人民代表大会常务委员会第二十八次会议制定 1996年8月16日江苏省第八届人民代表大会常务委员会第二十三次会议批准 根据2004年7月16日徐州市第十三届人民代表大会常务委员会第十五次会议通过,2004年8月20日江苏省第十届人民代表大会常务委员会第十一次会议批准的《关于修改〈徐州市城市市容和环境卫生管理条例〉的决定》修正)

第一章 总则

第一条 为了加强城市市容和环境卫生管理,建设现代文明城市,促进社会经济发展,根据国家有关法律、法规,结合本市实际情况,制定本条例。

第二条 本条例适用于本市市区。

第三条 本市城市市容和环境卫生管理实行集中领导、统一规划、条块结合、分区实施的原则。

第四条 市人民政府城市市容环境卫生行政主管部门负责城市市容和环境卫生管理工作,对各区人民政府和其他有关部门的市容和环境卫生管理工作,负有组织、协调、指导和监督职责。

区人民政府按照市人民政府规定的权限,负责辖区内的市容和环境卫生管理工作。

建设、规划、公安、工商、交通、卫生、园林、房产、文化、环境保护等有关部门各司其职,共同做好城市市容和环境卫生管理工作。

城市市容环境卫生行政主管部门的监察队伍,承担城市市容和环境卫生管理的综合巡察职责。

第五条 对违反本条例的行为,由城市市容环境卫生行政主管部门处罚。法律、法规另有规定的从其规定。

第二章 市容管理

第六条 建筑物、构筑物和公共设施应当保持外形整洁、美观,对影响市容的脏污墙面、残垣断壁、窨井盖缺损等,责任单位或者个人应当粉刷、整修、改造或者拆除。

第七条 禁止在快慢车道、人行道、安全岛、交通隔离设施、路名牌、站牌、电线杆、行道树、绿篱、桥梁栏杆等上晾晒、吊挂有碍市容的物品。

第八条 禁止在城市建筑物、雕塑、设施以及树木上涂写、刻画。

在建筑物、构筑物、设施以及树木上张挂、张贴宣传品等,应当经城市市容环境卫生行政主管部门批准。

设置户外广告应当外型整洁、美观,并按城市市容环境卫生行政主管部门指定的时间、地点和形式设置。

大型户外广告的设置应当征得城市市容环境卫生行政主管部门同意后,按照有关规定办理审批手续。

第九条 市区主要道路和重要路段两侧临街建筑物的阳台、平台、外走廊等堆放杂物不得露出护栏;楼(房)顶不得堆放杂物;封闭阳台应当符合城市市容环境卫生行政主管部门的规定。

楼(房)顶不得违章搭设建筑物、构筑物。

第十条 因建设等原因需要挖掘道路,应当持城市规划部门批准签发的文件和有关设计文件,到市政工程行政主管部门办理审批手续,并向城市市容环境卫生行政主管部门备案。影响道路安全的,还应当征得公安交通管理部门的同意。

经批准挖掘的道路,应当在规定期限内恢复路面。

在道路两侧和公共场地临时堆放物料、搭建非永久性建筑物、构筑物以及其他设施的,应当征得城市市容环境卫生行政主管部门同意后,按有关规定办理审批手续。

第十一条 在市区主、次道路和重要区域设置商亭(棚)、摆设摊点,应当由城市市容环境卫生行政主管部门与有关部门会商确定设置地点。

第十二条 禁止在市区主、次道路两侧占道设置或者在临街墙体离地面二米以内悬挂设置空调压缩机和排气扇。

第十三条 市区主要道路两侧和重要路段、景区内单位和经营者设置夜景灯光,损坏的应当修复。

第十四条 市区主、次道路两侧的单位和经营者,应当按城市市容环境卫生行政主管部门划定的责任区,履行包秩序、包绿化、包卫生的责任。

第十五条 街道和公共场所的树木、绿篱、花坛(池)、草坪等,应当保持整洁,不得损毁、砍伐、攀折。

第十六条 机动车辆应当在停车场整齐停放。在道路或公共场地设置机动车临时停车场,应当由城市市容环境卫生行政主管部门会同规划、道路管理、公安交通等部门统一规划、定点设置。

非机动车辆和摩托车应当在存车处或者划定的界线内停放。

沿街单位的非机动车、摩托车应当停放在单位内部,单位内部无停放条件的,由城市市容环境卫生行政主管部门会同道路管理、公安交通、规划等有关部门指定地点存放,单位应当安排专人管理。

第十七条 临街的各种建筑工程施工现场,应当设置围墙或者用围布遮挡,出入口应当硬化路面;停工场地应当及时整理并作必要的覆盖;竣工后应当及时清理、平整场地。

疏浚、整修作业产生的渣土、污物、树枝等,应当及时清运,施工结束后应当即时清理场地。

第十八条 沿街单位、店面的名牌字号,用字应当规范,橱窗内应当陈列整齐、美观,配有灯饰。

第三章 环境卫生管理

第十九条 建设单位在新区开发和旧城改造时,应当按规划配建环境卫生设施,并与主体工程同时设计、同时施工、同时验收、同时投入使用。环境卫生设施未配建或者验收不合格的,建设工程不得交付使用,交付使用前的环境卫生工作,由建设单位负责。

因建设需要拆除、迁移、封闭环境卫生设施或者改作他用的,建设单位应当报城市市容环境卫生行政主管部门批准。

第二十条 市人民政府应当根据人口密度和流动人口数量以及公共场所等特定地区的需要,制定公共厕所建设规划,建设、改造公共厕所,并制定相应的公共厕所管理办法。

市区新建公共厕所应当建成水冲式。

第二十一条 主要街道、广场,由环境卫生专业单位负责清扫保洁;区管道路和居民小区由街道办事处负责清扫保洁;绿地和风景区由园林部门负责清扫保洁;河道水面由河道管理部门负责保洁;市区内的铁路沿线由铁道部门负责清扫保洁;港口客货码头作业范围内的地面、水面由港口客货码头经营单位负责清扫保洁;机场、车站、公共汽车站的始末站、影剧院、博物馆、展览馆、纪念馆、体育馆(场)等公共场所,由本单位负责清扫保洁;机关、团体、部队、企事业单位除负责本单位内部的保洁外,还应当按照城市市容环境卫生行政主管部门划定的责任区负责清扫保洁。

第二十二条 生活、生产、经营、施工中产生的垃圾和其他废弃物,应当按照规定的时间、地点和方式,收集、运输和处理;有毒、有害废弃物应当依照国家有关规定处理。

第二十三条 公民应当爱护公共环境卫生,不得随地吐痰、便溺、乱扔瓜果皮核、纸屑、烟头以及其他废弃物。

第二十四条 禁止向路面、场地、河道洒泼、倾倒污水、泔汁、炉灰和丢弃废食具及其他废弃物;禁止向下水道内倾倒、丢弃各类固体废弃物。

第二十五条 进入市区的各种机动车辆车身应当保持清洁。车身不洁的应当冲洗干净后进入市区。禁止占道清洗车辆。

第二十六条 在市区运行的交通运输车辆装载的液体和垃圾、粪便及煤炭、水泥、石子、黄沙等散装货物,应当密封或者覆盖,不得泄漏、遗撒。

第二十七条 垃圾容器应当在规定位置摆放整齐,垃圾不得遗撒在容器外。

第二十八条 禁止在道路、广场及其他露天场所或者公共垃圾容器内焚烧树叶、树枝以及其他可燃垃圾和有毒、有害物质。

第二十九条 贸易市场开办单位应当配备和组织专职卫生管理人员及时清扫并按规定处理场内垃圾、污水、污物,保持场内清洁。

第三十条 夜市摊点经营者以及其他饮食经营者应当在划定的范围内保持摊点或者店面周围环境清洁卫生。

第三十一条 使用音响设备不得违反噪音管理规定;生产、施工作业产生的噪音,不得超过国家规定的标准;在居民区内施工产生噪音妨碍居民生活的,二十二时至次日六时之间不得施工,因抢修、抢险进行的施工除外。

第三十二条 居民小区应当保持清洁,禁止在楼房周围堆放杂物和擅自搭建各种建筑物、构筑物。

禁止从楼上抛掷废弃物品。

第三十三条 市区内禁止饲养鸡、鸭、鹅、兔、猪等家禽、家畜;因科研、教学或者其他特殊原因确需饲养的,必须经城市市容环境卫生行政主管部门批准。军队饲养畜禽,按照国家有关法律、法规规定执行。

饲养犬类的,必须经公安机关批准。经批准饲养的家犬,不得被携带搭乘公共交通车辆和进入公共场所。

第四章 法律责任

第三十四条 违反本条例第六条、第二十一条、第二十九条规定的,责令限期改正;逾期未改正的,处以一百元以上一千元以下罚款。

第三十五条 违反本条例第七条、第八条第一款、第二款、第九条第一款规定行为之一的,由城市市容环境卫生行政主管部门责令改正、限期清除,处以一百元以上五百元以下罚款。

第三十六条 有下列行为之一的,由城市市容环境卫生行政主管部门或者其委托的单位责令纠正,并按照下列规定予以罚款:

(一)违反本条例第二十三条规定的,处以二十元以上二百元以下罚款;

(二)违反本条例第二十八条规定的,处以二十元以上二百元以下罚款;

(三)违反本条例第二十四条、第二十五条、第三十条、第三十二条第二款规定的,处以五十元以上二百元以下罚款;

(四)违反本条例第三十三条第一款规定的,按照每只(头)处以二十元以上五十元以下罚款;

(五)违反本条例第十二条规定的,处以一百元以上五百元以下罚款;

(六)违反本条例第二十条第二款规定的,处以一百元以上一千元以下罚款;

(七)违反本条例第十七条、第十九条规定的,处以五百元以上三千元以下罚款;

(八)违反本条例第八条第三款、第四款、第二十六条规定的,处以五百元以上五千元以下罚款。

第三十七条 有下列行为之一的,由城市市容环境卫生行政主管部门或者其委托的单位责令纠正,可以并处警告、罚款:

(一)擅自设置商亭(棚)、摆摊设点的,处以五十元以上一百元以下罚款;

(二)不履行包秩序、包绿化、包卫生责任的,对责任单位处以五百元以上一千元以下罚款,对责任个人处以五十元以上一百元以下罚款;

(三)挖掘道路未备案的,处以一百元以上五百元以下罚款;未按期恢复路面的,按未恢复道路面积处以每平方米三十元以上五十元以下罚款;

(四)垃圾容器摆放不整齐和容器周围遗撒垃圾的,对其管理部门处以每处五十元以上一百元以下罚款;

(五)在居民小区楼房周围堆放杂物的,处以五十元以下罚款;

(六)擅自设置停车场、停车点的,处以五百元以上三千元以下罚款。

第三十八条 有下列行为之一的,由市政、园林、公安、环保、规划等部门按各自职责,依法处罚:

(一)违反本条例第十条规定擅自挖掘、占用道路的;

(二)违反本条例第十五条规定的;

(三)违反本条例第三十一条规定的;

(四)违反本条例第三十三条第二款规定的;

(五)违反本条例规定搭建建筑物、构筑物的。

第三十九条 各区人民政府和负有市容环境卫生管理职责的部门、单位未履行职责,造成管理秩序混乱和影响市容环境卫生的,城市市容环境卫生行政主管部门可以向其发出整改通知书,限期改进和纠正,逾期未改进和纠正的,可建议市人民政府追究责任人的相应责任。

第四十条 对不服从市容环境卫生管理人员依法管理,侮辱、殴打市容环境卫生管理人员或者阻碍其执行公务的,由公安机关依照《中华人民共和国治安管理处罚条例》的规定给予处罚;构成犯罪的,依法追究其刑事责任。

第四十一条 当事人对行政处罚决定不服的,可以依法申请行政复议或者提起行政诉讼,逾期不申请行政复议,也不提起行政诉讼,又不履行行政处罚决定的,由作出行政处罚决定的机关申请人民法院强制执行。

第四十二条 城市市容环境卫生行政主管部门和负有市容环境卫生管理职责的部门及其工作人员,滥用职权、徇私舞弊、玩忽职守的,由其所在单位或者其上级机关给予行政处分;构成犯罪的,依法追究其刑事责任。

第五章 附则

第四十三条 县(市)和贾汪区城区的市容和环境卫生管理参照本条例执行。

第四十四条 本条例自公布之日起施行。


中国加入工作组报告书(英文本)

世界贸易组织法律文件



REPORT OF THE WORKING PARTY

ON THE ACCESSION OF CHINA



TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION 1
1. Documentation Provided 1
2. Introductory Statements 1
II. ECONOMIC POLICIES 3
1. Non-Discrimination (including national treatment) 3
2. Monetary and Fiscal Policy 5
3. Foreign Exchange and Payments 5
4. Balance-of-Payments Measures 7
5. Investment Regime 8
6. State-Owned and State-Invested Enterprises 8
7. Pricing Policies 10
8. Competition Policy 12
III. FRAMEWORK FOR MAKING AND ENFORCING POLICIES 12
1. Structure and Powers of the Government 12
2. Authority of Sub-National Governments 13
3. Uniform Administration of the Trade Regime 14
4. Judicial Review 14
IV. POLICIES AFFECTING TRADE IN GOODS 15
A. TRADING RIGHTS 15
1. General 15
2. Designated Trading 17
B. IMPORT REGULATION 17
1. Ordinary Customs Duties 17
2. Other Duties and Charges 19
3. Rules of Origin 19
4. Fees and Charges for Services Rendered 19
5. Application of Internal Taxes to Imports 19
6. Tariff Exemptions 20
7. Tariff Rate Quotas 21
8. Quantitative Import Restrictions, including Prohibitions and Quotas 23
9. Import Licensing 26
10. Customs Valuation 27
11. Other Customs Formalities 28
12. Preshipment Inspection 28
13. Anti-Dumping, Countervailing Duties 29
14. Safeguards 31
C. EXPORT REGULATIONS 31
1. Customs Tariffs, Fees and Charges for Services Rendered, Application of Internal Taxes to Exports 31
2. Export Licensing and Export Restrictions 31
3. Export Subsidies 33
D. INTERNAL POLICIES AFFECTING FOREIGN TRADE IN GOODS 33
1. Taxes and Charges Levied on Imports and Exports 33
2. Industrial Policy, including Subsidies 33
3. Technical Barriers to Trade 35
4. Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures 39
5. Trade-Related Investment Measures 40
6. State Trading Entities 40
7. Special Economic Areas 42
8. Transit 43
9. Agricultural Policies 43
10. Trade in Civil Aircraft 45
11. Textiles 45
12. Measures Maintained Against China 46
13. Transitional Safeguards 46
V. TRADE-RELATED INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY REGIME 48
A. GENERAL 48
1. Overview 48
2. Responsible agencies for policy formulation and implementation 52
3. Participation in international intellectual property agreements 53
4. Application of national and MFN treatment to foreign nationals 53
B. SUBSTANTIVE STANDARDS OF PROTECTION, INCLUDING PROCEDURES FOR THE ACQUISITION AND MAINTENANCE OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS 54
1. Copyright protection 54
2. Trademarks, including service marks 54
3. Geographical indications, including appellations of origin 55
4. Industrial designs 55
5. Patents 56
6. Plant variety protection 58
7. Layout designs of integrated circuits 59
8. Requirements on undisclosed information, including trade secrets and test data 59
C. MEASURES TO CONTROL ABUSE OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS 60
D. ENFORCEMENT 60
1. General 60
2. Civil judicial procedures and remedies 61
3. Provisional measures 61
4. Administrative procedures and remedies 62
5. Special border measures 63
6. Criminal procedures 63
VI. POLICIES AFFECTING TRADE IN SERVICES 63
1. Licensing 63
2. Choice of Partner 66
3. Modification of the Equity Interest 67
4. Prior Experience Requirement for Establishment in Insurance Sector 67
5. Inspection Services 67
6. Market Research 67
7. Legal Services 67
8. Minority Shareholder Rights 67
9. Schedule of Specific Commitments 68
VII. OTHER ISSUES 68
1. Notifications 68
2. Special Trade Arrangements 68
3. Transparency 68
4. Government Procurement 70
VIII. CONCLUSIONS 71



I. INTRODUCTION
1. At its meeting on 4 March 1987, the Council established a Working Party to examine the request of the Government of the People's Republic of China ("China") (L/6017, submitted on 10 July 1986) for resumption of its status as a GATT contracting party, and to submit to the Council recommendations which may include a Protocol on the Status of China. In a communication dated 7 December 1995, the Government of China applied for accession to the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization ("WTO Agreement") pursuant to Article XII of the WTO Agreement. Following China's application and pursuant to the decision of the General Council on 31 January 1995, the existing Working Party on China's Status as a GATT 1947 Contracting Party was transformed into a WTO Accession Working Party, effective from 7 December 1995. The terms of reference and the membership of the Working Party are reproduced in document WT/ACC/CHN/2/Rev.11 and Corr.1.
2. The Working Party on China's Status as a Contracting Party met on 20 occasions between 1987 and 1995 under the Chairmanship of H.E. Mr. Pierre-Louis Girard (Switzerland). The Working Party on the Accession of China met on 22 March 1996, 1 November 1996, 6 March 1997, 23 May 1997, 1 August 1997, 5 December 1997, 8 April 1998, 24 July 1998, 21 March 2000, 23 June 2000, 27 July 2000, 28 September 2000, 9 November 2000, 8 December 2000, 17 January 2001, 4 July 2001, 20 July 2001 and 17 September 2001 under the same Chairman. At meetings held on 9 November 2000, 8 December 2000 and 17 January 2001, Mr. Paul-Henri Ravier, Deputy Director-General of the WTO, served as Acting Chairman.
1. Documentation Provided
3. The Working Party had before it, to serve as a basis for its discussion, a Memorandum on China's Foreign Trade Regime (L/6125) and questions posed by members of the Working Party on the foreign trade regime of China, together with replies of the Chinese authorities thereto. In addition, the Government of China made available to the Working Party a substantial amount of documentation, which is listed in document WT/ACC/CHN/23/Rev.1.
2. Introductory Statements
4. In statements to the GATT 1947 Working Party and subsequently to the Working Party on the Accession of China, the representative of China stated that China's consistent efforts to resume its status as a contracting party to GATT and accession to the WTO Agreement were in line with its objective of economic reform to establish a socialist market economy as well as its basic national policy of opening to the outside world. China's WTO accession would increase its economic growth and enhance its economic and trade relations with WTO Members.
5. Members of the Working Party welcomed China's accession to the WTO Agreement and considered that its accession would contribute to a strengthening of the multilateral trading system, enhancing the universality of the WTO, bringing mutual benefits to China and to the other Members of the WTO, and ensuring the steady development of the world economy.
6. The representative of China said that China had a territory of 9.6 million square kilometres and, at the end of 1998 a population of 1.25 billion. Since 1979, China had been progressively reforming its economic system, with the objective of establishing and improving the socialist market economy. The reform package introduced in 1994, covering the banking, finance, taxation, investment, foreign exchange ("forex") and foreign trade sectors, had brought about major breakthroughs in China's socialist market economy. State-owned enterprises had been reformed by a clear definition of property rights and responsibilities, a separation of government from enterprise, and scientific management. A modern enterprise system had been created for the state-owned sector, and the latter was gradually getting on the track of growth through independent operation, responsible for its own profits and losses. A nation-wide unified and open market system had been developed. An improved macroeconomic regulatory system used indirect means and market forces to play a central role in economic management and the allocation of resources. A new tax and financial system was functioning effectively. Financial policy had been separated from commercial operations of the central bank, which now focussed on financial regulation and supervision. The exchange rate of the Chinese currency Renminbi (also "RMB") had been unified and remained stable. The Renminbi had been made convertible on current account. Further liberalization of pricing policy had resulted in the majority of consumer and producer products being subject to market prices. The market now played a much more significant role in boosting supply and meeting demand.
7. The representative of China further noted that as a result, in 1999, the Gross Domestic Product ("GDP") of China totaled RMB 8.2054 trillion yuan (approximately US$ 990 billion). In 1998, the net per capita income for rural residents was RMB 2,160 yuan (approximately US$ 260), and the per capita dispensable income for urban dwellers was RMB 5,425 yuan (approximately US$ 655). In recent years, foreign trade had grown substantially. In 1999, total imports and exports of goods reached US$ 360.65 billion, of which exports stood at US$ 194.93 billion, and imports, US$ 165.72 billion. Exports from China in 1998 accounted for 3.4 per cent of the world's total.
8. The representative of China stated that although important achievements have been made in its economic development, China was still a developing country and therefore should have the right to enjoy all the differential and more favourable treatment accorded to developing country Members pursuant to the WTO Agreement.
9. Some members of the Working Party indicated that because of the significant size, rapid growth and transitional nature of the Chinese economy, a pragmatic approach should be taken in determining China's need for recourse to transitional periods and other special provisions in the WTO Agreement available to developing country WTO Members. Each agreement and China's situation should be carefully considered and specifically addressed. In this regard it was stressed that this pragmatic approach would be tailored to fit the specific cases of China's accession in a few areas, which were reflected in the relevant provisions set forth in China's Protocol and Working Party Report. Noting the preceding statements, Members reiterated that all commitments taken by China in her accession process were solely those of China and would prejudice neither existing rights and obligations of Members under the WTO Agreement nor on-going and future WTO negotiations and any other process of accession. While noting the pragmatic approach taken in China's case in a few areas, Members also recognized the importance of differential and more favourable treatment for developing countries embodied in the WTO Agreement.
10. At the request of interested members of the Working Party, the representative of China agreed that China would undertake bilateral market access negotiations with respect to industrial and agricultural products, and initial commitments in services.
11. Some members of the Working Party stated that in addition to undertaking market access negotiations in goods and services, close attention should also be paid to China's multilateral commitments, in particular China's future obligations under the Multilateral Agreements on Trade in Goods and the General Agreement on Trade in Services ("GATS"). This was of vital importance to ensure that China would be able to take full benefit of WTO membership as quickly as possible, as well as to ensure that the value of any market access conditions undertaken were not adversely affected by inconsistent measures such as some types of non-tariff measures.
12. The representative of China stated that the achievement of balance between rights and obligations was the basic principle in its negotiation of WTO accession.
13. Some members of the Working Party expressed concern over discrepancies in statistical information supplied by the Government of China on trade volume/value. Members and China pursued this issue separately in an Informal Group of Experts on Export Statistics.
14. The Working Party reviewed the foreign trade regime of China. The discussions and commitments resulting therefrom are contained in paragraphs 15-342 below and in the Protocol of Accession ("Protocol"), including the annexes.
II. ECONOMIC POLICIES
1. Non-Discrimination (including national treatment)
15. Some members expressed concern regarding the application of the principle of non-discrimination in relation to foreign individuals and enterprises (whether wholly or partly foreign funded). Those members stated that China should enter a commitment to accord non-discriminatory treatment to all foreign individuals and enterprises and foreign-funded enterprises in respect of the procurement of inputs and goods and services necessary for production of goods and the conditions under which their goods were produced, marketed or sold, in the domestic market and for export. In addition, those members said that China should also enter a commitment to guarantee non-discriminatory treatment in respect of the prices and availability of goods and services supplied by national and sub-national authorities and public or state enterprises, in areas including transportation, energy, basic telecommunications, other utilities and factors of production.
16. Some members of the Working Party also raised concerns over China's practice of conditioning or imposing restrictions upon participation in the Chinese economy based upon the nationality of the entity concerned. Those members in particular raised concerns over such practices in relation to the pricing and procurement of goods and services, and the distribution of import and export licences. Members of the Working Party requested that China enter into a commitment not to condition such practices on the nationality of the entity concerned.
17. In response, the representative of China emphasized the importance of the commitments that the government was undertaking on non-discrimination. The representative of China noted, however, that any commitment to provide non-discriminatory treatment to Chinese enterprises, including foreign-funded enterprises, and foreign enterprises and individuals in China, would be subject to other provisions of the Protocol and, in particular, would not prejudice China's rights under the GATS, China's Schedule of Specific Commitments or commitments undertaken in relation to trade-related investment measures.
18. The representative of China further confirmed that China would provide the same treatment to Chinese enterprises, including foreign-funded enterprises, and foreign enterprises and individuals in China. China would eliminate dual pricing practices as well as differences in treatment accorded to goods produced for sale in China in comparison to those produced for export. The Working Party took note of these commitments.
19. The representative of China confirmed that, consistent with China's rights and obligations under the WTO Agreement and the Protocol, China would provide non-discriminatory treatment to all WTO Members, including Members of the WTO that were separate customs territories. The Working Party took note of this commitment.
20. Some members of the Working Party expressed concern about certain provisions of Chinese laws, regulations, administrative notices and other requirements which could, directly or indirectly, result in less favourable treatment of imported products in contravention of Article III of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade ("GATT 1994"). Such requirements included product registration and certification, internal taxation, price and profit controls and all distinct forms of licensing for imports, and distribution or sale of imported goods. Even where such requirements existed in relation to domestically produced goods, those members reiterated that any de facto or de jure less favourable treatment of imported goods had to be eliminated in order to ensure full conformity with the principle of national treatment.
21. Some members of the Working Party drew China's attention to the variety of types of requirements which could contravene Article III of the GATT 1994. Specific reference was made to the procedures, charges and conditions for granting of business licences, whether to import, distribute, re-sell or retail goods of non-Chinese origin. Reference was also made to taxes and fiscal provisions whose impact depended, directly or indirectly, upon the Chinese or non-Chinese origin of the goods imported or traded. Those members drew the attention of China to its obligation to ensure that product testing and certification requirements, including procedures for in situ inspections, posed no greater burden - whether financial or practical - on goods of non-Chinese origin than on domestic goods. Those members underlined that conformity assessment procedures and standards, including safety and other compliance requirements, had to respect the terms of the WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade ("TBT Agreement") as well as Article III of the GATT 1994.
22. The representative of China confirmed that the full respect of all laws, regulations and administrative requirements with the principle of non-discrimination between domestically produced and imported products would be ensured and enforced by the date of China's accession unless otherwise provided in the Protocol or Report. The representative of China declared that, by accession, China would repeal and cease to apply all such existing laws, regulations and other measures whose effect was inconsistent with WTO rules on national treatment. This commitment was made in relation to final or interim laws, administrative measures, rules and notices, or any other form of stipulation or guideline. The Working Party took note of these commitments.
23. In particular, the representative of China confirmed that measures would be taken at national and sub-national level, including repeal or modification of legislation, to provide full GATT national treatment in respect of laws, regulations and other measures applying to internal sale, offering for sale, purchase, transportation, distribution or use of the following:
- After sales service (repair, maintenance and assistance), including any conditions applying to its provision, such as the MOFTEC third Decree of 6 September 1993, imposing mandatory licensing procedures for the supply of after-sales service on various imported products;
- Pharmaceutical products, including regulations, notices and measures which subjected imported pharmaceuticals to distinct procedures and formulas for pricing and classification, or which set limits on profit margins attainable and imports, or which created any other conditions regarding price or local content which could result in less favourable treatment of imported products;
- Cigarettes, including unification of the licensing requirements so that a single licence authorized the sale of all cigarettes, irrespective of their country of origin, and elimination of any other restrictions regarding points of sale for imported products, such as could be imposed by the China National Tobacco Corporation ("CNTC"). It was understood that in the case of cigarettes, China could avail itself of a transitional period of two years to fully unify the licensing requirements. Immediately upon accession, and during the two year transitional period, the number of retail outlets selling imported cigarettes would be substantially increased throughout the territory of China;
- Spirits, including requirements applied under China's "Administrative Measures on Imported Spirits in the Domestic Market", and other provisions which imposed distinct criteria and licensing for the distribution and sale of different categories of spirits, including unification of the licensing requirements so that a single licence authorized the sale of all spirits irrespective of their country of origin;
- Chemicals, including registration procedures applicable to imported products, such as those applied under China's "Provisions on the Environmental Administration of Initial Imports of Chemical Products and Imports and Exports of Toxic Chemical Products";
- Boilers and pressure vessels, including certification and inspection procedures which had to be no less favourable than those applied to goods of Chinese origin, and fees applied by the relevant agencies or administrative bodies, which had to be equitable in relation to those chargeable for like products of domestic origin.
The representative of China stated that in the cases of pharmaceuticals, spirits and chemicals cited above, China would reserve the right to use a transitional period of one year from the date of accession in order to amend or repeal the relevant legislation. The Working Party took note of these commitments.
2. Monetary and Fiscal Policy
24. The representative of China stated that through the reform and opening up in the last two decades, China had established a fiscal management system which was compatible with the principles of a market economy. With respect to fiscal revenue, a taxation system with a value-added tax as the main element had been established since the taxation reform in 1994. With respect to fiscal expenditure, over recent years the government had, in line with the public fiscal requirement generally exercised by market economies, strengthened its adjustment of the structure of expenditure and given priority to public needs so as to ensure the normal operations of the government.
25. The representative of China further stated that in recent years, while pursuing proactive fiscal policy, China had implemented proper monetary policy and had taken a series of adjusting and reform measures which included lowering the interest rate for loans from financial institutions, improving the system of required deposit reserves and lowering the ratio of required reserves, positively increasing the input of base money and encouraging the commercial banks to expand their credit.
26. In respect of future fiscal policy, the representative of China noted that the Government of China would further improve its taxation system and would continue to improve the efficiency of fiscal expenditure through implementing reform measures such as sectoral budget, centralized payment by the national treasury and zero base budget, as well as improving management of fiscal expenditure. With respect to future monetary policy, the central bank would continue to pursue a prudent policy, maintain the stability of RMB, promote interest rate liberalization and establish a modern commercial banking system.
3. Foreign Exchange and Payments
27. Some members of the Working Party raised concerns about China's use of forex controls to regulate the level and composition of trade in goods and services. In response, the representative of China stated that China was now a member of the International Monetary Fund ("IMF") and that recently its system of forex had undergone rapid change. Significant moves had been taken to reform, rationalize and liberalize the forex market. The practice of multiple exchange rates in swap centres had been abolished. China had already unified its forex market and removed many of the restrictions on the use of forex.
28. Outlining the historical development of China's forex reform, the representative of China stated that the purpose of China's forex reform was to reduce administrative intervention and increase the role of market forces. From 1979, a forex retention system was applied in China, although forex swap was gradually developing. In early 1994, official RMB exchange rates were unified with the market rates. The banking exchange system was adopted and a nationwide unified inter-bank forex market was established, with conditional convertibility of the Renminbi on current accounts. Since 1996, foreign invested enterprises ("FIEs") were also permitted into the banking exchange system, and the remaining exchange restrictions on current accounts were eliminated. On 1 December 1996, China had formally accepted the obligations of Article VIII of the IMF's Articles of Agreement, removing exchange restrictions on current account transactions. Accordingly, since then the Renminbi had been fully convertible on current accounts. It was confirmed by the IMF in its Staff Report on Article IV Consultations with China in 2000 that China had no existing forex restrictions for current account transactions.
29. The representative of China stated that the State Administration of Foreign Exchange ("SAFE") was under the auspices of the People's Bank of China ("PBC"), and was the administrative organ empowered to regulate forex. Its main functions were to monitor and advise on balance-of-payments and forex matters. SAFE was also required to draft appropriate regulations and monitor compliance. He further noted that domestic and foreign banks, and financial institutions could engage in forex business, with the approval of the PBC.
30. In response to requests from members of the Working Party for further information, the representative of China added that for forex payments under current accounts, domestic entities (including FIEs) could purchase forex at market exchange rates from designated banks or debit their forex accounts directly upon presentation of valid documents. For payments such as pre-payment, commission, etc., exceeding the proportion or limit, the entities could also purchase forex from the banks upon meeting the bona fide test administered by SAFE. Forex for personal use by individuals could be purchased directly from the banks upon presentation of valid documents (within a specified limit). For amounts exceeding the limit, individuals able to prove their need for additional forex could purchase it from the banks. He also noted that current account forex receipts owned by domestic entities had to be repatriated into China, some of which could be retained and some sold to the designated banks at market rates. A verification system for forex payment (imports) and forex receipt (exports) had also been adopted.
31. Concerning the exchange rate regime in particular, the representative of China noted that since the unification of exchange rates on 1 January 1994, China had adopted a single and managed floating exchange rate regime based on supply and demand. PBC published the reference rates of RMB against the US dollar, the HK dollar and Japanese yen based on the weighted average prices of forex transactions at the interbank forex market during the previous day's trading. The buying and selling rates of RMB against the US dollar on the inter-bank forex market could fluctuate within 0.3 per cent of the reference rate. For the HK dollar and Japanese yen, the permitted range was 1 per cent. Designated forex banks could deal with their clients at an agreed rate. Under such contracts the exchange rate of the US dollar was required to be within 0.15 per cent of the reference rate, whereas for the HK dollar and Japanese yen, the permitted range was 1 per cent. The exchange rates for other foreign currencies were based on the rates of RMB against the US dollar and cross-exchange rates of other foreign currency on the international market. The permitted margin between the buying and selling rate could not exceed 0.5 per cent.
32. The representative of China further noted that since 1 January 1994, designated forex banks had become major participants in forex transactions. On 1 April 1994, the China Foreign Exchange Trading System was set up in Shanghai and branches were opened in dozens of cities. The Foreign Exchange Trading System had adopted a system of membership, respective quotation, concentrated trading and forex market settlement. Designated forex banks dealt on the inter-bank market according to the turnover position limit on banking exchange stipulated by SAFE and covered the position on the market. Depending on its macro-economic objectives, the PBC could intervene in the forex open market in order to regulate market supply and demand, and maintain the stability of the RMB exchange rate.
33. The representative of China noted that since 1 July 1996, forex dealing of the FIEs was carried out through the banking exchange system. He further noted that to encourage foreign direct investment, China had granted national treatment to FIEs in exchange administration. Accordingly, FIEs were allowed to open and hold forex settlement accounts to retain receipts under current accounts, up to a maximum amount stipulated by SAFE. Receipts in excess of the maximum amount were required to be sold to designated forex banks. No restrictions were maintained on the payment and transfer of current transactions by FIEs, and FIEs could purchase forex from designated forex banks or debit their forex accounts for any payment under current transactions, upon the presentation of valid documents to the designated forex banks or SAFE for the bona fide test. FIEs could also open forex accounts to hold foreign-invested capital, and they could sell from these accounts upon the approval of SAFE. FIEs could also borrow forex directly from domestic and overseas banks, but were required to register with SAFE afterwards, and obtain approval by SAFE for debt repayment and services. FIEs could make payments from their forex accounts or in forex purchased from designated forex banks after liquidation, upon approval by SAFE according to law.
34. The representative of China further noted that the laws and regulations mentioned above were: Law of the People's Republic of China on Chinese-Foreign Equity Joint Venture; Law of the People's Republic of China on Chinese-Foreign Contractual Joint Venture; Regulations on the Exchange System of the People's Republic of China; and Regulations on the Sale and Purchase of and Payment in Foreign Exchange.
35. The representative of China stated that China would implement its obligations with respect to forex matters in accordance with the provisions of the WTO Agreement and related declarations and decisions of the WTO that concerned the IMF. The representative further recalled China's acceptance of Article VIII of the IMF's Articles of Agreement, which provided that "no member shall, without the approval of the Fund, impose restrictions on the making of payments and transfers for current international transactions". He stated that, in accordance with these obligations, and unless otherwise provided for in the IMF's Articles of Agreement, China would not resort to any laws, regulations or other measures, including any requirements with respect to contractual terms, that would restrict the availability to any individual or enterprise of forex for current international transactions within its customs territory to an amount related to the forex inflows attributable to that individual or enterprise. The Working Party took note of these commitments.
36. In addition, the representative of China stated that China would provide information on exchange measures as required under Article VIII, Section 5 of the IMF's Articles of Agreement, and such other information on its exchange measures as was deemed necessary in the context of the transitional review mechanism. The Working Party took note of this commitment.
4. Balance-of-Payments Measures
37. Some members of the Working Party stated that China should apply balance-of-payments ("BOPs") measures only under the circumstances provided for in the WTO Agreement and not as a justification for imposition of restrictions on imports for other protectionist purposes. Those members stated that measures taken for BOPs reasons should have the least trade disruptive effect possible and should be limited to temporary import surcharges, import deposit requirements or other equivalent price-based trade measures, and those measures should not be used to provide import protection for specific sectors, industries or products.
38. Those members of the Working Party further stated that any such measures should be notified pursuant to the Understanding on the Balance-of-Payments Provisions of the GATT 1994 ("BOPs Understanding") to the General Council not later than the imposition of the measures, together with a time schedule for their elimination and a programme of external and domestic policy measures to be used to restore BOPs equilibrium. Those members also stated that following deposit of such a notification, the Committee on Balance-of-Payments Restrictions ("BOPs Committee") should meet to examine the notification. It was noted that paragraph 4 of the BOPs Understanding would be available to China in the case of "essential products". Some members stated that the BOPs Committee should review the operation of any BOPs measures taken by China, if so requested by China or a WTO Member.
39. Some other members of the Working Party considered that, in respect of measures taken for BOP purposes, China should enjoy the same rights as those accorded to other developing country WTO Members, as provided in GATT Article XVIII:B and the BOPs Understanding.
40. In response, the representative of China stated that China considered that it should have the right to make full use of WTO BOPs provisions to protect, if necessary, its BOPs situation. He confirmed that China would fully comply with the provisions of the GATT 1994 and the BOPs Understanding. Further to such compliance, China would give preference to application of price-based measures as set forth in the BOPs Understanding. If China resorted to measures that were not price-based, it would transform such measures into price-based measures as soon as possible. Any measures taken would be maintained strictly in accordance with the GATT 1994 and the BOPs Understanding, and would not exceed what was necessary to address the particular BOPs situation. The representative of China also confirmed that measures taken for BOPs reasons would only be applied to control the general level of imports and not to protect specific sectors, industries or products, except as noted in paragraph 38. The Working Party took note of these commitments.
5. Investment Regime
41. The representative of China stated that since the inception of the reform and opening up policy in the late 1970's, China had carried out a series of reforms of its investment regime. The highly centralized investment administration under the planned economy had been progressively transformed into a new pattern of diversification of investors, multi-channelling of capital sources and diversification of investment modalities. The government encouraged foreign investment into the Chinese market and had uninterruptedly opened and expanded the scope for investment. At the same time, the Government of China also encouraged the development of the non-state-operated economy and was speeding up the opening of areas for non-state investment. With China's programme in the establishment of its market economy, the construction projects of various enterprises utilizing free capital and financed by the credit of the enterprise would be fully subject to the decision-making of the enterprise concerned and at their own risk. The commercial banks' credit activities to all kinds of investors would be based on their own evaluation and decision-making, and would be at their own risk. The business activities of intermediate investment agencies would be fully subject to the market and would provide service at the instruction of the investors. These agencies would break up their administrative relations with government agencies and the service activities financed by the government would also be subject to the terms and conditions agreed in the contracts concerned.
42. The representative of China further stated that China had promulgated investment guidelines and that the Government of China was in the process of revising and completing these guidelines. Responding to concerns raised by certain members of the Working Party, he confirmed that these investment guidelines and their implementation would be in full conformity with the WTO Agreement. The Working Party took note of this commitment.
6. State-Owned and State-Invested Enterprises
43. The representative of China stated that the state-owned enterprises of China basically operated in accordance with rules of market economy. The government would no longer directly administer the human, finance and material resources, and operational activities such as production, supply and marketing. The prices of commodities produced by state-owned enterprises were decided by the market and resources in operational areas were fundamentally allocated by the market. The state-owned banks had been commercialized and lending to state-owned enterprises took place exclusively under market conditions. China was furthering its reform of state-owned enterprises and establishing a modern enterprise system.
44. In light of the role that state-owned and state-invested enterprises played in China's economy, some members of the Working Party expressed concerns about the continuing governmental influence and guidance of the decisions and activities of such enterprises relating to the purchase and sale of goods and services. Such purchases and sales should be based solely on commercial considerations, without any governmental influence or application of discriminatory measures. In addition, those members indicated the need for China to clarify its understanding of the types of activities that would not come within the scope of Article III:8(a) of GATT 1994. For example, any measure relating to state-owned and state-invested enterprises importing materials and machinery used in the assembly of goods, which were then exported or otherwise made available for commercial sale or use or for non-governmental purposes, would not be considered to be a measure relating to government procurement.
45. The representative of China emphasized the evolving nature of China's economy and the significant role of FIEs and the private sector in the economy. Given the increasing need and desirability of competing with private enterprises in the market, decisions by state-owned and state-invested enterprises had to be based on commercial considerations as provided in the WTO Agreement.
46. The representative of China further confirmed that China would ensure that all state-owned and state-invested enterprises would make purchases and sales based solely on commercial considerations, e.g., price, quality, marketability and availability, and that the enterprises of other WTO Members would have an adequate opportunity to compete for sales to and purchases from these enterprises on non-discriminatory terms and conditions. In addition, the Government of China would not influence, directly or indirectly, commercial decisions on the part of state-owned or state-invested enterprises, including on the quantity, value or country of origin of any goods purchased or sold, except in a manner consistent with the WTO Agreement. The Working Party took note of these commitments.
47. The representative of China confirmed that, without prejudice to China's rights in future negotiations in the Government Procurement Agreement, all laws, regulations and measures relating to the procurement by state-owned and state-invested enterprises of goods and services for commercial sale, production of goods or supply of services for commercial sale, or for non-governmental purposes would not be considered to be laws, regulations and measures relating to government procurement. Thus, such purchases or sales would be subject to the provisions of Articles II, XVI and XVII of the GATS and Article III of the GATT 1994. The Working Party took note of this commitment.
48. Certain members of the Working Party expressed concern about laws, regulations and measures in China affecting the transfer of technology, in particular in the context of investment decisions. Moreover, these members expressed concern about measures conditioning the receipt of benefits, including investment approvals, upon technology transfer. In their view, the terms and conditions of technology transfer, particularly in the context of an investment, should be agreed between the parties to the investment without government interference. The government should not, for example, condition investment approval upon technology transfer.
49. The representative of China confirmed that China would only impose, apply or enforce laws, regulations or measures relating to the transfer of technology, production processes, or other proprietary knowledge to an individual or enterprise in its territory that were not inconsistent with the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights ("TRIPS Agreement") and the Agreement on Trade-Related Investment Measures ("TRIMs Agreement"). He confirmed that the terms and conditions of technology transfer, production processes or other proprietary knowledge, particularly in the context of an investment, would only require agreement between the parties to the investment. The Working Party took note of these commitments.
7. Pricing Policies
50. Some members of the Working Party noted that China had made extensive use of price controls, for example in the agricultural sector. Those members requested that China undertake specific commitments concerning its system of state pricing. In particular, those members stated that China should allow prices for traded goods and services in every sector to be determined by market forces, and multi-tier pricing practices for such goods and services should be eliminated. Those members noted, however, that China expected to maintain price controls on the goods and services listed in Annex 4 to the Protocol, and stated that any such controls should be maintained in a manner consistent with the WTO Agreement, in particular Article III of the GATT 1994 and Annex 2, paragraphs 3 and 4, of the Agreement on Agriculture. Those members noted that except in exceptional circumstances, and subject to notification to the WTO Secretariat, price controls should not be extended to goods or services beyond those listed in Annex 4, and China should make its best efforts to reduce and eliminate those controls. They also asked that China publish in the appropriate official journal the list of goods and services subject to state pricing and changes thereto.
51. Some members of the Working Party expressed the view that price controls and state pricing in China also encompassed "guidance pricing" and regulation of the range of profits that enterprises could enjoy. Such policies and practices would also be subject to China's commitments. In their view, price controls should be adopted only in extraordinary circumstances and should be removed as soon as the circumstances justifying their adoption were addressed.
52. The representative of China said that China currently applied a mechanism of market-based pricing under macro-economic adjustment. He noted that national treatment was applied in the areas of government pricing for all imported goods. There were presently three types of prices: government price, government guidance price and market-regulated price. The government price was set by price administration authorities and could not be changed without the approval of these authorities. Products and services subject to government pricing were those having a direct bearing on the national economy and the basic needs of the people's livelihood, including those products that were scarce in China.
53. The representative of China stated that when government prices or government guidance prices needed to be adjusted or reset, the agencies or operators concerned should apply or propose to the competent pricing authorities for that purpose. There was not a fixed time frame for the adjustment of government prices or government guidance prices. Competent agencies or operators could, in the light of market changes and according to relevant provisions of the Price Law, submit applications or proposals to the competent pricing authorities for pricing or adjustment of the original prices. The government pricing authorities would, in the light of such factors as market demand and supply, operational costs, effect on consumers as well as the quality of services, determine specific prices for the services concerned, or set guidance prices and floating ranges within which operators could determine specific prices. When setting prices for public utilities, important public welfare services and goods subject to natural monopolies and services which were of vital interest to the general public, government pricing authorities would hold public hearings and invite consumers, operators and other concerned parties to comment and debate on the necessity and impact of a price adjustment. The prices of important services were subject to the approval of the State Council. This mechanism had helped to significantly improve the rationality and transparency of government pricing. All enterprises, regardless of their nature and ownership, were free to participate in such hearings and voice their opinions and concerns which would be taken into consideration by the competent pricing authorities. Meanwhile, government pricing was product- or service-specific, regardless of the ownership of the enterprises concerned. All the enterprises and individuals enjoyed the same treatment in terms of participating in the process of setting government prices and government guidance prices.
54. The representative of China added that the government guidance price mechanism was a more flexible form of pricing. The price administration authorities stipulated either a basic price or floating ranges. The floating range of guidance pricing was generally 5 per cent to 15 per cent. Enterprises could, within the limits of the guidance and taking into account the market situation, make their own decisions on prices. With market-regulated prices, enterprises were free to set prices in accordance with supply and demand to the extent permitted by generally applicable laws, regulations and policies concerning prices.
55. The representative of China stated that in formulating government prices and government guidance prices, the following criteria were taken into account: normal production costs, supply and demand situation, relevant government policies and prices of related products. When fixing prices of consumer goods, consideration was given to the limits of consumers' purchasing power. He noted that due to the continued reform of China's price system, the share of government prices had dropped substantially and that of market-regulated prices had increased; of social retailing products, the share of government prices was about 4 per cent, that of government guidance prices 1.2 per cent, and that of market-regulated prices 94.7 per cent. For agricultural products, the share of government prices was 9.1 per cent, government guidance prices 7.1 per cent, and market-regulated 83.3 per cent. For production inputs, the share of government prices was 9.6 per cent, that of government guidance prices 4.4 per cent, and market-regulated prices 86 per cent. The share of directly government-controlled prices had been much reduced. China's price system was becoming increasingly rationalized, creating a relatively fair marketplace for all enterprises to compete on an equal footing.
56. The representative of China recalled that Annex 4 of the Protocol contained a comprehensive listing of all products and services presently subject to government guidance pricing and government pricing. He stated that the services subject to price controls were listed in Annex 4 by their respective CPC codes.
57. Some members of the Working Party requested additional information on the specific activities subject to government pricing or government guidance pricing. In particular, those members requested information on professional services, educational services, and charges for settlement clearing and transmission services of banks. In response, the representative of China stated that "The Administrative Rules on Intermediate Services" promulgated in 1999 by six central government agencies led by the State Development and Planning Commission ("SDPC") dealt with government pricing on intermediate services such as inspection authentication, notarization and arbitration and services which were in limited supply due to their special requirements. For legal services, the Interim Regulation on Charges and Fees of Legal Services, jointly promulgated by the SDPC and the Ministry of Justice stipulated that for law firms practising Chinese law, charges and fees for the following activities were subject to the approval of the SDPC: (1) representing a client in a civil case, including an appeal; (2) representing a client in a case contesting an administrative agency's decision; (3) providing legal advice to criminal suspects, acting for a client in connection with an appeal or prosecution, applying for bail, representing a defendant or victim in a criminal case; and (4) representing a client in an arbitration. For foreign legal service providers engaged in activities such as those listed in China's GATS schedule, the foreign legal service providers would determine the appropriate charges and fees which would not be subject to government pricing or guidance pricing.
58. The representative of China noted that regulations also existed for the other services included in Annex 4. Government pricing and guidance pricing covered auditing services. For architectural services, advisory and pre-design architectural services and contract administration activities were subject to government pricing or government guidance pricing. For engineering services, advisory and consultative services, engineering design services for the construction of foundations and building structures, design services for mechanical and electrical installations for buildings, construction of civil engineering works, and industrial processes and production were subject to government pricing or government guidance pricing. Primary, secondary and higher education services were subject to government pricing.
59. The representative of China further explained that charges for settlement, clearing and transmission services of banks referred to in Annex 4 related to the charges and fees collected by banks for the services provided to enterprises and individuals when the banks conducted currency payments and transmission and fund settlements by using clearance methods such as bills and notes, collections and acceptances. These mainly included commission charges of bills, cashier's cheques, cheques, remittances, entrusted collections of payment, and collections and acceptances of banks.
60. The representative of China confirmed that it would publish in the official journal the list of goods and services subject to state pricing and changes thereto, together with price-setting mechanisms and policies. The Working Party took note of these commitments.
61. The representative of China confirmed that the official journal providing price information was the Pricing Monthly of the People's Republic of China, published in Beijing. It was a monthly magazine listing all products and services priced by the State. He further stated that China would continue to further its price reform, adjusting the catalogue subject to state pricing and further liberalize its pricing policies.
62. The representative of China further confirmed that price controls would not be used for purposes of affording protection to domestic industries or services providers. The Working Party took note of this commitment.
63. Some members of the Working Party expressed a concern that China could maintain prices below market-based ones in order to limit imports.
64. In response, the representative of China confirmed that China would apply its current price controls and any other price controls upon accession in a WTO-consistent fashion, and would take account of the interests of exporting WTO Members as provided for in Article III:9 of the GATT 1994. He also confirmed that price controls would not have the effect of limiting or otherwise impairing China's market-access commitments on goods and services. The Working Party took note of these commitments.
8. Competition Policy
65. The representative of China noted that the Government of China encouraged fair competition and was against acts of unfair competition of all kinds. The Law of the People's Republic of China on Combating Unfair Competition, promulgated on 2 September 1993 and implemented on 1 December 1993, was the basic law to maintain the order of competition in the market. In addition, the Price Law, the Law on Tendering and Bidding, the Criminal Law and other relevant laws also contained provisions on anti-monopoly and unfair competition. China was now formulating the Law on Anti-Monopoly.
III. FRAMEWORK FOR MAKING AND ENFORCING POLICIES
1. Structure and Powers of the Government
66. The representative of China informed members of the Working Party that in accordance with the Constitution and the Law on Legislation of the People's Republic of China, the National People's Congress was the highest organ of state power. Its permanent body was its Standing Committee. The National People's Congress and its Standing Committee exercised the legislative power of the State. They had the power to formulate the Constitution and laws. The State Council, i.e., the Central People's Government of China, was the executive body of the highest organ of state power. The State Council, in accordance with the Constitution and relevant laws, was entrusted with the power to formulate administrative regulations. The ministries, commissions and other competent departments (collectively referred to as "departments'') of the State Council could issue departmental rules within the jurisdiction of their respective departments and in accordance with the laws and administrative regulations. The provincial people's congresses and their standing committees could adopt local regulations. The provincial governments had the power to make local government rules. The National People's Congress and its Standing Committee had the power to annul the administrative regulations that contradicted the Constitution and laws as well as the local regulations that contradicted the Constitution, laws and administrative regulations. The State Council had the power to annul departmental rules and local government rules that were inconsistent with the Constitution, laws or administrative regulations. These features of the Chinese legal system would ensure an effective and uniform implementation of the obligations after China's accession.
67. The representative of China stated that China had been consistently performing its international treaty obligations in good faith. According to the Constitution and the Law on the Procedures of Conclusion of Treaties, the WTO Agreement fell within the category of "important international agreements" subject to the ratification by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. China would ensure that its laws and regulations pertaining to or affecting trade were in conformity with the WTO Agreement and with its commitments so as to fully perform its international obligations. For this purpose, China had commenced a plan to systematically revise its relevant domestic laws. Therefore, the WTO Agreement would be implemented by China in an effective and uniform manner through revising its existing domestic laws and enacting new ones fully in compliance with the WTO Agreement.
68. The representative of China confirmed that administrative regulations, departmental rules and other central government measures would be promulgated in a timely manner so that China's commitments would be fully implemented within the relevant time frames. If administrative regulations, departmental rules or other measures were not in place within such time frames, authorities would still honour China's obligations under the WTO Agreement and Protocol. The representative of China further confirmed that the central government would undertake in a timely manner to revise or annul administrative regulations or departmental rules if they were inconsistent with China's obligations under the WTO Agreement and Protocol. The Working Party took note of these commitments.
2. Authority of Sub-National Governments
69. Several members of the Working Party raised concerns about the continued presence of multiple trade instruments used by different levels of government within China. Those members considered that this situation resulted in a lessening of the security and predictability of access to the Chinese market. These Members raised specific concerns regarding the authority of sub-national governments in the areas of fiscal, financial and budgetary activities, specifically with respect to subsidies, taxation, trade policy and other issues covered by the WTO Agreement and the Protocol. In addition, some members expressed concerns about whether the central government could effectively ensure that trade-related measures introduced at the sub-national level would conform to China's commitments in the WTO Agreement and the Protocol.
70. The representative of China stated that sub-national governments had no autonomous authority over issues of trade policy to the extent that they were related to the WTO Agreement and the Protocol. The representative of China confirmed that China would in a timely manner annul local regulations, government rules and other local measures that were inconsistent with China's obligations. The representative of China further confirmed that the central government would ensure that China's laws, regulations and other measures, including those of local governments at the sub-national level, conformed to China's obligations undertaken in the WTO Agreement and the Protocol. The Working Party took note of these commitments.
3. Uniform Administration of the Trade Regime
71. Some members of the Working Party stated that it should be made clear that China would apply the requirements of the WTO Agreement and its other accession commitments throughout China's entire customs territory, including border trade regions, minority autonomous areas, Special Economic Zones ("SEZs"), open coastal cities, economic and technical development zones and other special economic areas and at all levels of government.
72. Those members of the Working Party also raised concerns about whether China's central government would be sufficiently informed about non-uniform practices and would take necessary enforcement actions. Those members stated that China should establish a mechanism by which any concerned person could bring to the attention of the central government cases of non-uniform application of the trade regime and receive prompt and effective action to address situations in which non-uniform application was established.
73. The representative of China confirmed that the provisions of the WTO Agreement, including the Protocol, would be applied uniformly throughout its customs territory, including in SEZs and other areas where special regimes for tariffs, taxes and regulations were established and at all levels of government. The Working Party took note of this commitment.
74. In response to questions from certain members of the Working Party, the representative of China confirmed that laws, regulations and other measures included decrees, orders, directives, administrative guidance and provisional and interim measures. He stated that in China, local governments included provincial governments, including autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the central government, cities, counties and townships. The representative of China further stated that local regulations, rules and other measures were issued by local governments at the provincial, city and county levels acting within their respective constitutional powers and functions and applied at their corresponding local level. Townships were only authorized to implement measures. Special economic areas were also authorized to issue and implement local rules and regulations.
75. The representative of China further confirmed that the mechanism established pursuant to Section 2(A) of the Protocol would be operative upon accession. All individuals and entities could bring to the attention of central government authorities cases of non-uniform application of China's trade regime, including its commitments under the WTO Agreement and the Protocol. Such cases would be referred promptly to the responsible government agency, and when non-uniform application was established, the authorities would act promptly to address the situation utilizing the remedies available under China's laws, taking into consideration China's international obligations and the need to provide a meaningful remedy. The individual or entity notifying China's authorities would be informed promptly in writing of any decision and action taken. The Working Party took note of these commitments.
4. Judicial Review
76. Some members of the Working Party stated that China should designate independent tribunals, contact points, and procedures for the prompt review of all administrative actions relating to the implementation of laws, regulations, judicial decisions and administrative rulings of general application referred to in Article X:1 of the GATT 1994, including administrative actions relating to import or export licences, non-tariff measures and tariff-rate quota administration, conformity assessment procedures and other measures. These members sought explicit confirmation that certain types of measures, such as decisions relating to standards and chemical registration, would be subject to judicial review. Some members of the Working Party also stated that the administrative actions subject to review should also include any actions required to be reviewed under the relevant provisions of the TRIPS Agreement and the GATS. These members stated that such tribunals should be independent of the agencies entrusted with administrative enforcement of the matter and should not have any substantial interest in the outcome of the matter.
77. Those members of the Working Party stated that such review procedures should include the opportunity for appeal, without penalty, by individuals or enterprises affected by any administrative action subject to review. If an initial right of appeal were to an administrative body, there should be an opportunity to choose to make a further appeal to a judicial body. Any decision by any appellate body and the reasons therefore would be communicated in writing to the appellant, together with notification of any right to further appeal.
78. The representative of China confirmed that it would revise its relevant laws and regulations so that its relevant domestic laws and regulations would be consistent with the requirements of the WTO Agreement and the Protocol on procedures for judicial review of administrative actions. He further stated that the tribunals responsible for such reviews would be impartial and independent of the agency entrusted with administrative enforcement, and would not have any substantial interest in the outcome of the matter. The Working Party took note of these commitments.
79. In response to questions from certain members of the Working Party, the representative of China confirmed that administrative actions related to the implementation of laws, regulations, judicial decisions and administrative rulings of general application referred to in Article X:1 of the GATT 1994, Article VI of the GATS and the relevant provisions of the TRIPS Agreement included those relating to the implementation of national treatment, conformity assessment, the regulation, control, supply or promotion of a service, including the grant or denial of a licence to provide a service and other matters, and that such administrative actions would be subject to the procedures established for prompt review under Section 2(D)(2) of the Protocol, and information on such procedures would be a

关于外商投资项目采购国产设备退税有关政策的通知

国家税务总局 国家发展和改革委员会


关于外商投资项目采购国产设备退税有关政策的通知

国税发〔2008〕121号


各省、自治区、直辖市和计划单列市国家税务局,发展改革委:
  为完善外商投资项目采购国产设备退税政策,现将有关问题明确如下:
  一、2006年7月1日前已经有关部门按照规定批准的外商投资项目(以下简称已批准项目),凡在本通知下发前尚未按《国家税务总局 国家发展和改革委员会关于印发〈外商投资项目采购国产设备退税管理试行办法〉的通知》(国税发〔2006〕111号)的规定办理退税的,外商投资企业可在2009年2月28日前向企业所在地省(自治区、直辖市和计划单列市)国家税务局提出申请,经批准可按《国家税务总局关于印发〈外商投资企业采购国产设备退税管理试行办法〉的通知》(国税发〔1999〕171号)的规定办理退税(税务机关接到本通知后,应及时告知相关企业),逾期不再办理。本通知下发前已按国税发〔2006〕111号文件规定的程序办理退税的其他已批准项目和2006年7月1日后核准的外商投资项目,一律按国税发〔2006〕111号文件的规定办理退税。
  二、项目确认书的办理,需在项目按规定核准并在国产设备采购合同签订后三个月内,由项目业主单位按程序向发展改革部门提出申请。每个项目只能办理一个项目确认书,设备清单原则上应与项目确认书同时出具。对于部分项目建设时间长、采购设备规模大,在办理项目确认书时无法确定全部设备清单的项目,可以采取一次办理项目确认书,分批确认项目清单的方式,但清单确认每年不得超过两次。
  三、属于增值税一般纳税人的外商投资企业购买国产设备后,应自购买设备开具增值税专用发票的开票之日起90日到主管税务机关认证,未经过认证或认证未通过的一律不予办理退税。
  四、已办理退税的国产设备的5年监管期,以税务机关开具该国产设备的《收入退还书》上的日期为起始日期开始计算。在监管期内,外商投资企业须将已退税设备有关存放区域、固定资产核算账册凭证编码的资料及设备的数码照片报主管税务机关备查;主管税务机关要定期检查该国产设备的运营情况,如发生政策规定应补税情形的要依法予以补税。
  五、其他事项仍按国税发〔2006〕111号文件规定执行。
  六、新修订的《中华人民共和国增值税暂行条例》施行后,2009年1月1日前经合规核准的外商投资鼓励类项目适用政策问题,另行规定。
   国家税务总局 国家发展和改革委员会
   二○○八年十二月十六日