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What is China Clean Production?

Clean Production Law 2002

China's RoHS is based on the Law on the Promotion of Clean Production, which was adopted on June 29, 2002 and became effective on January 1, 2003.

Cleaner production is defined as "the continuous application of measures" to reduce pollution at its source, to utilize resources more efficiently, and to reduce pollution generated in the production and use of products and in the provision of services.

Measures to be taken by business enterprises include improvements in design and management; the utilization of "clean" energy and raw materials; and the implementation of advanced processes, technologies and equipment. Examples include using toxin-free, non-hazardous raw materials; adopting processes and equipment with high resource utilization rates and low pollutant generation; and recycling or reusing the waste products, waste water and heat generated in production.

The law includes these provisions of interest to importers:

  Guidance catalogs on cleaner production technologies, processes, equipment and products will be published by the "relevant departments."
  Phase-in period for the new standards will be adopted: a "time-limited system" for eliminating obsolete product technologies, processes, equipment and products.
  Compulsory recycling directory will be published listing the products and packaging that must be recycled and the approved methods of recycling to be used by producers and sellers.
  Product labeling system may be adopted to facilitate energy and water conservation, and waste reuse and recycling.
  Packaging materials are included.
  Service providers such as restaurants, hotels & entertainment venues are included.
  Agriculture, construction and mining activities are included.
  Cleaner production audits shall be conducted by business enterprises "according to need."
  Economic measures (such as reducing or exempting products made from recycled materials from the Value-Added Tax) will be devised to encourage recycling.

Read more about China RoHS.

This summary of China Clean Production is designed to provide you with an accurate, easy-to-understand overview of the topic and does not constitute legal advice. The actual standard in the original language should be reviewed and used for all business, legal, and product compliance purposes.

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