Starting March 1, China will implement the newly revised Foreign Trade Law, which strengthens China’s corresponding countermeasures when foreign countries impose trade sanctions on China; penalties will also be imposed on individuals and entities that assist in evading these sanctions.
On December 27 last year, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress passed the newly revised Foreign Trade Law, which will take effect on March 1, 2026.
According to comprehensive reports from CCTV.com and Yicai on the 8th, experts pointed out that in response to certain countries’ suppression and sanctions against China in the trade sector, the newly revised Foreign Trade Law has supplemented corresponding countermeasures. For example, in cases where foreign individuals or organizations endanger China’s sovereignty, security, or development interests, the law stipulates that countermeasures such as trade bans or restrictions may be taken.
This update not only targets foreign governments, but also legally authorizes countermeasures against specific overseas individuals or organizations.
The new law further stipulates that any individual or organization is prohibited from providing support, assistance, or convenience for acts that evade countermeasures. Those who violate the regulations shall be dealt with and punished according to the law, including fines, confiscation of illegal gains, or even be held criminally responsible. Some lawyers have stated that this "effectively closes loopholes and improves the entire chain of responsibility for countermeasures."