WTO中国工作组关于中国入世报告（英文）（五）
[来源] [发布日期] 2004-03-23
4.Industrialdesigns
266.SomemembersoftheWorkingPartynotedthattheindustrialdesignprovisionsofChina'spatentlawappearedtoimplementsubstantialportionsoftheTRIPSAgreementrequirementsrelatingtoindustrialdesigns.Onenotableexceptionwastheareaoftextiledesigns.ThesemembersnotedthatdesignsofWTOMemberscouldbeprotectedunderChina'sProvisionsontheImplementationoftheInternationalCopyrightTreatyasworksofappliedart.MembersurgedChinatoincorporatethisprotectionintoitslawandtoprovidesuchprotectiontodomestictextiledesigns.
5.Patents
267.TherepresentativeofChinastatedthatinpreparationforitsaccession,Chinareviseditspatentlawin1992forthefirsttime.ChinahadtakenmeasurestoenhanceconsistencywiththeTRIPSAgreementintermsofmajorprovisionsandprotectionstandards.InordertoincreasetheawarenessofthegeneralpubliconIPRprotection,andpatentprotectioninparticular,tobeconsistentwiththeTRIPSAgreement,andtobuildupasoundsocialenvironmentforthepromotionandcommercializationofinventions,theNationalPeople'sCongressapprovedthesecondrevisionofthePatentLawon25August2000.Therevisedpatentlaw,whichwouldtakeeffecton1July2001,includedthefollowingelements:(1)patentownerswouldhavetherighttopreventothersfromofferingforsalethepatentedproductwithouttheirconsent(Article11);(2)forutilitymodelanddesignapplicationsorpatents,thefinaldecisiononre-examinationandinvalidationwouldbemadebythepeople'scourtsotherthanforinventionsthatwerepatentedpriortotheamendment(Articles41and46);(3)patentownerscould,beforeinstitutinglegalproceedings,requestthepeople'scourttotakeprovisionalmeasuressuchastoorderthesuspensionofinfringingactsandtoprovidepropertypreservation(Article61);and(4)conditionsforgrantingacompulsorylicencewouldbefurtherclarifiedandmadeconsistentwiththeTRIPSAgreement.
268.TherepresentativeofChinafurtherstatedthatsinceitsestablishment,SIPOhadpaidgreatattentiontostrengtheningitscontactsandcoordinationwithrelevantdepartmentsandministriesinthefieldofIPRlawenforcement,especiallyintheareasofsettlinginter-agencyproblemsandresolvingkeycases.Atthesametime,SIPOhadtakenappropriatemeasurestoimprovetheperformanceoflocalpatentauthoritiesinlawenforcement.Forexample,inJune1999,SIPOconvenedanationwideworkingconference,whichwasattendedbyrepresentativesfromlocalpatentadministrativeauthorities.Theparticipantssummarizedtheirlawenforcementpracticesovertheprevioustwoyearsandalsoexchangedinformationontheirexperiencesintheirlocallegislativeworkwithaviewtointensifyingpatentprotection.Theconferencealsocalledfortheintroductionofimportantpatentcasesreportingandrecordingsystem.
269.TherepresentativeofChinastatedthatsofarastherangeofpatentprotectionandprotectionfornewplantvarietieswereconcerned,ChinahadalreadymettherequirementsofArticle27oftheTRIPSAgreement.WhenamendingthePatentLawin1992,ChinamodifiedArticle25thereinwithreferencetotherelevantstipulationsinthedraftoftheTRIPSAgreementandexpandedthecoverageofpatentprotectiontofood,beverages,flavourings,pharmaceuticalsandmaterialsobtainedbychemicalmethods.Thescopeofpatentexclusionswouldbelimitedto"scientificdiscoveries,rulesandmethodsofintellectualactivities,diagnosticandtherapeuticmethodsforthetreatmentofdiseases,animalsandplantvarieties,aswellasmaterialsobtainedbythechangeofnucleus".
270.HefurtherstatedthatArticle5ofChina'sPatentLawstipulatedthatinventionsthatviolatelawsofChinaorsocialmoralityorprejudicepublicinterestwouldnotbeentitledtopatentright.WhileliterallytherewasadifferencebetweenArticle5ofChina'sPatentLawandtheTRIPSAgreement,inpractice,duringthereviewofpatentapplications,theinterpretationof"violatinglawsofChina"hadbeenrestrictedto"iflawsofChinaprohibitthesaleofacertainpatentedproduct,orprohibitthesaleofproductsmanufacturedbyapatentedmethod,thegrantingofpatentrightcannotbedeniedtothisproductinventionorthisinventionofproductmanufacturingmethodbyrelyingonArticle5ofthePatentLaw".Hence,inessence,heconcludedthattherewasnodifferencebetweenArticle5ofthePatentLawasappliedandtheTRIPSAgreement.Nonetheless,ChinawouldamendtheImplementingRulesofthePatentLawtoensurethatthisprovisionwouldbeimplementedinfullcompliancewithArticle27.2oftheTRIPSAgreement,whichstipulatedthat:"Membersmayexcludefrompatentabilityinventions,thepreventionwithintheirterritoryofthecommercialexploitationofwhichisnecessarytoprotectordrepublicormorality,includingtoprotecthuman,animalorplantlifeorhealthortoavoidseriousprejudicetotheenvironment,providedthatsuchexclusionisnotmademerelybecausetheexploitationisprohibitedbytheirlaw".TheWorkingPartytooknoteofthiscommitment.
271.RegardingArticle28oftheTRIPSAgreement(rightsconferred),therepresentativeofChinastatedthatChina'spatentlawhadfullycompliedwiththerequirementsoftheTRIPSAgreementforthefollowingreasons.First,inthe1992amendmenttothePatentLaw,Article11wasmodifiedasfollows:"anyentityorindividualis,withoutpriorlicensingfromthepatentee,prohibitedfrommaking,usingorsellingpatentedproductsorpatentedprocesses,orusingorsellingproductsdirectlyobtainedbythepatentedprocessesforthepurposeofproductionandoperation".Itwasalsoprohibitedforanyentityorindividualtoimportpatentedproductsorproductsdirectlyobtainedbypatentedprocessesforthepurposeofproductionandoperation.Thismodificationexpandedthescopeofpatentees'right,namelythenewcontentof"therighttoprohibitimport"and"theeffectofpatentedprocessesisextendedtoproductsdirectlyobtainedbypatentedprocesses".Second,in2000,whenthesecondamendmentwasmadetothePatentLaw,Article11wasonceagainmodified.Anewstipulationwasintroducedgrantingpatenteestherighttoprohibitothersfromofferingforsalethepatentedproductsorproductsdirectlyobtainedbypatentedprocesseswithouttheconsentofpatentees.Therefore,sofaras"therightofpatentees"isconcerned,China'sPatentLawhadfullyaccommodatedtherequirementsoftheTRIPSAgreement.
272.Furthertothe1992amendment,therepresentativeofChinastatedthatChina'sPatentLawprovidedforcompulsorylicencesbasedonreasonableterms,forpublicinterestandfordependentpatents.Withregardtotheconditionsofcompulsorylicencesfordependentpatents,thePatentLawprovidedthatthelatterinventionshouldbetechnicallymoreadvancedthantheearlierone.TheTRIPSAgreementprovidesthat"theinventionclaimedinthesecondpatentshallinvolveanimportanttechnicaladvanceofconsiderableeconomicsignificanceinrelationtotheinventionclaimedinthefirstpatent"(Article31(l)(i)).SincetheprovisionsoftheTRIPSAgreementweremoretransparentandeasiertooperate,therelevantexpressionscontainedintheTRIPSAgreementwereadoptedinthenewrevision.Inaddition,thefollowingrestrictiveconditionsforgrantingcompulsorylicencescontainedintheImplementingRulesofthePatentLawof1992hadbeenmovedintothePatentLawinordertomakeitmoreauthoritative:thedecisionofSIPOonthegrantingofacompulsorylicenceforexploitationwouldbelimitedintermsofitsscopeandduration;whenthecircumstanceswhichledtosuchcompulsorylicenceceasedtoexistandwereunlikelytorecur,SIPO,upontherequestofthepatentee,couldterminatethecompulsorylicenceafterexamination;wereincorporatedintotheLaw(formerArticle68oftheImplementingRulesofthePatentLawof1992hadnowbeenmovedintoArticle52oftherevisedPatentLaw).
273.TherepresentativeofChinastatedthatfollowingthe1992amendment,theregulationsoncompulsorylicensinginChina'sPatentLawanditsimplementingrules,asawhole,hadfulfilledtherequirementsoftheTRIPSAgreement.However,somewordingandexpressionsintheChineseregulationswerestillnotidenticaltotheTRIPSAgreementandtheseregulationsstillneededimprovementinrespectoftheadministrativelegalproceedingsconcerningcompulsorylicensing.Therefore,inthesecondamendmenttothePatentLawin2000,thecorrespondingamendmentsandmodificationstothestipulationsoncompulsorylicensingweremainlymadeinthefollowingtwopoints:(1)Article53ofthePatentLawwasmodifiedfrom"apatentedinventionorutilitymodelistechnicallymoreadvancedthantheinventionsorutilitymodelswhichhaveobtainedpatentrightearlier"into"alaterinventionorutilitymodelisanimportanttechnicalprogresswithstrikingeconomicsignificanceascomparedtotheearlierinventionorutilitymodel";and(2)havingbeensubjecttoappropriateadjustments,theregulationsonthetime,scopeandterminationofcompulsorylicensingenforcementinArticle68oftheImplementingRulesofthePatentLawof1992wereintegratedintoArticle52oftheamendedPatentLaw.Followingtheabove-mentionedamendments,China'sPatentLawhadregulationsoncompulsorylicensingwithclearerstructureandimprovedcontent.IntherepresentativeofChina'sview,theseregulationswerefullyconsistentwiththeTRIPSAgreement.HealsoaddedthatuptonowChinahadnotissuedanycompulsorylicencesforpatentenforcement.
274.SomemembersoftheWorkingPartynotedtheimprovementsintheprovisionsregardingcompulsorylicensingforpatentsthattherepresentativeofChinacited.Somemembershowever,requestedclarificationofthesubjectmatterthatwouldbesubjecttocompulsorylicensingunderthePatentLaw.
275.Inresponse,therepresentativeofChinaagreedthatstillnotalltherequirementsofArticle31oftheTRIPSAgreementhadbeenincorporatedintoChineselaw,andthattheImplementingRulesofthePatentLawwouldthereforebemodifiedsoastoensurethat:(1)usewithoutauthorizationoftheright-holderwouldonlybepermittedif,priortosuchuse,theproposeduserhadmadeeffortstoobtainauthorizationfromtheright-holderonreasonablecommercialtermsandconditions,ontheunderstandingthatthisrequirementcouldbewaivedinthecaseofanationalemergencyorothercircumstancesofextremeurgencyorincasesofpublicnon-commercialuseandsubjecttotheotherprovisionsofsubparagraph(b)ofArticle31;(2)theright-holderwouldbepaidadequateremunerationinthecircumstancesofeachcase,takingintoaccounttheeconomicvalueoftheauthorization(Article31(h));(3)anysuchusewouldbeauthorizedpredominantlyforthesupplyofthedomesticmarket(Article31(f));and(4)inthecaseofsemi-conductortechnology,thescopeanddurationofsuchusewouldonlybeforpublicnon-commercialuseortoremedyapracticedeterminedafterjudicialoradministrativeprocesstobeanti-competitive(Article31(c)).TheWorkingPartytooknoteofthesecommitments.
276.RegardingArticle32oftheTRIPSAgreement(revocation/forfeiture),therepresentativeofChinastatedthatinlightofArticles41and46oftheamendedPatentLaw,patentapplicantsorpatenteesofinventions,aswellasapplicableutilitymodelsanddesigns,couldinstitutelegalproceedingsinthepeople'scourtiftheywerenotsatisfiedwiththereviewornullitydecisionsmadebythePatentReviewBoard.ThismodificationenabledChina'sPatentLawtobefullyconsistentwithTRIPSregardingadministrativedecisionswhichweresubjecttojudicialreview.
277.Onthedurationofpatentrightprotection,therepresentativeofChinastatedthatasearlyas1992whenChinamadeaninitialamendmenttothePatentLaw,Article45(laterconvertedintoArticle42afterthesecondamendment)wasmodifiedas:"thedurationofinventionspatentrightis20yearsandthedurationofpatentrightforapplicableutilitymodelanddesignsis10years,countedasofthedateofapplication".Therefore,China'sPatentLawhadforalongtimeaccordedwithArticles26and33oftheTRIPSAgreementconcerningthedurationofpatentrights.
278.RegardingArticle34oftheTRIPSAgreement(processpatents:burdenofproof),therepresentativeofChinastatedthatChina'sPatentLawwasmodifiedin1992and2000,andwasnowinfullconformitywiththeTRIPSAgreement.Theamendedparagraph2ofArticle57reads:"whenanyinfringementdisputerelatestoaprocesspatentforthemanufactureofanewproduct,anyentityorindividualmanufacturingtheidenticalproductshallfurnishprooftotheeffectthatadifferentprocessisusedinthemanufactureofitsorhisproduct".
6.Plantvarietyprotection
279.TherepresentativeofChinaconfirmedthatChinawasapartytothe1978textoftheUniversalConventionontheProtectionofPlantVarieties("UPOV").InMarch1997,theStateCouncilformulatedandpromulgatedtheRegulationontheProtectionofNewPlantVarieties,thusofferingprotectionfornewplantvarietiesinasuigenerisformconsistentwiththerequirementsoftheTRIPSAgreement.Aunitoranindividualthathadaccomplishedthebreedingenjoyedanexclusiverightintheirright-grantedvariety.Nounitorindividualcould,withoutpermissionfromtheownerofthevarietyrights(referredtoas"thevarietyrightsowner"),produceormarketforcommercialpurposesthepropagationmaterialoftherights-grantedvariety,orrepeatedlyuseforcommercialpurposesthepropagationmaterialoftherights-grantedvarietyintheproductionofthepropagationmaterialofanothervariety.Theconditionsofnon-voluntarylicensingweresetoutintheregulation.Theperiodofprotectionofvarietyrights,fromthedateofgrantoftherights,wouldbe20yearsforvines,foresttrees,fruittreesandornamentaltreesand15yearsforotherplants.
7.Layoutdesignsofintegratedcircuits
280.TherepresentativeofChinastatedthatChinawasoneofthefirstcountriestosigntheTreatyonIntellectualPropertyinRespectofIntegratedCircuitsin1989.ThespecificRegulationontheProtectionofLayoutDesignsofIntegratedCircuits,whichwouldimplementChina'sobligationsunderSection6,PartIIoftheTRIPSAgreement,wasissuedinApril2001andwouldbeeffectiveon1October2001.
281.TherepresentativeofChinastatedthatChinawasstrengtheningtheprotectionofthelayoutdesignstosupporttherapiddevelopmentoftheintegratedcircuitindustry.Theregulationsprovidedprotectiontolayout-designs,accordingtowhichthefollowingactsifperformedwithoutauthorizationoftheright-holderwereunlawful:importing,sellingorotherwisedistributingforcommercialpurposesaprotectedlayout-design,anintegratedcircuitinwhichaprotectedlayout-designwasincorporated,oranarticleincorporatingsuchanintegratedcircuitonlyinsofarasitcontinuedtocontainanunlawfullyreproducedlayout-design.Theexceptionclauseandnon-voluntarylicensingclausewereinconformitywithArticle37ofTRIPS.Thetermofprotectionwas10yearscountedfromthedateoffilinganapplicationforregistrationorfromthefirstcommercialexploitationwhereverintheworlditoccurred.Inaddition,theprotectiontothelayout-designofintegratedcircuitswasinaccordancewithArticle2through7(otherthanparagraph3ofArticle6),Article12andparagraph3ofArticle16oftheTreatyonIntellectualPropertyinRespectofIntegratedCircuits.
8.Requirementsonundisclosedinformation,includingtradesecretsandtestdata
282.SomemembersoftheWorkingPartyexpressedconcernaboutChina'sprotectionagainstunfaircommercialuseanddisclosureofundisclosedtestandotherdatasubmittedtoauthoritiesinChinatoobtainmarketingapprovalforpharmaceuticalsandagriculturalchemicals.TheynotedthatChina'slawsappearedtoprohibitthereleaseofinformationbygovernmentofficialsbutdidnotincludeprovisionsregardingthepreventionofunfaircommercialuse,asrequiredunderArticle39.3oftheTRIPSAgreement.SomemembersrequestedthatChinaspecificallyprovideinitslawandregulationsthatitwouldprotectagainstunfaircommercialuseofundisclosedtestorotherdatasubmittedinsupportofapplicationsformarketingapprovalofpharmaceuticalorofagriculturalchemicalproductswhichutilizenewchemicalentities,byprovidingthatnopersonotherthanthepersonthatsubmittedsuchdatamay,withoutthepermissionofthepersoninitiallysubmittingthedata,relyonsuchdatainsupportofanapplicationforproductapprovalforaperiodofatleastsixyearsfromthedateonwhichmarketingapprovaltothepersonthatsubmittedthedatahadbeengranted.
283.TherepresentativeofChinastatedthatArticle10oftheAnti-unfairCompetitionLawprovidedthatabusinessoperatormustnotinfringeupontradesecrets.UnderthesameArticle,obtaining,usingordisclosinganother'stradesecretsbyathirdpartywhoclearlykneworoughttohaveknownthatthecasefellundertheunlawfulactslistedintheprecedingparagraphwasdeemedinfringementupontradesecrets.Tradesecretsreferredtoanytechnologyinformationorbusinessoperationinformationwhichwasunknowntothepublic,couldbringabouteconomicbenefitstotheobligee,hadpracticalutilityandaboutwhichtheobligeehadadoptedsecret-keepingmeasures.HealsostatedthatArticle219oftheCriminalLawhadsimilardefinitionsontradesecrets.
284.TherepresentativeofChinafurtherconfirmedthatChinawould,incompliancewithArticle39.3oftheTRIPSAgreement,provideeffectiveprotectionagainstunfaircommercialuseofundisclosedtestorotherdatasubmittedtoauthoritiesinChinaasrequiredinsupportofapplicationsformarketingapprovalofpharmaceuticalorofagriculturalchemicalproductswhichutilizednewchemicalentities,exceptwherethedisclosureofsuchdatawasnecessarytoprotectthepublic,orwherestepsweretakentoensurethatthedataareprotectedagainstunfaircommercialuse.Thisprotectionwouldincludeintroductionandenactmentoflawsandregulationstomakesurethatnoperson,otherthanthepersonwhosubmittedsuchdata,could,withoutthepermissionofthepersonwhosubmittedthedata,relyonsuchdatainsupportofanapplicationforproductapprovalforaperiodofatleastsixyearsfromthedateonwhichChinagrantedmarketingapprovaltothepersonsubmittingthedata.Duringthisperiod,anysecondapplicantformarketauthorizationwouldonlybegrantedmarketauthorizationifhesubmitshisowndata.Thisprotectionofdatawouldbeavailabletoallpharmaceuticalandagriculturalproductswhichutilizenewchemicalentities,irrespectiveofwhethertheywerepatent-protectedornot.TheWorkingPartytooknoteofthesecommitments.
C.MEASURESTOCONTROLABUSEOFINTELLECTUALPROPERTYRIGHTS
285.TherepresentativeofChinastatedthattherewereprovisionsrelatingtocompulsorylicencesinthePatentLawtopreventabuseofpatentright.HealsostatedthattheTrademarkLawprovidedthatthetrademarkregistrantmay,byconcludingatrademarklicensingcontract,authorizeanotherpersontouseitsregisteredtrademark.Thelicensorwouldsupervisethequalityofthegoodsonwhichthelicenseeusedthelicensor'sregisteredtrademarkandthelicenseewouldguaranteethequalityofthegoodsonwhichtheregisteredtrademarkwastobeused.
286.SomemembersoftheWorkingPartyexpressedsomeconcernsastothecompatibilityofChina'srulesoncontrolofanti-competitivelicensingpracticesorconditionswiththecorrespondingobligationsunderArticle40oftheTRIPSAgreement.TherepresentativeofChinastatedinresponsethatChina'slegislationwouldcomplywiththeseobligations,notablyastotherequestforconsultationswithotherMembers.Hestatedthattheseruleswouldapplyacrosstheboardtoallintellectualpropertyrights.TheWorkingPartytooknoteofthiscommitment.
D.ENFORCEMENT
1.General
287.SomemembersoftheWorkingPartyexpressedconcernthattherewasacontinuedneedforadditionalenforcementeffortsbytheGovernmentofChina.TheyalsosaidthatChinashouldstrengthenthelegislativeframeworkfortheenforcementofintellectualpropertyrightsforallright-holders.TherepresentativeofChinastatedthatwhereaninfringementofintellectualpropertyrightswasfoundinChina,thepersonconcernedcouldbringalawsuittoacourt.Since1992,specialIPRcourtshavebeensetupinmajorcitiessuchasBeijingandShanghaionthebasisoftheirspecializedcollegialpanels.AccordingtoChina'slegislation,individualsandenterpriseswouldbeheldresponsibleforalltheirIPRinfringingactivitiesandsubjecttociviland/orcriminalliabilities.WhereanypersonviolatedtheIPRofanotherpersonandthecircumstanceswereserious,thepersondirectlyresponsiblewouldbeprosecutedforhiscriminalliabilitybyapplyingrelevantprovisionsoftheCriminalLaw.Iffoundguilty,thepersondirectlyresponsiblecouldbesentencedtoafixed-termimprisonmentofnomorethansevenyearsorbesubjecttodetentionorafine.
288.SomemembersoftheWorkingPartyfurtherurgedChinatoensurethevigorousapplicationbyChineseauthoritiesoftheenforcementlegislationinordertoconsiderablyreducetheexistinghighlevelsofcopyrightpiracyandtrademarkcounterfeiting.Actionshouldincludetheclosureofmanufacturingfacilitiesaswellasmarketsandretailshopsthathadbeentheobjectofadministrativeconvictionsforinfringingactivities.TherepresentativeofChinastatedthatthemeasuresforcrackingdownonintellectualpropertypiracywerealwayssevereinChina.Injudicialaspects,courtsatalllevelswerecontinuouslypayingattentiontothetrialofIPRcases.Asforadministrationaspects,theadministrativeauthoritiesatalllevelswereputtingemphasisonstrengtheninganti-piracywork.Inaddition,theadministrativeauthoritieswerealsoenhancingthelegalpublicationandeducationofthegeneralpublicinabidtoensurethatthelegalenvironmentofChinawouldbeabletomeettherequirementsforenforcingtheTRIPSAgreement.TheWorkingPartytooknoteofthesecommitments.
2.Civiljudicialproceduresandremedies
289.SomemembersoftheWorkingPartyexpressedconcernaboutcertainpracticesrelatingtothefilingofciviljudicialactionsthatmadeitdifficultforintellectualpropertyright-holderstopursuetheirrightsinChina'scourts.China'ssystemofbasingfilingfeesontheamountofdamagesrequestedmakeslarge-scaleinfringementactionsunnecessarilycostly.Thosemembersalsoexpressedconcernregardingthecalculationofdamagesbasedontheinfringer'sprofits.This,combinedwithChina'srulesonestablishingthelevelofprofitswhichrequireevidenceofactualsaleandwhichdisregardinventoryandpastactivity,oftenresultedindamageamountsinadequatetocompensatefortheinjurythattheright-holderhassuffered.
290.TherepresentativeofChinastatedthatArticle118oftheGeneralPrinciplesoftheCivilLawprovidedthatiftherightsofauthorship(copyrights),patentrights,rightsofexclusiveuseoftrademarks,rightsofdiscovery,rightsofinventionorrightsforscientificandtechnologicalresearchachievementsofcitizensorjuridicalpersonswereinfringeduponbysuchmeansasplagiarism,alterationorimitation,theyhadtherighttodemandthattheinfringementbestopped,itsilleffectsbeeliminatedandthedamagesbecompensatedfor.HefurtherstatedthattheTrademarkLaw,thePatentLawandtheCopyrightLawhadsimilarprovisions.
291.TherepresentativeofChinafurtherconfirmedthat,Articles42and43oftheTRIPSAgreementwouldbeeffectivelyimplementedunderthejudicialrulesofcivilprocedure.TheWorkingPartytooknoteofthiscommitment.
292.TherepresentativeofChinaconfirmedthattherelevantimplementingruleswouldbeamendedtoensurefullcompliancewithArticles45and46oftheTRIPSAgreement,totheeffectthatdamagespaidbytheinfringertotheright-holderwouldbeadequatetocompensatefortheinjurysufferedbecauseofaninfringementofthatperson'sintellectualpropertyrightbyaninfringerwhoknowingly,orwithreasonablegroundstoknow,engagedininfringingactivity.TheWorkingPartytooknoteofthiscommitment.
3.Provisionalmeasures
293.MembersoftheWorkingPartynotedthattheTRIPSAgreementrequiredthatjudicialauthoritieshavetheauthoritytoorderpromptandeffectiveprovisionalmeasuresto(1)preventaninfringementofintellectualpropertyfromoccurring,inparticulartopreventthedistributionorsaleofinfringinggoods,and(2)topreservetheevidenceofallegedinfringement.
294.TherepresentativeofChinastatedthatinChina'sCivilProcedureLawtherewereprovisionsonpropertypreservation,butasyetnoexplicitstipulationshadbeenprovidedtoauthorizethepeople'scourttotakemeasuresforthepreventionofinfringementspriortoformalinstitutionofalawsuitbyapartyinvolved.InordertoenhancethedeterrentpoweroflawagainstinfringementsandtoguaranteethatthelegitimaterightsandinterestsofpatenteeswouldnotsufferfromirreparableharmaswellastocomplywiththeTRIPSAgreement,China,whenamendingthePatentLawforthesecondtimein2000,introducedArticle61toregulateprovisionalmeasures,whichprovidedasfollows:"whereapatenteeoranyinterestedpartywhocanprovideanyreasonableevidencethathisrightisbeinginfringedorthatsuchinfringementisimminent,andanydelayinstoppingtheactsislikelytocauseirreparableharmtohisoritslegitimaterightsandinterests,heoritmay,beforeinstitutinglegalproceedings,requestthepeople'scourttoorderthesuspensionofrelatedactsandtoprovidepropertypreservation".
295.SomeMembersoftheWorkingPartyexpressedconcernthatArticle61ofthePatentLawdidnotfullyincorporateallrequirementsofArticle44oftheTRIPSAgreement,andthatitwasstillunclearwhetherholdersofintellectualpropertyrightsotherthanpatentscouldrelyonasimilarprocedure.
296.TherepresentativeofChinastatedthatArticle61ofthePatentLawwouldbeimplementedinawayfullyconsistentwithArticle50.1-4oftheTRIPSAgreement.Healsostatedthat"reasonableevidence"inArticle61ofthePatentLawwouldbe,throughimplementingrules,clarifiedtomean"anyreasonablyavailableevidenceinordertosatisfywithsufficientdegreeofcertaintythattheapplicantistheright-holderandthattheapplicant'srightisbeinginfringedorthatsuchinfringementisimminent,andtoordertheapplicanttoprovideasecurityorequivalentassurancesufficienttoprotectthedefendantandtopreventabuse".TheWorkingPartytooknoteofthiscommitment.
4.Administrativeproceduresandremedies
297.MembersoftheWorkingPartynotedthatmostIPRenforcementinChinawasdonethroughadministrativeactions.Inthisconnection,somemembersexpressedconcernabouttheinadequatelevelsofadministrativesanctionsinChinawhich,whencoupledwiththehighthresholdforinitiatingcriminalprosecutions,madeIPRenforcementinChinadifficult.Administrativesanctionsgenerallyamountedtosmallfinesandthelossofinfringinginventory.Membersalsostressedtheneedforadministrativeauthoritiestorefermorecases,includingthoseinvolvingrepeatoffendersandwillfulpiracyandcounterfeiting,totheappropriateauthoritiesforinitiationofcriminalactions.
298.TherepresentativeofChinasaidthattheTrademarkLawprovidedthatintheeventofanyinfringementoftherighttotheexclusiveuseofaregisteredtrademark,theinfringedright-holdercouldrequesttheadministrativedepartmentforindustryandcommerceatorabovethecountylevelfordisposition.Therelevantadministrativedepartmentforindustryandcommercehadthepowertoordertheinfringertostoptheinfringingactimmediatelyandtocompensatetheinfringedright-holderforitsorhislosses.SAICanditslocalagenciesabovethecountylevelcouldalsoimposeafineupontheinfringer.ThePatentLawprovidedthatthepatenteeandinterestedpartycouldrequesttheadministrativeauthorityforpatentaffairstohandletheinfringingact.Theadministrativeauthoritycouldordertheinfringertostoptheinfringingactimmediatelyandmediateondamagesattherequestofthepartiesconcerned.TheCopyrightLawprovidedthatthecopyrightadministrationdepartmentcouldsubjectanyonewhocommittedactsofinfringementtosuchadministrativepenaltiesasconfiscationofunlawfulincomefromtheactorimpositionofafine.
299.TherepresentativeofChinastatedthatmostIPRenforcementactionsinChinaresultedinadministrativemeasurestoaddresstheinfringement.HenotedongoingeffortstostrengthenthesanctionsthatwereavailabletoadministrativeauthoritiesandtheincreasedattentiongiventoenforcementofIPRs.TherepresentativeofChinaconfirmedthatthegovernmentwouldcontinuetoenhanceitsenforcementefforts,includingthroughtheapplicationofmoreeffectiveadministrativesanctions.Relevantagencies,includingtheStateAdministrationforIndustryandCommerce,theStateGeneralAdministrationofthePeople'sRepublicofChinaforQualitySupervisionandInspectionandQuarantineandtheCopyrightOffice,nowhadtheauthoritytoconfiscateequipmentusedformakingcounterfeitandpiratedproductsandotherevidenceofinfringement.Theserelevantagencieswouldbeencouragedtoexercisetheirauthoritytoseizeandpreserveevidenceofinfringementsuchasinventoryanddocuments.Administrativeauthoritieswouldhavetheauthoritytoimposesufficientsanctionstopreventordeterfurtherinfringementandwouldbeencouragedtoexercisethatauthority.Appropriatecases,includingthoseinvolvingrepeatoffendersandwillfulpiracyandcounterfeiting,wouldbereferredtorelevantauthoritiesforprosecutionunderthecriminallawprovisions.TheWorkingPartytooknoteofthesecommitments.
5.Specialbordermeasures
300.TherepresentativeofChinastatedthaton5July1995theStateCouncilofthePeople'sRepublicofChinahadissuedspeciallegislationinrespectofbordermeasuresforenforcementofintellectualpropertyrights-theRegulationsofthePeople'sRepublicofChinaGoverningCustomsProtectionofIntellectualPropertyRights-whichcameintoeffecton1Octoberofthesameyear.Accordingtothislegislation,China'sCustomsofficesmusttakemeasurestointerceptimportationorexportationofgoodsthatwereprovedtobeinfringingtherightsoftrademarks,patentsorcopyrightslegallyprotectedinChina.China'sCustomsofficesweregrantedauthoritytoinvestigateanysuspectedshipmentandconfiscatethegoodsincaseinfringementwasproved.
301.SomemembersoftheWorkingPartyexpressedconcernsastothecompatibilityofexistingbordermeasureswithobligationsunderArticles51to60oftheTRIPSAgreement;particularlytheprovisionsonsuspensionofreleaseintofreecirculationbycustomsauthorities(Article51),rulesonevidenceforinitiatingthisprocedure(Article52),requirementsonthesecurityneededtoprotectthedefendant(Article53),rulesonnoticeofthesuspension(Article54)anditsduration(Article55),rulesonindemnificationoftheimporterincaseofwrongfuldetention(Article56)andopportunityfortheright-holdertohavethegoodsdetainedinspected(Article57).Moreoversomeexpressedtheirconcernastocompatibilityofrulesonactionsex-officiobycompetentauthoritiesandtheconditionsattached(Article58),aswellastotheremediesprovidedagainstinfringinggoods(Article59)andthequantitiessubjecttothedeminimisrules(Article60).
302.Inresponse,therepresentativeofChinastatedthatChinawouldprovideholdersofintellectualpropertyrightswithproceduresrelatedtobordermeasuresthatcompliedfullywiththerelevantprovisionsoftheTRIPSAgreement(Articles51to60).TheWorkingPartytooknoteofthiscommitment.
6.Criminalprocedures
303.TherepresentativeofChinastatedthatArticles213to220oftheCriminalLaw(CrimesofInfringingonIntellectualPropertyRights)providedthatwhoeverseriouslyinfringestheright-holders'rightsofregisteredtrademarks,patents,copyrightsortradesecretswouldbesentencedtofixed-termimprisonmentandwouldalsobefined.
304.SomemembersoftheWorkingPartyexpressedconcernsthatcriminalprocedurescouldnotbeusedeffectivelytoaddresspiracyandcounterfeiting.Inparticular,themonetarythresholdsforbringingacriminalaction,ascurrentlyapplied,wereveryhighandseldommet.Thosethresholdsshouldbeloweredsoastopermiteffectiveactionthatwoulddeterfuturepiracyandcounterfeiting.Inresponse,therepresentativeofChinastatedthatChina'sadministrativeauthoritywouldrecommendthatthejudicialauthoritymakenecessaryadjustmentstolowerthethresholdssoastoaddresstheseconcerns.TheWorkingPartytooknoteofthiscommitment.
305.NotingtheadvancedstateofprotectionforintellectualpropertyrightsinChina,therepresentativeofChinaconfirmedthatuponaccessionChinawouldfullyapplytheprovisionsoftheTRIPSAgreement.TheWorkingPartytooknoteofthiscommitment.
VI.POLICIESAFFECTINGTRADEINSERVICES
1.Licensing
306.SomemembersoftheWorkingPartywelcomedthebroad-rangingandcomprehensivecommitmentsthatChinawasundertakingtoincreasetransparencyandtoprovideinformationtogovernmentsandserviceprovidersonanymatterrelatingtotheGATSincludingChina'sScheduleofSpecificCommitments.ThesemembersnonethelessexpressedconcernsregardingthelackoftransparencyinChina'scurrentservicesregime,inparticularwithrespecttoobtaining,extending,renewing,denyingandterminatinglicencesandotherapprovalsrequiredtoprovideservicesinChina'smarketandappealsofsuchactions(hereafterreferredtoas"China'slicensingproceduresandconditions").TobeconsistentwiththeprovisionsoftheWTOAgreement,includingtheDraftProtocolandChina'sScheduleofSpecificCommitments,membersoftheWorkingPartynotedthatChina'slicensingproceduresandconditionsshouldnotinthemselvesactasabarriertomarketaccessandshouldnotbemoretraderestrictivethannecessary.Thosemembersalsoexpressedtheviewthatuponitsaccession,Chinashouldpublish(1)alistofauthoritiesresponsibleforauthorizing,approvingorregulatingthoseservicesectorsinwhichChinamadespecificcommitmentsand(2)China'slicensingproceduresandconditions.
307.TherepresentativeofChinaconfirmedthatparagraph332regardingpublicationofalistofallorganizationsthatwereresponsibleforauthorizing,approvingorregulatingserviceactivitiesforeachservicesector,includingthoseorganizationsdelegatedsuchauthorityfromthecentralgovernmentauthorities,wouldapply.TherepresentativeofChinaalsoconfirmedthatChinawouldpublishintheofficialjournalallofChina'slicensingproceduresandconditionsuponaccession.TheWorkingPartytooknoteofthesecommitments.
308.TherepresentativeofChinaalsoconfirmedthatuponaccessionChinawouldensurethatChina'slicensingproceduresandconditionswouldnotactasbarrierstomarketaccessandwouldnotbemoretraderestrictivethannecessary.InaccordancewithChina'scommitmentsundertheWTOAgreement,theDraftProtocolanditsScheduleofSpecificCommitments,therepresentativeofChinaconfirmedthatforthoseservicesincludedinChina'sScheduleofSpecificCommitments,Chinawouldensurethat:
(a)China'slicensingproceduresandconditionswerepublishedpriortobecomingeffective;
(b)Inthatpublication,ChinawouldspecifyreasonabletimeframesforreviewanddecisionbyallrelevantauthoritiesinChina'slicensingproceduresandconditions;
(c)Applicantswouldbeabletorequestlicensingwithoutindividualinvitation;
(d)Anyfeescharged,whichwerenotdeemedtoincludefeesdeterminedthroughauctionoratenderingprocess,wouldbecommensuratewiththeadministrativecostofprocessinganapplication;
(e)ThecompetentauthoritiesofChinawould,afterreceiptofanapplication,informtheapplicantwhethertheapplicationwasconsideredcompleteunderChina'sdomesticlawsandregulationsandinthecaseofincompleteapplications,identifytheadditionalinformationthatwasrequiredtocompletetheapplicationandprovidetheopportunitytocuredeficiencies;
(f)Decisionswouldbetakenpromptlyonallapplications;
(g)Ifanapplicationwasterminatedordenied,theapplicantwouldbeinformedinwritingandwithoutdelaythereasonsforsuchaction.Theapplicantwouldhavethepossibilityofresubmitting,atitsdiscretion,anewapplicationthataddressedthereasonsforterminationordenial;
(h)Ifanapplicationwasapproved,theapplicantwouldbeinformedinwritingandwithoutdelay.ThelicenceorapprovalwouldenabletheapplicanttostartthecommercialoperationsuponregistrationofthecompanywithSAICforfiscalandothersimilaradministrativepurposes.Thisregistrationwouldbecompletedwithin2monthsofthesubmissionofacompletefile,asrequiredbypublicSAICregulations,andinaccordancewithChina'sScheduleofSpecificCommitments;
(i)WhereChinarequiredanexaminationtolicenceprofessionals,suchexaminationswouldbescheduledatreasonableintervals.
TheWorkingPartytooknoteofthesecommitments.
309.SomemembersoftheWorkingPartyalsoexpressedconcernaboutmaintainingtheindependenceofregulatorsfromthosetheyregulated.TherepresentativeofChinaconfirmedthatfortheservicesincludedinChina'sScheduleofSpecificCommitments,relevantregulatoryauthoritieswouldbeseparatefrom,andnotaccountableto,anyservicesupplierstheyregulated,exceptforcourierandrailwaytransportationservices.Fortheseexceptedsectors,ChinawouldcomplywithotherrelevantprovisionsoftheWTOAgreementandtheDraftProtocol.TheWorkingPartytooknoteofthesecommitments.
310.TherepresentativeofChinastatedthatChinawouldconsultwithWTOMembersanddevelopregulations,consistentwithChina'sScheduleofSpecificCommitmentsanditsobligationsunderGATS,onsalesawayfromafixedlocation.TheWorkingPartytooknoteofthiscommitment.
311.SomemembersoftheWorkingPartynotedthattheWorldCodeofConductprovidedastrongethicalbasisforregulatingsalesawayfromafixedlocation.
312.InresponsetoquestionsfrommembersoftheWorkingPartyregardingcertaintermsinChina'sScheduleofSpecificCommitments,therepresentativeofChinaconfirmedthefollowing:
(a)A"masterpolicy"wasapolicythatprovidedblanketcoverageforthesamelegalperson'spropertyandliabilitieslocatedindifferentplaces.Amasterpolicycouldonlybeissuedbythebusinessdepartmentofaninsurer'sheadofficeorthatofitsauthorizedprovince-levelbranchoffices.Otherbrancheswerenotallowedtoissuemasterpolicies.
(i)Formasterpolicybusinesswiththestatekeyconstructionprojectsasitssubject-matterinsured.
Ifinvestorsonthestatekeyconstructionprojects(i.e.,projectsthatweresolistedandannuallyannouncedbytheStateDevelopmentandPlanningCommission)meteitherofthefollowingrequirements,theycouldpurchaseamasterpolicyfrominsurersthatwerelocatedinthesameplaceastheinvestors'legalpersonswerelocated.
1.Theinvestmentonthesubject-matterinsuredwereallfromChina(includingthereinvestmentfromtheforeign-investedenterprisesinChina)andthesumofinvestmentoftheinvestoraccountedforover15percentofthetotalinvestment.
2.Theinvestmentwaspartiallyfromabroad,andpartiallyfromChina(includingthereinvestmentfromtheforeign-investedenterprisesinChina)andthesumofinvestmentoftheChineseinvestoraccountedforover15percentofthetotaldomesticinvestment.
Forthoseprojectsthatdrewallinvestmentfromabroad,everyinsurercouldprovidecoverageintheformofamasterpolicy.
(ii)AMasterpolicycoveringdifferentsubject-mattersinsuredofthesamelegalperson.
Forthosesubject-mattersinsuredlocatedindifferentplacesandownedbythesamelegalperson(excludingfinancial,railway,andpostandtelecommunicationsindustriesandenterprises),amasterpolicycouldbeissuedonthebasisofeitherofthefollowingconditions.
1.Forthesakeofpaymentofthepremiumtax,insurancecompaniesincorporatedwherethelegalpersonoraccountingunitoftheinsuranceapplicantwaslocated,wereallowedtoissueamasterpolicy.
2.Ifover50percentoftheinsuranceamountofthesubject-matterinsuredwasfromalargerormediumsizedcity,theninsurersinthatcitywereallowedtoissueamasterpolicy,nomatterwhethertheinsuranceapplicant'slegalpersonoraccountingunitwaslocatedinthecity.
(b)Largescalecommercialriskmeantaninsuranceriskwrittenonanylargescalecommercialenterpriseif,uponaccession,theaggregateannualpremiumexceeded800thousandRMBandtheinvestmentwasmorethan200millionRMB;oneyearafteraccession,iftheaggregateannualpremiumexceeded600thousandRMBandtheinvestmentwasmorethan180millionRMB;twoyearsafteraccession,iftheaggregateannualpremiumexceeded400thousandRMBandtheinvestmentwasmorethan150millionRMB.
(c)StatutoryinsuranceinChina'sScheduleofSpecificCommitmentswerelimitedtothefollowingspecificcategories,andnoadditionallinesorproductswouldbeadded:thirdpartyautoliabilityinsurance,anddriverandoperatorliabilityforbusesandothercommercialvehicles.
(d)TherepresentativeofChinaconfirmedthatanychangestothedefinitionofmasterpolicyandlargescalecommercialriskwouldbeconsistentwithChina'sSpecificScheduleofCommitmentsandobligationsunderGATSsoastoprogressivelyliberalizeaccesstothisservicessector.
TheWorkingPartytooknoteofthesecommitments.
313.MembersoftheWorkingPartywelcomedChina'scommitmenttopermitinternalbranchingforinsurancefirmsconsistentwiththephase-outofgeographicrestrictions.SomemembersnotedthatChinahadscheduledcertainqualificationsaslimitationsunderGATSArticlesXVIandXVIIthatforeigninsurershadtomeettoapplyforalicencetoprovideservicesinChina.ThesequalificationsrelatedtoaminimumperiodofestablishmentinaWTOmember,totalassetsandmaintenanceofarepresentativeofficeinChina.ThesequalificationsshouldnotapplytothoseforeigninsurancecompaniesestablishedinChinaseekingauthorisationtoestablishabranchorsub-branch.TherepresentativeofChinaconfirmedthatthequalificationsforforeigninsurersapplyingforalicencetoenterChina'smarketwouldnotapplytoforeigninsurersalreadyestablishedinChinathatwereseekingauthorizationtoestablishbranchesorsub-branches.Healsoconfirmedthatabranchandasub-branchwereanextensionoftheparententerpriseandnotaseparatelegalentityandthatChinawouldpermitinternalbranchingaccordinglyonthatbasis,andincompliancewithChina'sScheduleofSpecificCommitments,includingprovisionsonMFNtreatment.TheWorkingPartytooknoteofthesecommitments.
2.ChoiceofPartner
314.SomemembersoftheWorkingPartyexpressedconcernregardingtheexistingpracticeofimposingconditionsontheChinesecompaniesthatwereallowedtopartnerwithforeignservicesuppliers.Thesemembersindicatedthatthiscouldamounttodefactoquotas,asthenumberofpotentialpartnersmeetingthoseconditionsmightbelimited.TherepresentativeofChinaconfirmedthataforeignservicesupplierwouldbeabletopartnerwithanyChineseentityofitschoice,includingoutsidethesectorofoperationofthejointventure,aslongastheChinesepartnerwaslegallyestablishedinChina.Thejointventureassuchshouldmeettheprudentialandspecificsectoralrequirements,onthesamebasisasthosefordomesticenterprisesandwhichmustbepubliclyavailable.TheWorkingPartytooknoteofthesecommitments.
3.ModificationoftheEquityInterest
315.TherepresentativeofChinaconfirmedthattheChineseandforeignpartnersinanestablishedjointventurewouldbeabletodiscussthemodificationoftheirrespectiveequityparticipationlevelsinthejointventureandimplementsuchmodificationifagreementwasreachedbybothsidesandalsoapprovedbytheauthorities.TherepresentativeofChinaconfirmedthatsuchanagreementwouldbeapprovedifconsistentwiththerelevantequitycommitmentsinChina'sScheduleofSpecificCommitments.TheWorkingPartytooknoteofthiscommitment.
4.PriorExperienceRequirementforEstablishmentinInsuranceSector
316.TherepresentativeofChinaconfirmedthatthemerging,division,restructuringorotherchangeoflegalformofaninsurancecompanywouldnotimpactthepriorexperiencerequirementsincludedinChina'sScheduleofSpecificCommitmentsifthenewentitycontinuedtosupplyinsuranceservices.TheWorkingPartytooknoteofthiscommitment.
5.InspectionServices
317.InresponsetoquestionsfrommembersoftheWorkingParty,therepresentativeofChinaconfirmedthatChinawouldnotmaintainrequirementswhichhadtheeffectofactingasbarrierstotheoperationofforeignandjoint-venturecommodityinspectionagencies,unlessotherwisespecifiedinChina'sScheduleofSpecificCommitments.TheWorkingPartytooknoteofthiscommitment.
6.MarketResearch
318.SomemembersoftheWorkingPartyexpressedconcernregardingmarketresearchactivities.Inresponsetoquestionsfrommembersinthisrespect,therepresentativeofChinaconfirmedthat,uponaccession,Chinawouldremovethepriorapprovalrequirementformarketresearchservices,definedasinvestigationservicesdesignedtosecureinformationontheprospectsandperformanceofanorganization'sproductsinthemarket,includingmarketanalysis(ofthesizeandothercharacteristicsofamarket)andanalysisofconsumerattitudesandpreferences.MarketresearchfirmsregisteredinChina,whichwereengagedinsuchservices,wouldonlyberequiredtofilethesurveyplanandthequestionnaireformonrecordinthestatisticalagenciesofgovernmentatorabovetheprovinciallevel.TheWorkingPartytooknoteofthesecommitments.
7.LegalServices
319.InresponsetoquestionsfrommembersoftheWorkingParty,therepresentativeofChinaclarifiedthat"Chinesenationalregisteredlawyers",asindicatedinChina'sScheduleofSpecificCommitments,werethoseChinesenationalswhohadobtainedalawyer'scertificateandwereholdingaChinesepractisingpermitandwereregisteredtopracticeinaChineselawfirm.
8.MinorityShareholderRights
320.WithrespecttoitsScheduleofSpecificCommitments,therepresentativeofChinaconfirmedthat,whileChinahadlimiteditsmarketaccesscommitmentsinsomesectorstopermitforeignerstoholdonlyaminorityequityinterest,aminorityshareholdercouldenforcerightsintheinvestmentunderChina'slaws,regulationsandmeasures.Moreover,WTOMemberswouldhaverecoursetoWTOdisputesettlementtoensureimplementationofallcommitmentsinChina'sGATSschedule.TheWorkingPartytooknoteofthesecommitments.
9.ScheduleofSpecificCommitments
321.China'sScheduleofSpecificCommitments,reproducedinAnnex9totheDraftProtocol,containedthemarketaccesscommitmentsofChinainrespectofServices.
VII.OTHERISSUES
1.Notifications
322.MembersoftheWorkingPartyrequestedthatChinasubmitthenotificationsrequiredintheDraftProtocolandReporttotheWTObodywithamandatecoveringthesubjectofthenotification.TherepresentativeofChinaconfirmedthatChinawouldsubmititsnotificationstothesebodies,consistentwithSection18.1andAnnex1AoftheDraftProtocol.TheWorkingPartytooknoteofthiscommitment.
2.SpecialTradeArrangements
323.SomemembersoftheWorkingPartyraisedspecificconcernsinrelationtosomeofChina'sspecialtradearrangements,includingbartertradearrangements,withthirdcountriesandseparatecustomsterritories,whichthosemembersconsiderednottobeinconformitywithWTOrequirements.Inresponse,therepresentativeofChinarecalledthecommitmentundertakenbyChinainSection4oftheDraftProtocol.
3.Transparency
324.SomemembersoftheWorkingPartyexpressedconcernaboutthelackoftransparencyregardingthelaws,regulationsandothermeasuresthatappliedtomatterscoveredintheWTOAgreementandtheDraftProtocol.Inparticular,somemembersnotedthedifficultyinfindingandobtainingcopiesofregulationsandothermeasuresundertakenbyvariousministriesaswellasthosetakenbyprovincialandotherlocalauthorities.Transparencyofregulationsandothermeasures,particularlyofsub-nationalauthorities,wasessentialsincetheseauthoritiesoftenprovidedthedetailsonhowthemoregenerallaws,regulationsandothermeasuresofthecentralgovernmentwouldbeimplementedandoftendifferedamongvariousjurisdictions.Thosemembersemphasizedtheneedtoreceivesuchinformationinatimelyfashionsothatgovernmentsandtraderscouldbepreparedtocomplywithsuchprovisionsandcouldexercisetheirrightsinrespectofimplementationandenforcementofsuchmeasures.Thesamemembersemphasizedtheimportanceofsuchpre-publicationtoenhancingsecure,predictabletradingrelations.ThosemembersnotedthedevelopmentoftheInternetandothermeanstoensurethatinformationfromallgovernmentbodiesatalllevelscouldbeassembledinoneplaceandmadereadilyavailable.Thecreationandmaintenanceofasingle,authoritativejournalandenquirypointwouldgreatlyfacilitatedisseminationofinformationandhelppromotecompliance.
325.Inresponse,therepresentativeofChinanotedthattheGovernmentofChinaregularlyissuedpublicationsprovidinginformationonChina'sforeigntradesystem,suchasthe:"AlmanacofForeignEconomicRelationsandTrade"and"TheBulletinofMOFTEC"publishedbyMOFTEC;"StatisticalYearbookofChina",publishedbytheStateStatisticalBureau;"China'sCustomsStatistics(Quarterly)",editedandpublishedbytheCustoms.China'slawsandregulationsoftheStateCouncilrelatingtoforeigntradewereallpublished,aswererulesissuedbydepartments.Suchlaws,regulationsandruleswereavailableinthe"GazetteoftheStateCouncil",the"CollectionoftheLawsandRegulationsofthePeople'sRepublicofChina"andthe"MOFTECGazette".TheadministrativeregulationsanddirectivesrelatingtoforeigntradewerealsopublishedonMOFTEC'sofficialwebsite(http://www.moftec.gov.cn)andinperiodicals.
326.Hefurthernotedthattherewerenoforexrestrictionsaffectingimportorexport.InformationonforexmeasureswaspublishedbytheSAFEandwasavailableonSAFE'swebsite(http://www.safe.gov.cn)andviathenewsmedia.
327.TherepresentativeofChinanotedthatinformationconcerningtheadministrationofimportsandexportswouldbepublishedinthe"InternationalBusiness"newspaperandthe"MOFTECGazette".
328.HealsonotedthatinformationonChina'scustomslawsandregulations,importandexportdutyrates,andcustomsprocedureswaspublishedinthe"GazetteoftheStateCouncil"andinthepressmedia,andwasavailableuponrequest.Theproceduresconcerningapplicationofdutyrates,customsvalueanddutydetermination,drawbackanddutyrecovery,aswellastheproceduresconcerningdutyexemptionsandreduction,werealsopublished.Customsalsopublishedmonthlycustomsstatistics,calculatedaccordingtocountryoforiginandfinaldestination,onthebasisofeight-digitHSlevels.
329.TherepresentativeofChinanotedthatanybilateraltradeagreementsconcludedbetweenChinaanditstradingpartners,andprotocolsontheexchangeofgoodsnegotiatedunderthemwerepublishedin"TheTreatySeriesofthePRC".Healsonotedthatthe"DirectoryofChina'sForeignEconomicRelationsandTradeEnterprises"and"China'sForeignTradeCorporationsandOrganizations"weretwopublicationswhichidentifiedforeigntradecorporationsandotherenterprisesinChinaengagedinforeigntrade.
330.TherepresentativeofChinastatedthatthefulllistingofofficialjournalswasasfollows:GazetteoftheStandingCommitteeoftheNationalPeople'sCongressofthePeople'sRepublicofChina;GazetteoftheStateCouncilofthePeople'sRepublicofChina;CollectionoftheLawsofthePeople'sRepublicofChina;CollectionoftheLawsandRegulationsofthePeople'sRepublicofChina;GazetteofMOFTECofthePeople'sRepublicofChina;ProclamationofthePeople'sBankofthePeople'sRepublicofChina;andProclamationoftheMinistryofFinanceofthePeople'sRepublicofChina.
