BEIJING -- A total of 21 rare-disease drugs and four active pharmaceutical ingredients will be the first to enjoy China's VAT reduction policy, which will take effect on March 1.

The new policy aims to lower the cost for patients with rare diseases and encourage the development of the pharmaceutical industry.

According to the policy, the VAT rate for the import of rare-disease drugs will be reduced to 3 percent. The VAT for the production and sale, wholesale and retail of rare-disease drugs will also be reduced to 3 percent from March 1.

Currently, China has more than 20 million people with rare diseases who have very few treatment options.