Business tax to VAT reform formally announced

The Ministry of Finance and the State Administration of Taxation issued a circular that said the business tax will be replaced by a value-added tax starting on May 1.

Adjustment of hygiene and food business licenses

The China Food and Drug Administration and the National Health and Family Planning Commission recently issued a circular revoking licenses for restaurants, cafes, bars and tea houses issued by local hygiene departments as management of food safety and hygiene licenses will be handed to the food and drug authorities.

Urban taxi management rule abolished

The Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development and the Ministry of Public Security abolished the urban taxi management regulation on March 16.

Quality supervision method issued

The State Administration for Industry and Commerce passed a new regulation on the supervision of product quality, which will become effective on May 1. It forbids sales of products with the so-called three-nos. That is they do not have any information on the manufacturer, date of production or correspondence.

Financial support for poverty reduction urged

The People's Bank of China and six other departments issued implementing instructions requiring relevant departments to support poverty reduction programs after thoroughly assessing the financing needs of poor people.