On September 8, 2025, three sections of the Ecological and Environmental Code (Draft),  i.e., general principles, ecological protection, and green and low-carbon development, were submitted for second reading by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC). On September 12, 2025, these drafts were published in the consultation hub to seek feedback by October 11, 2025. 

This Code represents a significant milestone in the country's legislative history. It comprises five sections: general principles, pollution prevention, ecological protection, green and low-carbon development, legal responsibilities, and supplementary provisions. Once adopted, the following  ten laws are expected to be abolished:

• Environmental Protection Law 

• Environmental Impact Assessment Law

• Marine Environmental Protection Law 

• Law on the Prevention and Control of Air Pollution 

• Law on the Prevention and Control of Water Pollution 

• Law on the Prevention and Control of Soil Pollution 

• Law on the Prevention and Control of Environmental Pollution by Solid Wastes 

• Law on the Prevention and Control of Noise Pollution

• Law on the Prevention and Control of Radioactive Pollution

• Cleaner Production Promotion Law