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On December 19, 2025, the Legislative Affairs Commission of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) announced that the draft Law on Hazardous Chemicals Safety will be submitted for its third reading at the 19th meeting of the 14th NPC Standing Committee. During a press conference, spokesperson Mr. Huang Haihua detailed the draft's provisions, emphasizing that the legislation is designed to strengthen accident prevention measures and safeguard public safety. On December 22, 2025, the Law on Hazardous Chemicals Safety (Third Draft) was reviewed at the meeting. It will soon be made public to solicit comments from various sectors.
Although the overall safety situation regarding hazardous chemicals in China is currently described as stable, accidents continue to occur in specific regions. The draft law is positioned to address these persistent risks, aiming to protect national security, social stability, and the lives and property of the public. It has passed its first reading (24 Dec 2024 to 23 Jan 2025) and second reading (12 Sep 2025 to 11 Oct 2025). Based on comments on the second draft from various sectors, amendments were made. The third draft outlines comprehensive measures to prevent accidents, focusing on seven primary areas.
Key Requirements
Strict Full-Lifecycle Management: The third draft imposes specific requirements and connecting regulations for safety management across all stages, including registration, production, storage, usage, operation, transportation, and disposal.
Corporate Responsibility: Hazardous chemical units must implement a safety production responsibility system that covers all employees. Companies are required to standardize procedures for identifying and rectifying hazards, install appropriate safety facilities, and improve the safety awareness and skills of their workforce.
Clarified Government Oversight: The third draft defines the specific supervisory duties of key departments, governing emergency management, public security, market regulation, ecological environment, and transport, and calls for strengthened regulatory collaboration and joint law enforcement.
Strategic Planning and Layout: The third draft requires the rational planning and layout of production and storage facilities. It specifically mandates strengthened management for chemical industrial parks, including stricter certification and review processes.
Emergency Response Capacity: County-level governments and above, as well as hazardous chemical units, are required to build emergency rescue forces, conduct drills, and enhance the emergency disposal capabilities of practitioners.
Social Participation: The third draft encourages the cultivation of a safety-conscious environment through public education and the encouragement of whistleblowing regarding illegal activities and major accident hazards.
Penalties and Accountability
The third draft significantly intensifies legal liability for non-compliance. It proposes increased fine amounts for violations and establishes personal liability for individuals. Specifically, direct supervisors and other responsible personnel involved in serious violations will face fines, while major responsible persons may be subject to industry bans, restricting them from practicing in the sector.
These provisions will affect all entities within the hazardous chemicals supply chain, including manufacturers, distributors, logistics providers, and chemical industrial parks. Industry stakeholders should prepare for stricter scrutiny regarding safety protocols, facility standards, and personnel training requirements.
