The NGO law newly adopted by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress will take effect on January 1st, 2017. According to the law, overseas NGOs must secure approval from Chinese authorities before they can operate on the Chinese mainland.

This applies to non-profit, non-governmental organisations that are legally founded outside the Chinese mainland, including foundations, society organisations and think tanks. To set up offices on the mainland, the NGOs must be able to bear civil liability independently and have operated for at least two years.

They can engage in activities in a wide range of areas including economy, education, sports, and disaster relief, and enjoy necessary assistance and services from governments at all levels, as well as preferential tax policies.

The NGOs will be banned from engaging in or sponsoring commercial, political or religious activities.