In this China Monthly Tax Brief for December 2025, we highlight key taxation developments relevant to businesses.
Businesses operating in China are suggested to pay attention to the tax filing and payment deadlines for 2026 to avoid late payment penalties and tax credit downgrading.
China Draft VAT Implementation Regulations will reshape tax certainty for foreign-invested enterprises, streamlining compliance, cash flow, and cross-border trade planning.
China has released the 2025 edition of its Encouraged Foreign Investment Catalogue, significantly expanding the scope of industries eligible for preferential policies. The new catalogue will take effect on February 1, 2026.
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Trump has threatened an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods in retaliation for the expansion of rare earth export controls. This timeline was created on January 21, 2025, and was last updated on October 11, 2025.
The 2026 tariff schedule seeks to support development of key industries while upholding commitments under China's free trade agreements.
MIIT has released a detailed scenario‑based reference guide outlining how Chinese manufacturers should adopt digital technologies to enhance operational performance. The blueprint signals clearer expectations for how companies can align with China’s ongoing industrial transformation.
China has released the 2025 edition of its Encouraged Foreign Investment Catalogue, significantly expanding the scope of industries eligible for preferential policies. The new catalogue will take effect on February 1, 2026.
Businesses operating in China are suggested to pay attention to the tax filing and payment deadlines for 2026 to avoid late payment penalties and tax credit downgrading.
In this China Monthly Tax Brief for December 2025, we highlight key taxation developments relevant to businesses.
China has renewed its existing rules on the pre‑tax deduction of advertising and promotion expenses with no substantive changes. The policy extension will apply from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027.
A professional budget evaluation is far more than checking numbers—it is a strategic assessment from assumptions to risks. This article provides a structured framework for reviewing investment requests to ensure resources are allocated wisely.
Doing Business in China 2026 is out now and available for free download! It is designed to guide new and established investors in China with updated policy changes.
China Draft VAT Implementation Regulations will reshape tax certainty for foreign-invested enterprises, streamlining compliance, cash flow, and cross-border trade planning.
China’s ESG compliance framework moved from voluntary disclosure to enforceable obligations in 2025. Businesses face rising costs and governance requirements as carbon and reporting rules tighten.
China’s new organic product certification rules, effective January 1, 2026, significantly tighten requirements across certification, inspections, traceability, and post-certification supervision, marking a shift toward continuous regulatory oversight. Domestic producers, foreign-invested enterprises, and overseas exporters must now meet higher compliance, documentation, and transparency standards to maintain market access in China’s organic sector.
Foreign companies entering China often discover that their trademarks have already been filed or registered by others. This article examines the legal and strategic responses available to reclaim or protect brand rights.
Understanding what qualifies as genuine and compliant trademark use is critical for protecting trademark rights in China. This article outlines the legal framework, compliance requirements, and risks associated with improper trademark use.
Foreign investors often consider lower-tier cities in China for cost savings, but the practical challenges can be significant. This article highlights the most common risks and provides actionable steps for choosing the right location.
China is accelerating the build‑out of its biomanufacturing ecosystem, creating expanding opportunities across upstream, mid‑stream, and downstream segments. Companies that focus on key clusters and proactively manage compliance will be best positioned to benefit.
Starting December 18, 2025, Hainan's 30 percent added value rule enables duty-free transfers to mainland China for goods processed in Hainan. This policy creates new options for cost reduction and supply chain optimization.
Bolstered by strong government backing, the nascent industry poses exciting opportunities for green applications, but investors must be aware of intrinsic early mover risks.
Our tracker provides continuous updates on key economic and growth indicators in China’s manufacturing industry. The data for October 2025 has now been updated.
China’s tourism sector is shifting toward a more regulated, experience-driven, and sustainability-oriented model as policymakers modernize the market and travel demand continues to rebound.
Hong Kong’s 2026 holiday schedule features 15 statutory holidays and 17 general holidays, reflecting the city’s dual‑holiday framework. Employers should plan ahead to manage staffing needs, compliance obligations, and peak‑period operational demands.
This article offers a guide to minimum wages in the Chinese Mainland and discuss how labor costs are affected by changes to the minimum wage levels. The data is current as of December 30, 2025.
Doing Business in China 2026 is out now and available for free download! It is designed to guide new and established investors in China with updated policy changes.
Employers in China face growing scrutiny over performance appraisal systems tied to pay. Standardizing procedures and ensuring transparency can help mitigate legal risks and maintain compliance.
Non-fixed-term labor contracts provide employees with significant protection under China’s Labor Contract Law. Employers must understand the triggers and compliance requirements to avoid costly disputes.
Doing Business in China 2026 is out now and available for free download! It is designed to guide new and established investors in China with updated policy changes.
The oil and gas industry is shifting to AI, predictive analytics, cloud computing, IoT sensors, and robotics to reduce downtime, optimize wells, and improve safety.
Timeline tracking key developments affecting EU-China relations, including trade and business engagement, under the new European Parliament.
The latest official Q&A on cross-border data transfer clarifies rules balancing security and business needs. Foreign investors must adopt proactive compliance strategies to avoid risks.
Data compliance in China requires more than policy – it demands operational capability supported by technology. Digital tools help enterprises reduce risk and achieve resilient governance.
Dezan Shira & Associates is a pan-Asia, multi-disciplinary professional services firm, providing market entry, legal, accounting, tax, HR, technology and operational advisory to international investors.
Asia Briefing publishes articles, magazines, and guides on doing business in Asia. Dezan Shira & Associates has produced the publication since 1999.
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