China Revises the Agricultural Law, Effective in 2027

On August 28, 2026, the President of the People’s Republic of China promulgated the Agricultural Law, which shall take effect on January 1, 2027.

The revised Law consists of fourteen chapters and 115 articles. It specifies that the production and business operations of agricultural means of production shall, in accordance with law, be subject to filing, registration, or licensing, and prohibits the production and sale of phased-out products. It improves standards for the quality and safety of agricultural products, inspection and testing, traceability, and supervision over e-commerce sales. It provides support for the integrated production, processing, and sale of agricultural products, cold-chain logistics, and the commercialization of agricultural scientific and technological achievements; protects land operation rights and the land rights and interests of state-owned farms; and regulates the participation of social capital in rural development. The departments in charge of agriculture and rural affairs may conduct on-site inspections and investigations and seal up or seize business premises, facilities, or property involving agricultural inputs suspected of being in violation of the law. For unlawful charges, apportionment of expenses, compulsory paid services, and the like, the relevant fees shall be refunded and corresponding liabilities shall be borne.