China: Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’s measures for registration and management of technology contracts enter into force

On 23 January 2026, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’s (MIIT) measures for the registration and management of technology contracts enter into force. The measures aim to strengthen the management of the technology market and standardise the identification and registration of technology contracts, in accordance with the Civil Code of the People’s Republic of China and the Law on the Transformation of Scientific and Technological Achievements. The measures apply to natural persons, legal persons, and unincorporated organisations. MIIT is responsible for the national certification and registration of technology contracts, and provincial-level competent departments are responsible within their regions, including contract identification, registration, management, supervision, inspection, and implementation of relevant policies. Registration is, in principle, subject to a seller registration system, with buyer registration possible by agreement of all parties in specified circumstances. Registration entities must submit true, legal, and complete contract texts, including electronic contracts, and other relevant materials, within the validity period after the contract takes effect.