Related stories

Rules for the Implementation of Regulations on the Management of Foreign Invested Financial Institutes for the People's Republic of China (the Rules) Implementation Measures of the "Rules of the People's Republic of China on Customs Protection of Intellectual Property Rights" Order No. 31 of the State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television (SARFT) - Provisions of Administration on Sino-Foreign Joint Films Production (the Provisions) Provisional Rules on the Administration of Foreign Enterprises Engaging in Design Activities for Construction Projects within the People's Republic of China (the "Rules") Decision on Amendments to the Law of Judges of the People's Republic of China

Regulations on the Administration of Production and Transaction of Broadcasting and TV Programmes (The Regulations)

广播电视节目制作经营管理规定

Issued: July 19, 2004

Effective: August 20, 2004

Issuing Authority: SARFT

The Regulations apply to radio, film or television Programmes establishing entities engaging in the production and copyright transaction, or acting as an agent for the copyright transaction, of radio, film or television Programmes. SARFT is the administrative authority of Programme-making entities and activities in Programme production. A Certificate for Radio, Film and/or Television Programmes Production (Certificate) (validity term two years) must be obtained from SARFT to establish Programme-producing entities or engage in any of the aforementioned activities.

The criteria for entities applying for a Certificate include being an independent legal person and having registered capital of no less than 3 million yuan. Entities possessing a Certificate or TV stations at or above those of city-station level are permitted to engage in TV show production after obtaining a TV Programme-Making License (License), of which there are two types: License A and License B.  License B is only granted for one TV show production, and its validity term is 180 days. License A has a validity term of two years, and the licensing covers all TV shows produced during the period (terms for both are extendable). If a foreign professional participates in a TV show production as one of its major staff, permission from SARFT should be presented when applying for the License. Cooperation in TV Programme production with a foreign organization must be reported to SARFT. SARFT will publicize the issuing of all Certificates and Licenses.    

Entities with a Certificate must not engage in the production of news reports, editorials or TV features.  Programme-producing entities must abide by the law and should not engage in producing Programmes that may endanger national security, social stability, union of nationalities, or those of superstitious or pornographic nature.