For the purpose of further implementation of the Administrative Regulations on Commercial Franchising (Order of the State Council [2007] No. 485), the Administrative Measures for the Record Filing of Commercial Franchising (Order of the Ministry of Commerce [2011] No. 5) and the Measures for the Administration of Information Disclosure of Commercial Franchising (Order of the Ministry of Commerce [2012] No. 2), the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) issued the Circular of the General Office of the Ministry of Commerce on Further Improving the Administration of Commercial Franchising (“Franchising Circular”) on August 17, 2012, which took effect on the same day.

Pursuant to the Franchising Circular, MOFCOM has set up an administrative office of commercial franchising to take charge of commercial franchising activities. In addition, the Franchising Circular provides that the franchisor shall be regulated under the filling system by competent authorities. The county-level commercial bureau and above will take the responsibility of acceptance and preliminary review of the filing documents.

• Circular of the General Office of the Ministry of Commerce on Further Improving the Administration of Commercial Franchising
• 《商务部办公厅关于进一步做好商业特许经营管理工作的通知》
• Issuing Authority: the Ministry of Commerce
• Date of Issuance: August 17, 2012 / Effective date: August 17, 2012