China's tobacco sales regulators have simplified the license
procedure for selling foreign tobacco products.
Tobacco firms previously had to secure separate licenses, one
for tobacco monopoly retail, and another for special tobacco
monopoly retail before being allowed to sell foreign cigarettes.
Companies will now have to secure only one license, in line with World Trade Organization rules.
Director-General of the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration,
Jiang Chengkang, says China will continue to promote foreign trade
and technical cooperation in tobacco goods. He reveals the
government will crack down harder on tobacco fraud and
smuggling.
(CRI January 26, 2004)