The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation (MOFTEC) recently announced the lifting of license controls on 14 kinds of products.

Only 12 kinds of products are under license control now. They include refined oil, natural rubber, tires, automobiles and parts, motorcycles and parts and cameras.

MOFTEC said imports of autos and parts have a quota limitation of US$7.9 billion this year; motorcycle and parts US$380 million; automotive hoists and chassis US$120 million; cameras US$133 million; and watches US$482 million.

Importers of these machinery and electronic products need to apply for licenses from MOFTEC and other authorized organizations between February 1 and 28.

Importers of 17 categories of machinery and electronic products, which are purchased through international bidding, need to ask for licenses from MOFTEC, too.

MOFTEC officials said license control and other non-tariff measures on imports will be gradually called off in accordance with China's laws and commitments to the World Trade Organization.

Management of imports will gradually come to be based on relevant laws including the foreign trade law, import and export management regulations and anti-dumping, anti-subsidy and protective measures rules, officials said.

(China Daily February 23, 2002)