The State Council issued a guideline on March 26 to deepen reform of the standardization system.

The guideline, signed by Premier Li Keqiang, aims to establish a new type of system, by unifying “government-oriented” and market-driven standards.

According to the guideline, the existing systems are “unable to adapt to the needs of China’s economic and social development”.

It also says that the standards, which define an acceptable quality limit, aim to support the establishment of a unified market system and “take China’s economy to a medium-high level”.

In order to deepen reform, the guideline requires that the authorities should streamline the standards system by gradually integrating mandatory national, sector and local standards, so as to establish a unified system of mandatory national standards.

The government will aim to foster the system developed by the main market players, by encouraging various associations and alliances to develop standards that meet the needs of the market and the country’s goals regarding innovation.

An efficient standardization coordination system will be established to coordinate major reforms concerning standardization and the implementation of standards across departments and areas, with a focus on potential controversies.

The creation of world-class quality standards for China, enhancing the country’s “go global” strategy, will promote Chinese products, technologies and services in global markets, according to the guideline.