The State Council has decided to remove 62 administrative approval items specified by the central government and implemented by local governments in an effort to further transform government functions.

The 62 items are to be removed by the end of 2015, according to the list made public on Oct 14.

The decision abolishes a regulation concerning production licenses for mineral water. Also, professional qualifications for certified tax agents and jewelry appraisers no longer need administrative approvals.

Programs in the high technology industry that are not seeking investment from the central government no longer need approval, nor do qualifications for designated retail drugstores or medical institutions of basic medical insurance.

The decision also abolishes the approval of establishing off-campus learning centers, salaries at State-owned enterprises, sales plans at lottery sales agencies and programs supported by social welfare funds.

The decision is part of efforts to further promote reforms in administrative examinations and approval systems and streamline administration and delegate power to lower levels. The government will continue to remove administrative approval items.