The State Council has approved launching a pilot program in Pudong New Area of Shanghai to apply the "one integrated license" for market access to specific sectors at lower costs, announced in a circular released on Nov 19.

The reform, lasting till the end of 2022, helps market entities enter an industry through one integrated license, replacing previously required multiple ones.

With the reform, Pudong New Area will take the lead in establishing systems for sector-specific integrated license, and advance one-stop online delivery of administrative services.

Such systems, focusing on closely-watched industries where multi-phased market entry approvals are usually needed, will cover 31 sectors in the first round, such as e-commerce, internet-based hospitals and accounting firms.

Together with the reform, 25 permit items under the responsibility of State Council departments will be processed and issued by the authorities in Pudong New Area.

The departments, responsible for management of the industries, will be assigned to lay down detailed rules for implementing the integrated license reform and new guidelines applicable to each sector.

To offer guidance to market entities, the national integrated government service platform will support the disclosure of the list of the sectors covered in the reform and the guidelines.

The reform will allow license applicants to obtain a customized notification letter online to understand how to be eligible and what documents are required, and then submit an application via one single form.

For departments involved, procedures ranging from pre-approval services and document review to license issuance, will be integrated, with clear accountability.

To push forward the integrated license reform, notification-commitment system will be further carried out to spare applicants the trouble of providing certificates needed for gaining administrative permits.

For higher efficiency, the reform will introduce functions such as online handling of applications, automated review and approval, and service rating.

Sectors concerned will be subject to coordinated supervision, with the help of smart management and participation of multiple stakeholders.

Other mechanisms for sharing information, strengthening the rule of law and adjusting reform tasks will be in place to facilitate implementation.