The State Council decided to cancel and amend a batch of penalty items in administrative regulations and department rules to improve the business environment, according to a circular issued on Nov 1.

Sixteen items of administrative penalties in housing and urban-rural development and other areas will be canceled, and 17 items of administrative penalties in industry and information technology and other areas will be amended, the circular said.

Related departments under the State Council should submit their revision plans to the State Council for amending related administrative regulations and finish amending and repealing related department rules within 60 days from the date of issuance of the circular.