Beijing, China, 28 March – Chinese companies will no longer need import licenses for products in 338 categories as of April 1, the Chinese Trade Ministry said on its website.

Steel-making products, plastics, as well as some machinery and electronic products are part of the list.

According to the announcement, cited Thursday by the China Daily newspaper, importers will be granted “automatic import licenses,” which means that they no longer need prior approval or register the operation at the ministry.

The department of foreign trade said that the measure was intended to promote the balanced development of foreign trade in China by simplifying the administrative requirements for importing goods. (macauhub)