China's top legislature adopted a law on Antarctic activities and environmental protection on November 6, 2026, effective January 1, 2027. The law regulates permits, environmental protection, inspections, and penalties for Antarctic activities.
China's top legislature adopted the Law of the People's Republic of China on Antarctic Activities and Environmental Protection on November 6, 2026, according to Xinhua. The law will take effect on January 1, 2027.
The law applies to citizens, legal persons, and unincorporated organizations of China conducting Antarctic activities. Foreigners, stateless persons, foreign legal persons, and unincorporated organizations that organize Antarctic activities within China or depart from China to conduct activities in Antarctica are also governed by the law.
Natural persons, legal persons, and unincorporated organizations conducting Antarctic activities must obtain administrative permits, except for shipping activities that pass through without landing in Antarctica. Applicants for permits for expeditions, tourism, shipping, and other activities must submit activity plans, environmental impact assessment documents, emergency plans, property guarantees, and insurance certificates to the marine department under the State Council.
Activities must protect Antarctic animals and plants, properly handle and dispose of waste, prevent marine pollution, and avoid or reduce adverse impacts on the Antarctic environment. The law prohibits introducing non-native animals and plants, catching or interfering with Antarctic animals and plants, collecting meteorites, and entering specially protected areas, except for scientific research or providing specimens for cultural and educational institutions with a permit.
The implementation of measures with a military nature in Antarctica is prohibited, except for the use of military personnel or military equipment for scientific research or other peaceful purposes. Activities related to mineral resources are prohibited, except those related to scientific research.
The State conducts Antarctic inspections alone or jointly with other Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties. Inspection results are reported to the State Council, notified to relevant contracting parties, and submitted to the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting for review.
Penalties for violations include fines. Conducting expeditions, tourism, or shipping without a permit carries a fine of not less than 100,000 yuan but not more than 500,000 yuan; in serious circumstances, a fine of not less than 500,000 yuan but not more than 1,000,000 yuan, and permit applications will not be accepted within ten years. Failing to implement classified waste treatment carries a fine of not less than 10,000 yuan but not more than 50,000 yuan, rising to not less than 50,000 yuan but not more than 500,000 yuan in serious circumstances, with an order to leave Antarctica within a time limit.
China joined the Antarctic Treaty in the 1980s and has built five research stations on the continent. In May, China completed its 42nd Antarctic expedition, following a voyage that began in November 2025. The expedition yielded significant results in ecological surveys, including comprehensive investigations in the Cosmonaut Sea and the Amundsen Sea.
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