Publicado · Dominican Republic

China Seeks Business Input on EU Trade and Investment Policies Ahead of WTO Review

China's Ministry of Commerce is collecting written comments from companies, industry associations and research institutions on EU trade and investment policies before a November 15 deadline, ahead of the WTO's 16th trade policy review of the EU in December 2026.

China Opens Public Consultation on EU Trade and Investment Policies

China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) has launched a public consultation inviting companies, industry associations and research institutions to submit questions, concerns and comments on the European Union's trade and investment policies. The notice, issued by MOFCOM's Department of WTO Affairs, is aimed at gathering the views of Chinese enterprises with interests in the EU market. For foreign founders running China-registered companies with European supply chains, customers or investment plans, the consultation offers a formal channel to flag practical difficulties encountered in EU trade and investment.

Why the Consultation Is Happening

The consultation is tied to the World Trade Organization's trade policy review process. Under the schedule set by the WTO's Trade Policy Review Body, the organization's sixteenth review of the EU's trade policies will take place on December 8 and 10, 2026. At that session, WTO members will conduct a comprehensive examination and assessment of developments in the EU's trade and investment policies since 2023, together with their effects.

Trade policy reviews are a regular WTO exercise in which members' trade regimes are examined collectively. The December 2026 session gives WTO members, including China, an opportunity to raise questions about EU measures adopted since 2023 and to assess their impact. China's consultation is intended to help it prepare its input for that review by collecting concrete, first-hand experience from the business community.

What the Notice Asks For

According to the notice, the purpose of the consultation is to better understand the concerns and demands of Chinese enterprises regarding EU trade and investment policy. The ministry is seeking input on relevant issues, concerns and comments. Submissions may be made in written or electronic form and are welcome from enterprises, industry associations, research institutions and other interested parties.

• Who can submit: companies, industry associations, research institutions and similar organizations.
• What to submit: questions, concerns and comments on EU trade and investment policies.
• How to submit: in written or electronic form.
• Deadline: submissions should reach MOFCOM's Department of WTO Affairs by November 15.

How to Submit Comments

The notice provides direct contact details for the Department of WTO Affairs at MOFCOM. Submissions can be sent by fax or email to the addresses listed, and two telephone numbers are available for questions about the process.

• Telephone: 010-85093908; 010-65197341
• Fax: 010-65197762
• Email: [email protected]

Companies preparing a submission should keep in mind that the consultation is about EU trade and investment policies, not about individual commercial disputes. The notice asks for issues, concerns and comments that can inform China's participation in the WTO review. Submissions should therefore describe the policy measure at issue, how it affects cross-border trade or investment, and what outcome the company would like to see. Factual, specific accounts are more useful than general statements.

What This Means for Foreign Founders in China

For foreign founders who have registered a company in China and whose business touches Europe, the consultation is a practical opportunity to raise policy concerns through an official channel. A China-registered entity with European exports, imports, distribution arrangements or investment projects may have relevant experience with EU measures adopted since 2023. The notice does not restrict participation to Chinese-owned firms; it invites enterprises and industry bodies to contribute.

Practical Steps to Consider

• Assess your exposure: identify any EU trade or investment measures adopted since 2023 that affect your China-based operations.
• Document the impact: keep records of how those measures affect costs, market access, compliance obligations or investment decisions.
• Check the deadline: the notice sets November 15 as the cut-off for submissions, so prepare materials well in advance.
• Use the listed channels: send submissions by email or fax to the Department of WTO Affairs, and call the published numbers if you need clarification.
• Coordinate with industry bodies: associations and research institutions may submit collective comments, which can be useful for smaller companies.

Why Timing Matters

The WTO review of the EU is scheduled for December 8 and 10, 2026. The consultation period closes on November 15, leaving a window between the deadline and the review session for the ministry to consolidate input. Companies that want their experience reflected in China's preparation for the review should act before the deadline rather than after.

Key Takeaways

• MOFCOM is collecting comments on EU trade and investment policies from enterprises, industry associations and research institutions.
• The WTO's sixteenth trade policy review of the EU will be held on December 8 and 10, 2026, covering EU policy developments since 2023.
• Submissions are due by November 15 and can be sent by email or fax to MOFCOM's Department of WTO Affairs.
• Foreign founders with China-registered companies and European business interests may find the consultation a useful official channel for raising policy concerns.

This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.

Foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535 for help registering and operating a company in China.