The Chinese government has revised rules targeting the domestic express delivery industry that are set to come into force on 1 June 2025, with an aim to encourage more eco-friendly packaging practices and sustainable growth in the industry.
The update comprises 15 articles and was released by the country’s State Council. The focus is on extending service quality to both urban centres and rural locations.
China Daily.com.cn has reported that the regulatory changes seek to create a modern, efficient, and environmentally sound delivery system.
Companies in the country are expected to reduce packaging waste by improving design and using recyclable or compostable materials.
The new rules also promote partnerships between logistics providers, producers, and online retail platforms.
One of these recommended practices is shipping goods in original packaging to avoid unnecessary repacking.
Another priority is raising the rate of recycled packaging items within the supply chain.
Businesses have been advised to establish recycling facilities in residential areas and operational sites.
In 2024, China’s express delivery services processed approximately 175 billion parcels, according to the news agency.
This figure represents a 21% rise from the previous year and more than double the volume recorded in 2018.
While the industry has become a key driver of growth and improved access to goods, it also faces ecological concerns. The sharp increase in parcel volumes has led to a surge in plastic and paper waste, it was reported.
To address this, companies have been urged to adopt more eco-conscious packaging alternatives. The new rules reflect a broader push for environmentally responsible logistics.
Earlier this month, China’s National Health Commission and Market Regulation Authority released 50 new food safety standards with nine amendments.
Among these, the revisions to two labelling standards – General Standard for the Labelling of Pre-packaged Foods and General Standard for Nutrition Labelling of Pre-packaged Foods – are expected to have the most direct impact on everyday consumer behaviour and the food packaging sector.
