Deep Seabed Resources Law of China (2016) · Yalla China
قانون موارد المنطقة البحرية العميقة (2016) / Deep Seabed Resources Law (2016)
Enacted: 2016-02-26 ✅ Effective: 2016-05-01
📝 Overview
Regulates exploration and development of resources in the deep seabed area by Chinese companies or those licensed by China.
This is general information only, not legal advice. For your specific case, consult a licensed lawyer.
📜 The law text / key provisions
The Deep Seabed Resources Law (2016) provides: (1) Scope: applies to deep sea areas beyond national jurisdiction limits; (2) Exploration licenses: Ministry of Natural Resources grants licenses for mineral resource exploration and development; (3) Environmental protection: companies required to conduct environmental impact assessments and protection measures; (4) Technology transfer: provisions for partnership with developing countries in technology transfer; (5) Foreign companies: permitted to apply for Chinese deep-sea licenses.
💬 Practical reading
💬 This is a general reading/opinion for orientation — not the official legal text nor legal advice.
If your company works in deep sea exploration, ensure obtaining the appropriate license from the relevant Chinese authorities and conducting the necessary environmental assessments.
📎 Official source
National People's Congress of China
🕒 Updated: 16 March 2026