This article appeared in the 3rd edition of The International Comparative Legal Guide to Cartels and Leniency 2010; published by Global Legal Group Ltd, London(www.iclg.co.uk)

You can aslo download a bookmarked PDF version of this guide book at the following link:

http://www.iclg.co.uk/index.php?area=4&show_chapter=3380&ifocus=1&kh_publications_id=128

 1     The Legislative Framework of the Cartel Prohibition

1.1 What is the legal basis and general nature of the cartel prohibition, e.g. is it civil and/or criminal?

The principal legal basis for cartel prohibition is the Anti-Monopoly Law (AML) and the Price Law (Price Law). At the time of writing, two of China’s antitrust enforcement authorities—the State Administration for Industry & Commerce ( SAIC) and the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC)—have also promulgated a series of implementing regulations for public comments: the Draft of the Regulations on Prohibiting Monopoly Agreements (SAIC) and the Draft of the Regulations on Prohibiting Price Monopoly (NDRC).

In China, violation of cartel prohibition carries administrative as well as civil liabilities. No criminal liability is provided for cartels in China. Continue Reading China Chapter:The International Comparative Legal Guide to: Cartels & Leniency 2010