Provisional Regulations on the Registration and Management of Civil, Non-Enterprise Institutions (CECC Full Translation)
The following is a translation prepared by the Congressional-Executive Commission on China of the "Temporary Regulations on the Registration and Management of Non-Governmental, Non-Commercial Enterprises" issued by the State Council on September 25, 1998. The Chinese text was retrieved from the Xinhuanet Web site on May 2, 2006.
Temporary Regulations on the Registration and Management of Non-Governmental, Non-Commercial Enterprises
Issued by the State Council at the 8th Standing Committee session on September 25, 1998.
Order No. 251 of the People’s Republic of China’s State Council at the 8th Standing Committee session on October 25, 1998, to take effect from that date.
Chapter 1
General Principles
Article 1
These regulations are formulated to standardize the registration and management of non-governmental, non-commercial enterprises, to protect the lawful rights and interests of non-governmental, non-commercial enterprises, and promote a material socialist and intellectual civilization.
Article 2
These regulations use non-governmental, non-commercial enterprises to refer to social groups engaged in non-profit social services, and that are organized by enterprises, social organizations, other social forces, and individual citizens with the use of non-state funds.
Article 3
Non-governmental, non-commercial enterprises should receive the approval and examination of a sponsor organization, and register according to the stipulations in these regulations, in order to be founded.
Article 4
Non-governmental, non-commercial enterprises must observe the Constitution, the laws, regulations and policies of China, and cannot violate the basic principles of the Constitution. They must not harm the unity of the country, or the security and ethnic harmony of China. Non-governmental, non-commercial enterprises are also not permitted to damage national interests, the interests of society, the interests of other organizations, or lawful interests of Chinese citizens. They may not violate the prevailing social morals. Non-governmental, non-commercial enterprises may not engage in profit-seeking business activities.
Article 5
The Ministry of Civil Affairs and local civil affairs offices at the county level and above are the people’s government bureaus for registration and management of non-governmental, non-commercial enterprises at the corresponding level of government (hereinafter referred to as registration and management bureaus).
The relevant departments of the State Council, and of county-level or higher local peoples' governments, and organizations authorized by them are sponsor organizations for non-governmental, non-commercial enterprises in a related industry, discipline, or scope of activity (hereinafter referred to as sponsor organizations).
Where laws and administrative regulations have other stipulations regarding the supervision and management of non-governmental, non-commercial enterprises, the other stipulations shall apply.
Chapter 2
Jurisdiction
Article 6
The registration and management bureau is responsible for the registration and management of non-governmental, non-commercial enterprises examined and approved by the sponsor organization at the corresponding level.
Article 7
If the registration and management bureau, sponsor organization and the non-governmental, non-commercial enterprises under its jurisdiction are not in one location, the supervision and management work can be entrusted to the registration and management bureau in the place of residence of the non-governmental, non-commercial enterprise.
Chapter 3
Registration
Article 8
In applying to register a non-governmental, non-commercial enterprise, the following conditions should be met:
(1) Examination and approval of the sponsor organization;
(2) A standard name and the necessary organizational structure;
(3) Personnel corresponding to the organization’s professional activities;
(4) Legitimate property corresponding to the organization’s professional activities;
(5) Necessary place of business.
The name of a non-governmental, non-commercial enterprise must be in accord with the regulations of the Ministry of Civil Affairs. Their title may not contain the terms “China,” “National,” or “Chinese.”
Article 9
A non-governmental, non-commercial organization applying for registration should submit the following documents to the registration and management bureau:
(1) A letter of application for registration;
(2) The sponsor organization’s approval document;
(3) Proof of the right to use a place of business;
(4) A financial report;
(5) An overview of the proposed persons in charge and their ID cards;
(6) A draft of the charter.
Article 10
The charter of the non-governmental, non-commercial enterprise should include the following terms:
(1) Name, place of residence;
(2) Aims and scope of activity;
(3) Organizational management system;
(4) Procedures by which legal representatives or responsible individuals are produced and recalled;
(5) Principles for management and use of property;
(6) Procedures for revising the charter;
(7) Procedures for ceasing operations and the handling of remaining assets;
(8) Other matters needing to be handled by the charter’s regulations.
Article 11
Within sixty days of receiving a complete application to establish a non-governmental, non-commercial enterprise, the registration and management bureau should issue a decision on whether to approve the applicant's registration.
Registration should not be granted in the following circumstances, and the reason for refusal should be explained to the applicant:
(1) It is evident that according to the application for registration, the aim and scope of activity of the non-governmental, non-commercial enterprise is not in accordance with article 4 of these regulations;
(2) There has been falsification during the application for establishment;
(3) There already exists a non-governmental, non-commercial enterprise in the same administrative district with the same or a similar scope of activity, and there is thus no need to set up a new one;
(4) The proposed person in charge is currently or has previously had a criminal sentence depriving him of political rights, or does not posses full civil capacity;
(5) There are other circumstances forbidden by laws or administrative regulations.
Article 12
In the case of non-governmental, non-commercial enterprises that have been granted registration, the registration and management bureau will register the non-governmental, non-commercial organization’s name, place of residence, aim and scope of activity, legal representative or other person of responsibility, start-up funds, and sponsor organization; and in accordance with the law, will distribute the “Non-Governmental, Non-Commercial Enterprises Registration Certificate (Legal Entity),” “Non-Governmental, Non-Commercial Enterprises Registration Certificate (Partnership),” “Non-Governmental, Non-Commercial Enterprises Registration Certificate (Individual),” according to the method of civil responsibility.
In the case of non-governmental, non-commercial enterprises that, according to law and other government regulations, have already received an operational license, the registration and management bureau should simplify the procedures, and using the licensing documentation issued by the relevant supervisory authorities, issue the corresponding non-governmental, non-commercial enterprise registration certificate.
Article 13
Non-governmental, non-commercial enterprises cannot establish branch offices.
Article 14
The non-governmental, non-commercial enterprise can use its certificate of registration to have a seal made and open a bank account. Non-governmental, non-commercial enterprises should file the style of their seal and their bank account number on record with the registration and management bureau.
Article 15
If the registration details of a non-governmental, non commercial enterprise need modification, an application should be made to the registration and management bureau to apply for modification of registration within 30 days from the day that the sponsor organization has examined and approved the request.
If non-governmental, non-commercial enterprises revise their charter, they should report it to the registration and management bureau within 30 days from the day that the sponsor organization has examined and approved the revision.
Article 16
If a non-governmental, non-commercial enterprise wishes to voluntarily disband, divide, merge, or cancel its registration for any other reason, it should cancel its registration with the registration and management bureau.
Before cancelling its registration, the non-governmental, non-commercial enterprise should establish a liquidation organization and complete the work of liquidation under the guidance of its sponsor organization and other relevant bureaus. During the process of liquidation, the non-governmental, non-commercial enterprise cannot undertake any other activities.
Article 17
The legal representative or other responsible person should handle cancellation of registration procedures through the registration and management bureau within 15 days of the completion of liquidation. In handling the cancellation of registration, a cancellation application must be submitted, along with the sponsor organization’s examination documents, and a liquidation report.
When the registration and management bureau approves cancellation of registration, it will issue documents certifying that cancellation, and the registration documents, seal, and financial proof must be turned over.
Article 18
Establishment, cancellation, or modification to the name, location, or legal representative of a non-governmental, non-commercial enterprise will be announced by the registration and management bureau.
Chapter 4
Supervision and Management
Article 19
The registration and management bureau will perform the following supervision and management duties:
(1) Bearing responsibility for the registration, alteration, or cancellation of non-governmental, non-commercial enterprises;
(2) Conducting an annual review of non-governmental, non-commercial enterprises;
(3) Conducting a supervisory review of the problems of non-governmental, non-commercial enterprises that violate these regulations, and applying administrative sanctions to the activities of non-governmental, non-commercial enterprises that violate these regulations;
Article 20
Sponsor organizations will perform the following supervision and management duties:
(1) Bearing responsibility for the examination prior to establishment, alteration, and cancellation of registration for non-governmental, non-commercial organizations;
(2) Supervising and guiding non-governmental, non-commercial enterprises to observe the Constitution, laws, regulations and national policies, and conducting activities in accordance with their charter.
(3) Bearing responsibility for the annual review of non-governmental, non-commercial enterprises;
(4) Assisting the registration and management bureau and other related bureaus in investigating and prosecuting the unlawful acts of non-governmental, non-commercial enterprises;
(5) Guiding, along with relevant bureaus, the liquidation of non-commercial, non-governmental enterprises. When performing the duties listed in the prior clause, the sponsor organization cannot collect fees from the non-governmental, non-commercial enterprise.
Article 21
The origin of a non-governmental, non-commercial enterprise’s assets must be legitimate, and no work unit or individual may seize, divert, or embezzle the assets of a non-governmental, non-commercial enterprise.
A non-governmental, non-commercial enterprise’s income, lawfully obtained under relevant national regulations from activities conducted in accordance with its charter, must be used for its scope of activity as defined by the enterprise’s charter.
Contributions or donations received by non-governmental, non-commercial enterprises must be in compliance with the principles and scope of activity stipulated in the organization’s charter, and must be used in compliance with the purposes, methods, and times as agreed upon with the donors. Non-governmental, non-commercial enterprises must report to their sponsor organization regarding the receipt and use of contributions and donations, and they must use appropriate means to publicize relevant information to the public.
Article 22
Non-governmental, non-commercial enterprises must implement the national regulations regarding financial management systems and accept the supervision of finance authorities. Those enterprises whose assets come from state allocations of funds, public contributions, or donations, should also accept the supervision of auditing authorities.
Before a non-governmental, non-commercial enterprise replaces its legal representative or other person of responsibility, the registration and management bureau and the sponsor organization should organize an audit of its financial affairs.
Article 23
Each year non-governmental, non-commercial enterprises should send a work report for the previous year to its sponsor organization prior to March 31. After preliminary review and approval by the sponsor organization, the report must be sent to registration and management authorities before May 31 for the annual review. The work reports must include: the status of the non-governmental, non-commercial enterprise in observing laws, regulations, and national policies, the status of carrying out registration procedures in accordance with these regulations, the status of activities conducted according to the charter, staff and organizational changes, and the status of financial management.
The registration and management bureau should simplify the contents of the annual review for non-governmental, non-commercial enterprises which have, in accordance with article 12, clause 2 of these regulations, been issued a registration certificate.
Chapter 5
Penal Regulations
Article 24
The registration and management bureau must cancel the registration of non-governmental, non-commercial enterprises that engage in fraudulent or deceptive activity when applying for registration or if a sponsor organization has cancelled its approval.
Article 25
In the event of one of the following circumstances, the registration and management bureau is in charge of issuing a warning, ordering a correction, or setting a deadline for the discontinuation of the specified activities; if circumstances are more serious, registration will be cancelled; and in the event of a criminal offense, a criminal punishment will be levied in accordance with the law:
(1) Altering, renting, or lending the registration certificate, or renting, or lending the seal of a non-governmental, non-commercial enterprise;
(2) Overstepping the aims and conducting activities outside the scope of activity stipulated in the charter:
(3) Refusing to accept or not allowing supervision and inspection according to regulations;
(4) Not handling modifications to the registration according to regulations;
(5) Establishing a branch office;
(6) Engaging in for profit business activities;
(7) Seizing, dividing, or diverting non-governmental, non-commercial assets or contributions or donations;
(8) Violating related national laws on collecting fees, raising money, or accepting and using contributions or donations. Illegal revenue or income obtained illegally that are gained through the activities covered in the above regulations, will be confiscated and a fine may also be imposed equivalent to between one and three times the value of the illegal revenue or between three and five times the value of income obtained illegally.
Article 26
The activities of non-governmental, non-commercial enterprises that violate other laws and regulations will be dealt with by the relevant national bureau; if a relevant national bureau believes that the registration should be cancelled, the registration and management bureau is responsible for cancelling registration.
Article 27
In the event that activities are conducted in the name of a non-governmental, non-commercial enterprise without authorization or prior registration approval; or non-governmental, non-commercial enterprises continue to carry out activities in the name of a non-governmental, non-commercial enterprise whose registration has been cancelled; the registration and management bureau should ban the activity and confiscate illegal property. If the activity constitutes a crime, a criminal punishment will be levied in accordance with the law; if the activity does not constitute a crime, a public order administrative punishment will be given.
Article 28
The registration and management bureau will temporarily confiscate the registration certificate, seals, and evidence of financial affairs of non-governmental, non-commercial enterprises that have been ordered to halt activities. Registration and management bureaus will take away the registration certificate and seals of non-governmental, non-commercial enterprises that have had their registration cancelled.
Article 29
In the event that the personnel of registration and management bureaus and sponsor organizations abuse their authority, engage in favoritism or dereliction of duty, thereby constituting a criminal offense, a criminal punishment will be levied in accordance with the law; in the event that it does not constitute a criminal offense, administrative punishments will be levied in accordance with the law.
Chapter 6
Article 30
The form of the “Non-Governmental, Non-Commercial Enterprise Registration Certificate” shall be established by the Ministry of Civil Affairs. It is not permitted to collect fees for performing the annual inspection of a non-governmental, non-commercial enterprise.
Article 31
In accordance with these regulations, non-governmental, non-commercial enterprises founded prior to the implementation of these regulations, should apply for a new registration within one year of the day that these regulations come into effect.
Article 32
These regulations are effective from the day that they are issued.
(1998年9月25日国务院第8次常务会议通过1998年10月25日中华人民共和国国务院令第251号发布自发布之日起施行)
第一章 总 则
第一条 为了规范民办非企业单位的登记管理，保障民办非企业单位的合法权益，促进社会主义物质文明、精神文明建设，制定本条例。
第二条 本条例所称民办非企业单位，是指企业事业单位、社会团体和其他社会力量以及公民个人利用非国有资产举办的，从事非营利性社会服务活动的社会组织。
第三条 成立民办非企业单位，应当经其业务主管单位审查同意，并依照本 条例的规定登记。
第四条 民办非企业单位应当遵守宪法、法律、法规和国家政策，不得反对 宪法确定的基本原则，不得危害国家的统一、安全和民族的团结，不得损害国家利益、社会 公共利益以及其他社会组织和公民的合法权益，不得违背社会道德风尚。民办非企业单位不得从事营利性经营活动。
第五条 国务院民政部门和县级以上地方各级人民政府民政部门是本级人民 政府的民办非企业单位登记管理机关(以下简称登记管理机关)。国务院有关部门和县级以上地方各级人民政府的有关部门、国务院或者县级以上地方各级人民政府授权的组织，是有关行业、业务范围内民办非企业单位的业务主管单位(以下简称业 务主管单位)。法律、行政法规对民办非企业单位的监督管理另有规定的，依照有关法律、行政法规的规定执行。
第二章 管 辖
第六条 登记管理机关负责同级业务主管单位审查同意的民办非企业单位的登记管理。
第七条 登记管理机关、业务主管单位与其管辖的民办非企业单位的住所不在一地的，可以委托民办非企业单位住所地的登记管理机关、业务主管单位负责委托范围内 的监督管理工作。
第三章 登 记
第八条 申请登记民办非企业单位，应当具备下列条件：
(一)经业务主管单位审查同意；
(二)有规范的名称、必要的组织机构；
(三)有与其业务活动相适应的从业人员；
(四)有与其业务活动相适应的合法财产；
(五)有必要的场所。
民办非企业单位的名称应当符合国务院民政部门的规定，不得冠以“中国”、“全国”、“ 中华”等字样。
第九条 申请民办非企业单位登记，举办者应当向登记管理机关提交下列文件：
(一)登记申请书；
(二)业务主管单位的批准文件；
(三)场所使用权证明；
(四)验资报告；
(五)拟任负责人的基本情况、身份证明；
(六)章程草案。
第十条 民办非企业单位的章程应当包括下列事项：
(一)名称、住所；
(二)宗旨和业务范围；
(三)组织管理制度；
(四)法定代表人或者负责人的产生、罢免的程序；
(五)资产管理和使用的原则；
(六)章程的修改程序；
(七)终止程序和终止后资产的处理；
(八)需要由章程规定的其他事项。
第十一条 登记管理机关应当自收到成立登记申请的全部有效文件之日起60 日内作出准予登记或者不予登记的决定。有下列情形之一的，登记管理机关不予登记，并向申请人说明理由：
(一)有根据证明申请登记的民办非企业单位的宗旨、业务范围不符合本条例第四条规定的；
(二)在申请成立时弄虚作假的；
(三)在同一行政区域内已有业务范围相同或者相似的民办非企业单位，没有必要成立的；
(四)拟任负责人正在或者曾经受到剥夺政治权利的刑事处罚，或者不具有完全民事行为能力的；
(五)有法律、行政法规禁止的其他情形的。
第十二条 准予登记的民办非企业单位，由登记管理机关登记民办非企业单位的名称、住所、宗旨和业务范围、法定代表人或者负责人、开办资金、业务主管单位，并根据其依法承担民事责任的不同方式，分别发给《民办非企业单位(法人)登记证书》、《民办非企业单位(合伙)登记证书》、《民办非企业单位(个体)登记证书》。依照法律、其他行政法规规定，经有关主管部门依法审核或者登记，已经取得相应的执业许可证书的民办非企业单位，登记管理机关应当简化登记手续，凭有关主管部门出具的执业许可证明文件，发给相应的民办非企业单位登记证书。
第十三条 民办非企业单位不得设立分支机构。
第十四条 民办非企业单位凭登记证书申请刻制印章，开立银 行账户。民办非企业单位应当将印章式样、银行账号报登记管理机关备案。
第十五条 民办非企业单位的登记事项需要变更的，应当自业务主管单位审 查同意之日起30日内，向登记管理机关申请变更登记。民办非企业单位修改章程，应当自业务主管单位审查同意之日起30日内，报登记管理机关核准。
第十六条 民办非企业单位自行解散的，分立、合并的，或者由于其他原因 需要注销登记的，应当向登记管理机关办理注销登记。民办非企业单位在办理注销登记前，应当在业务主管单位和其他有关机关的指导下，成立清 算组织，完成清算工作。清算期间，民办非企业单位不得开展清算以外的活动。
第十七条 民办非企业单位法定代表人或者负责人应当自完成清算之日起15 日内，向登记管理机关办理注销登记。办理注销登记，须提交注销登记申请书、业务主管单 位的审查文件和清算报告。登记管理机关准予注销登记的，发给注销证明文件，收缴登记证书、印章和财务凭证。
第十八条 民办非企业单位成立、注销以及变更名称、住所、法定代表人或 者负责人，由登记管理机关予以公告。
第四章 监督管理
第十九条 登记管理机关履行下列监督管理职责：
(一)负责民办非企业单位的成立、变更、注销登记；
(二)对民办非企业单位实施年度检查；
(三)对民办非企业单位违反本条例的问题进行监督检查，对民办非企业单位违反本条例的行 为给予行政处罚。
第二十条 业务主管单位履行下列监督管理职责：
(一)负责民办非企业单位成立、变更、注销登记前的审查；
(二)监督、指导民办非企业单位遵守宪法、法律、法规和国家政策，按照章程开展活动；
(三)负责民办非企业单位年度检查的初审；
(四)协助登记管理机关和其他有关部门查处民办非企业单位的违法行为；
(五)会同有关机关指导民办非企业单位的清算事宜。业务主管单位履行前款规定的职责，不得向民办非企业单位收取费用。
第二十一条 民办非企业单位的资产来源必须合法，任何单位和个人不得侵占、私分或者挪用民办非企业单位的资产。民办非企业单位开展章程规定的活动，按照国家有关规定取得的合法收入，必须用于章程规定的业务活动。民办非企业单位接受捐赠、资助，必须符合章程规定的宗旨和业务范围，必须根据与捐赠人 、资助人约定的期限、方式和合法用途使用。民办非企业单位应当向业务主管单位报告接受 、使用捐赠、资助的有关情况，并应当将有关情况以适当方式向社会公布。
第二十二条 民办非企业单位必须执行国家规定的财务管理制度，接受财政 部门的监督；资产来源属于国家资助或者社会捐赠、资助的，还应当接受审计机关的监督。民办非企业单位变更法定代表人或者负责人，登记管理机关、业务主管单位应当组织对其进 行财务审计。
第二十三条 民办非企业单位应当于每年3月31日前向业务主管单位报送上一年度的工作报告，经业务主管单位初审同意后，于5月31日前报送登记管理机关，接受年度 检查。工作报告内容包括：本民办非企业单位遵守法律法规和国家政策的情况、依照本条例履行登记手续的情况、按照章程开展活动的情况、人员和机构变动的情况以及财务管理的情况。对于依照本条例第十二条第二款的规定发给登记证书的民办非企业单位，登记管理机关对其 应当简化年度检查的内容。
第五章 罚 则
第二十四条 民办非企业单位在申请登记时弄虚作假，骗取登记的，或者业 务主管单位撤销批准的，由登记管理机关予以撤销登记。
第二十五条 民办非企业单位有下列情形之一的，由登记管理机关予以警告，责令改正，可以限期停止活动；情节严重的，予以撤销登记；构成犯罪的，依法追究刑事责任：
(一)涂改、出租、出借民办非企业单位登记证书，或者出租、出借民办非企业单位印章的；
(二)超出其章程规定的宗旨和业务范围进行活动的；
(三)拒不接受或者不按照规定接受监督检查的；
(四)不按照规定办理变更登记的；
(五)设立分支机构的；
(六)从事营利性的经营活动的；
(七)侵占、私分、挪用民办非企业单位的资产或者所接受的捐赠、资助的；
(八)违反国家有关规定收取费用、筹集资金或者接受使用捐赠、资助的。前款规定的行为有违法经营额或者违法所得的，予以没收，可以并处违法经营额1倍以上3倍 以下或者违法所得3倍以上5倍以下的罚款。
第二十六条 民办非企业单位的活动违反其他法律、法规的，由有关国家机 关依法处理；有关国家机关认为应当撤销登记的，由登记管理机关撤销登记。
第二十七条 未经登记，擅自以民办非企业单位名义进行活动的，或者被撤 销登记的民办非企业单位继续以民办非企业单位名义进行活动的，由登记管理机关予以取缔 ，没收非法财产；构成犯罪的，依法追究刑事责任；尚不构成犯罪的，依法给予治安管理处罚。
第二十八条 民办非企业单位被限期停止活动的，由登记管理机关封存其登 记证书、印章和财务凭证。民办非企业单位被撤销登记的，由登记管理机关收缴登记证书和印章。
第二十九条 登记管理机关、业务主管单位的工作人员滥用职权、徇私舞弊 、玩忽职守构成犯罪的，依法追究刑事责任；尚不构成犯罪的，依法给予行政处分。
第六章 附 则
第三十条 民办非企业单位登记证书的式样由国务院民政部门制定。对民办非企业单位进行年度检查不得收取费用。
第三十一条 本条例施行前已经成立的民办非企业单位，应当自本条例实施 之日起1年内依照本条例有关规定申请登记。
第三十二条 本条例自发布之日起施行。