On October 31, 2025, the National Technical Committee of Information Technology (SAC/TC28) released the draft national recommended standard Information technology- Big data- Core metadata for data asset for public comments until December 31, 2025, which marks a significant step in China’s efforts to standardize the management and exchange of data assets. The initiative aligns with China’s broader strategy to strengthen data infrastructure, as outlined in policy documents such as “Data Elements ×” Three-Year Action Plan (2024-2026), Digital China Construction Overall Layout Plan (2023), and Digital China Construction 2025 Action Scheme. In this context, the standard aims to establish a unified framework for describing key attributes of data assets, facilitating their registration, evaluation, trading, and governance.
The standard defines the core metadata for describing data assets and their extension methodology. It applies to the development and construction of data asset service platforms, addressing the needs for data sharing and exchange during data asset registration, evaluation, and assessment processes. Additionally, it provides the necessary framework for administrative institutions to compile and report data asset information to their superior authorities in a consistent format. The national standard establishes a comprehensive framework for data asset description through a structured metadata system. It defines a four-tiered architecture for core metadata, progressing from fundamental asset information to detailed operational specifications (see more details in the Figure 1 below).
Specifically, the standard establishes a hierarchical metadata framework with five fundamental information categories at Level 1. These encompass Basic Information for identification and lifecycle tracking, Ownership Information for rights clarification, Management Attribution for organizational responsibility, comprehensive Entity Information covering technical, financial and operational characteristics, and Usage Status Information governing access controls. This structure extends through Levels 2-4 with granular specifications, where Entity Information branches into detailed Financial Information covering purchase, valuation and assessment data. The progressive classification system ensures methodical characterization of data assets across administrative, technical and operational dimensions.
Furthermore, detailed attribute specifications for all core metadata elements are provided to define five essential characteristics for each item: Chinese name, English name, definition, data type, and value domain. Data types encompass both basic formats – including numeric, string, date, binary and boolean – and composite types constructed from these fundamental elements. The value domain establishes clear boundaries for acceptable values, ensuring precise interpretation and consistent implementation across different systems and organizational contexts.
For foreign stakeholders, China’s new data asset metadata standard requires foreign firms to adapt their data management systems, increasing compliance costs but creating clearer operational frameworks. While implementation demands technical adjustments, the standardization enables better market access and interoperability within China’s data ecosystem. The regulation ultimately establishes predictable rules for data valuation and exchange, though companies must invest in system upgrades to meet the requirements.
Chinese source of the article: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/VRJ8cRz-9PqpqvxtBTsysw
