UPCOMING Webinar02: Navigating China’s Shifting Standardization Strategy

Since 2025, a distinct shift is gradually taking place in China’s standardization strategy. The rules are changing faster than many have anticipated, especially after the launch of the 15^th Five-Year Plan. China initiated a new round of standardization reform in last year; and its impact is already being felt. Relying on past practices may no longer suffice for stakeholders engaged with the Chinese market.

Since March 2025:

Local standards in China have been cut by 40%.
Local standard-setting authority has been pulled up from county level to city or province. What used to work in one county may no longer apply.
Long-standing schemes have been cancelled – the Enterprise Top Runner System, Standardization Innovative Enterprise Recognition, and SDO Association Assessment are gone.

Meanwhile, the institutional balance is shifting. Competition between national standards and sector standards is intensifying, while association standards are being being given greater prominence – with a clear push on improving their quality and increasing their role in international standard-setting.

These changes collectively represent not a minor adjustment but a fundamental overhaul of the Chinese system.

Why This Matters:

SESEC is offering you an exclusive 60-minute briefing to cut through the noise and deliver the strategic intelligence you need. The webinar will take place on 28 April 2026 from 10:00 to 11:00 CET, featuring Dr. Betty Xu, Director of SESEC, and will incorporate insights drawn from an insightful sharing given by Dr. Li Aixian, former Vice President of the China National Institute of Standardization (CNIS).

Notably, in October 2025, Dr. Li Aixian was invited to brief Premier Li Qiang at the 16^th Study Session of the State Council, where she presented an in-depth analysis of the current state, challenges, and strategic importance of standardization for China’s economic development. SESEC invited Dr. Li Aixian to SESEC 2026 Reception to give the sharing on China’s Standardization. Her insider perspective will be highlighted by Dr. Betty Xu during this webinar.

What You Will Learn:

Insider perspectives from Dr. Li Aixian, former Vice President of CNIS.
China’s top 10 standardization events in 2025, encompassing all sectors critical to EU business in China.
A brief recap on China’s standardization system and the standardization reform.
China’s strategic plan to shift from standards follower to standards leader.

Who should attend

This webinar is intended for EU policymakers, trade associations, regulatory and standards managers, corporate strategists with China exposure, and any professional seeking to anticipate rather than simply react to China’s rapidly evolving standardization landscape. Professionals involved in cross-border trade, compliance , or strategic planning related to China will find this session particularly valuable.