China’s Commerce Ministry and 8 Other Agencies Issue 18 Measures to Boost Commerce Through Technology

Nine Chinese agencies led by the Ministry of Commerce jointly issued an opinion on Oct. 19 with 18 measures to apply AI, big data and other technologies across consumption and the commerce and distribution chain.

By FOCUS BUSINESS editorial staff

The opinion aims to apply new technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, the Internet of Things, cloud computing, blockchain and digital twins across the commerce chain, making it smarter, greener and more integrated in support of a strong domestic market. According to Chinese media, a Ministry of Commerce official said technological innovation will be the core driver of the entire commerce chain.

Consumption: Technology in Goods and Services

For goods, the opinion calls for an “AI + manufacturing” campaign, more smart products, and flexible production and customized manufacturing (C2M) to match supply and demand more precisely. For services, it covers smart household services, digital transformation of catering, “AI + culture and tourism” pilots, and robot and virtual digital-human companion services.

Distribution and E-commerce: Digitizing Logistics and Certification Data

In distribution, it calls for faster digital and intelligent supply chains, wider use of smart warehouses and unmanned delivery, online-offline integration for wholesalers and retailers, and digitization of agricultural wholesale markets. For e-commerce, it proposes expanding an “authenticate first, ship later” model, linking China Compulsory Certification (CCC) information to platforms for lookup, and attaching traceability QR codes.

Future Commerce Scenarios and the Institutional Setting

The opinion also lists commercial AI agents, embodied intelligence in commerce, blockchain-based product carbon footprint accounting, and green stores and logistics parks. On institutions, it mentions implementing a national standard on tiered intelligence levels for AI terminals, tiered management of commercial AI agents, clearer limits on data collection, use and sharing, and regulatory sandbox pilots. On funding, it refers to financial support for technological upgrades and equipment renewal at consumer-facing commercial facilities.

Business Checkpoints

Many Korean-owned businesses in China are in retail, distribution, catering, logistics and e-commerce. Items such as smart logistics, digital transformation and traceable certification data bear directly on how these businesses operate. Companies selling imported consumer goods should watch how the detailed rules on CCC information lookup and traceability QR codes are set.

The document is an opinion that sets direction and tasks; the reports did not disclose quantitative targets or budgets. Implementation details will need to be confirmed in follow-up measures from the agencies and local governments.

※ This article is based on Chinese media reports of the announcement by the Ministry of Commerce and eight other agencies.