The regulations for anti-seismic construction was passed at the State Council executive meeting on May 12, 2021, and will go into effect on Sept 1, 2021, according to a State Council decree signed by Premier Li Keqiang.

To improve earthquake resistance of projects under construction, reduce disaster risks, and safeguard the safety of people’s lives and property, the regulations apply to anti-seismic investigation, design, construction, appraisal, fortification, maintenance, and corresponding supervision in China.

The design document of construction projects should include the intensity, categories, and intended measures of seismic fortification.

The State encourages contractors and construction parties to collect and keep information of non-visible work via digital means.

Construction projects for schools, kindergartens, hospitals, nursing facilities, child welfare institutions, emergency operation centers, emergency shelters, and broadcast buildings should be equipped with seismic fortification measures, and meet the highest standards for key projects.

Producers and operators of seismic mitigation and insulation devices should establish a unique coding system and seal system for quality inspections.

China adopts the anti-seismic performance appraisal system for construction projects. Some may require post-construction fortification by the proprietors.

For rural areas, renovation of dilapidated houses, projects for migrant relocation, and post-disaster reconstruction should meet the imperative requirements of seismic fortification, the regulations said.