China to end salt monopoly: authority  

工信部确认将取消食盐专营 加速推进盐业改革

据央视《新闻直播间》报道，日前，工业和信息化部表示，目前有关部门正按照十八届三中全会精神加紧研究制定推动盐业体制改革方案，盐业体制改革总的方向是政企分开，取消食盐专营。这也是第一次政府部门对取消食盐专营取消的传闻加以确认。[查看全文]

China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has confirmed that the country's salt monopoly regulation is set to be abolished, China Central Television (CCTV) reports.

It marks the first time a government department has given a clear response to questions and rumours that have abounded for several months.

The reform will introduce more free-market mechanisms to the industry and reduce state interference in industry activities, providing a fairer platform for enterprises operating in the sector.

China introduced the salt monopoly policy in May 1996 to ensure that edible salt be supplemented with iodine, a vital nutrient.

In 2006, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) issued a new regulation, mandating that all new operations acquire a certificate before entering the salt industry. This regulation was canceled in April.

The China Salt Society revealed last month that the NDRC has approved the 7th edition of the reform plan. The core idea is to abolish the salt monopoly starting in 2016, and to begin letting market forces. Full details of the reform have yet to be announced.