China's Ministry of Finance, General Administration of Customs, and State Administration of Taxation have jointly issued Notice No. 23/2021 on the taxation policy for imports supporting technological innovation. The notice provides that scientific research institutions, technology development institutions, schools, and libraries that import qualifying goods and technology that cannot be produced in China or, if produced in China, cannot meet demand/requirements are exempted from import duties and import VAT. Further, books and materials imported for scientific research and teaching are exempted from import VAT and, subject to customs review and approval, import duty exemptions are provided for medical testing and analytical instruments and their accessories and supporting equipment for scientific research and testing and clinical trials.

The Notice is effective from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2025.