A new regulation on common salt came into effect on Jan 4, implementing supply-side structural reform in order to promote effective distribution of salt resources and increase the vitality of the salt market.

According to the new regulation, provincial supervisory departments should designate salt manufacturers and wholesalers, and salt prices are now set by the operators them-selves.

It also abolishes the mandatory management of the manufacturing, wholesaling, distribution and transportation of salt, and the procedure for salt operators to apply for salt transportation permits.

The regulation aims to improve the security of the salt supply by stating that provincial level supervisors are responsible for government salt reserves, and designated manufacturers and wholesalers are responsible for the salt reserves of businesses.

And local governments at county level or above should take necessary measures to ensure salt supply for remote and ethnic are-as, according to the regulation.

It also steps up supervision and control over salt quality and intensifies the credit management of salt businesses.