Last week, China Insights has launched an external publication series in collaboration with Vereniging Nederland China (VNC), the Dutch-China business association. The first of three articles, “New Procurement Rules Offer New Opportunities,” was published June 3rd on VNC’s website.

The article examines China’s new national standard for “domestic products” in government procurement, effective January 1, 2026. A policy shift that reshapes the competitive landscape for foreign businesses in Chinese public tenders. The core takeaway: companies with genuine, well-established local manufacturing in China stand to gain real advantages, while those relying on imports or minimal local assembly may need to accelerate their localization strategy to stay competitive.

In the column, China Insights contributor Richard van Ostende unpacks the new three-part definition of “domestic” status, the 20% evaluation-price advantage now available to qualifying products, and the phased five-year transition period industries will need to navigate.

Two further articles will follow in the coming months:

• Part 2: China’s foreign investment policy, and practical steps entrepreneurs can take when looking to invest.

• Part 3:’Made in China’ — the localization criteria China is establishing per industry sector.

Read the full article on VNC’s website: New Procurement Rules Offer New Opportunities