On July 30, the Social Organization Administration Bureau of the Ministry of Civil Affairs published a list of typical cases involving violations of regulations and laws within the social organization sector. The report stated that since 2026, various regions and departments have intensified efforts to rectify irregularities among trade associations, chambers of commerce, and other social organizations, leading to the investigation and punishment of a series of violations. Among the cases was the disclosure of accountability measures following the previously scrutinized leadership election irregularities at the Ningxia Catering and Hotel Association, where the number of appointed leaders exceeded the authorized limit. The seven typical cases are as follows:
Typical Case 1: Shanxi Sichuan Chamber of Commerce faced severe internal management issues. Investigations revealed that the chamber had unjustifiably delayed its leadership election beyond the mandated term, failed to hold board meetings as stipulated in its charter, and its president, Chen, was listed as a dishonest debtor. Chen mismanaged operations, arbitrarily expelled members of the supervisory board and other members, and refused to accept regulatory oversight, displaying a defiant attitude. The party organization within the chamber was weak and lax, failing to provide proper political oversight. In May 2026, Chen was removed from his position and placed on the list of individuals deemed unsuitable to lead provincial-level industry associations. The party branch secretary, Xie, was forced to resign. Other issues were referred to relevant authorities for further action.
Typical Case 2: Jilin Rice Association's board failed to hold elections beyond its term and refused to accept supervisory inspections. Investigations showed that the board had not been re-elected since June 2013, leading to a massive loss of registered members, rendering the board ineffective and the organization in a state of paralysis. The association lacked a fixed office, full-time staff, and conducted no activities per its charter, resulting in severe operational dysfunction. It failed to participate in annual inspections from 2019 to 2021, received a "fail" rating in 2022, submitted false materials in 2023, and skipped inspections in 2024 and 2025. In May 2026, authorities revoked the association's registration certificate as a penalty.
Typical Case 3: Jiangxi Blasting Equipment Association violated the Anti-Monopoly Law of the People's Republic of China and the Interim Provisions on Prohibiting Monopoly Agreements. Investigations found that the association organized local civil explosive companies to sign a "Provincial Civil Explosive Market Order Maintenance Convention" and related implementation rules. These agreements stipulated production limits, restricted cross-provincial sales, set minimum sales prices, and established blacklists and integrity deposit mechanisms, all of which violated regulations. In March 2026, authorities ordered the association to correct its violations and imposed a fine of 300,000 yuan. Two participating companies were each fined 200,000 yuan.
Typical Case 4: Chongqing Coffee Association suffered from severe internal management issues and refused to accept supervisory inspections. Investigations revealed that the association had long ignored regulations on social organization registration, with a weak party organization, absent decision-making bodies, and no leadership elections since its founding in November 2019. Its internal management systems were ineffective, leading to disordered operations. It failed to undergo annual inspections in 2021 and 2022, received "fail" ratings in 2023 and 2024, and skipped inspection in 2025. In March 2026, authorities revoked the association's registration certificate as a penalty.
Typical Case 5: The former "Tibet Beauty and Hair Care Health and Cosmetics Association" was dissolved after its registration was revoked but refused to comply, illegally establishing a "Tibet Beauty and Hair Care Association" to continue operations. Investigations showed that after the original association's registration was revoked, its legal entity status was terminated. However, individuals involved refused to comply and illegally set up a simplified version of the organization under the name "Tibet Beauty and Hair Care Association," using a "one address, two signs" approach to confuse the public and conduct unauthorized activities. In June 2026, authorities disbanded the illegal association, ordered a halt to its activities, and summoned the actual responsible person for a meeting.
Typical Case 6: Ningxia Catering and Hotel Association exceeded the authorized number of leadership positions. Investigations found that in April 2025, the association submitted 29 leadership candidates to the registration authority without first seeking approval from the industry management department. It then held a member representative conference and improperly elected 83 leaders. In January 2026, it unilaterally changed the annual meeting plan by adding an agenda item to elect additional vice presidents, resulting in the irregular election of eight more vice presidents. In February 2026, authorities imposed a three-month suspension of activities on the association and held nine individuals from the Department of Commerce, the Department of Civil Affairs, and the association itself accountable. In April 2026, the association's party branch secretary, Wang, received a warning from the party and was removed from his position.
Typical Case 7: The "China Love Hand Volunteer Team" in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region operated illegally without registration, acting as a social group. Investigations revealed that since 2019, the team had recruited members across Xinjiang without proper registration, establishing a hierarchical structure with team administrators, county-level leaders, and 21 WeChat groups, public accounts, and video accounts to conduct offline visits, gatherings, and other activities. In July 2026, authorities disbanded the "China Love Hand Volunteer Team" as a penalty.
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