I. Regulatory Framework

1. Air Pollution Prevention and Control Law

• Catering businesses must install and regularly maintain油烟净化设施 (oil fume purification systems) to ensure emissions comply with standards.

• Failure to clean systems, resulting in超标排放 (excessive emissions), may incur fines of RMB 5,000 to RMB 50,000.

2. National Emission Standards for Cooking Fumes (GB 18483-2001)

• Requires餐饮企业 (catering enterprises) to clean油烟净化设备和管道 (purification systems and ducts) at least quarterly, with records retained for inspection.

3. Fire Protection Law and Local Fire Codes

• Accumulated grease in ducts is classified as a fire hazard. Businesses failing to clean ducts regularly may face legal liability for accidents.

4. Regional Regulations

• Beijing Air Pollution Control Regulations: Mandates monthly cleaning in high-risk zones.

• Shanghai Oil Fume Pollution Control Measures: Requires real-time emission monitoring.

• Cities like Beijing and Shanghai enforce stricter rules. For example:

II. Key Policy Requirements

1. Cleaning Frequency

• High-risk zones (residential/commercial areas): Quarterly (monthly in cities like Beijing).

• General zones: Biannually.

• Large establishments or high-usage venues: Increased frequency as determined locally.

2. Cleaning Standards and Qualifications

• Services must be performed by certified companies holding清洁清洗行业资质证书 (Cleaning Industry Qualification Certificates).

• Fire-resistant and eco-friendly detergents required. Post-cleaning, ducts must be grease-free, with emissions ≤2.0 mg/m³.

3. Documentation and Reporting

• Photos and written records (e.g., Oil Fume Duct Cleaning Log) must be retained for at least two years.

• Some regions require submissions to environmental or fire departments.

4. Real-Time Monitoring (Pilot Programs)

• Cities like Shenzhen and Hangzhou are trialing IoT-based emission monitoring systems.

III. Enforcement and Penalties

1. Inspections

• Joint inspections by environmental, fire, and market regulatory agencies.

• Portable emission testing devices used for on-site verification.

2. Violation Consequences

• First offense: Mandatory rectification; fines of RMB 5,000–50,000 for non-compliance (Air Pollution Law, Article 118).

• Fire incidents or severe pollution: Business license revocation and criminal liability.

IV. Industry Recommendations

1. Maintain Compliance Records

• Retain contracts, invoices, and photos for inspections.

2. Select Certified Service Providers

• Verify credentials (e.g., China Cleaning Industry Association certifications).

3. Upgrade Equipment

• Install high-efficiency systems (e.g., electrostatic or UV photolysis purifiers) to reduce maintenance needs.

4. Monitor Local Policies

• Cities like Chengdu offer “Green Catering” subsidies for eco-friendly upgrades.

V. Latest Updates (2023)

• Ministry of Ecology and Environment Notice on Strengthening Oil Fume Control (May 2023):

• Provincial capitals and key regions must achieve 100% real-time emission monitoring coverage by 2024.

• Digitalized cleaning records to replace paper-based systems.

Regional Compliance Variations

For detailed guidance, consult local environmental or fire authorities.