Transitioning China to a circular economy through remanufacturing: A comprehensive review of the management institutions and policy system

As an advanced form of green economic development, remanufacturing is gaining attention because of its significant environmental, economic and social benefits. Many countries have formulated relevant policies to support the development of remanufacturing industry for a more sustainable society. As a strategic emerging industry, China's remanufacturing industry has made rapid progress driven by government policies in recent years. This research critically analyzes the management institutions and policy system for the development of remanufacturing industry in China. China's remanufacturing policy system, including one National Law, one Regulation of the State Council, 166 Documents of the State Council and the Ministries and Commissions, is comprehensively reviewed. These policies reflect current issues and set future directions for remanufacturing in China through comparison with the policy of the U.S., Europe and Japan. Suggestions for further improvements are made accordingly. These include: defining clear and specific responsibility of management institutions, modifying the legal and standards system, launching tax incentives for remanufactured products, establishing a standardized reverse logistics system, strengthening the publicity and promotion of remanufactured products, as well as enhancing consumer awareness. This research comprehensively depicts the overall picture of remanufacturing industry in China from the policy and institutional perspective. These findings are useful for the development of remanufacturing in other industrializing countries.