China's microdrama rules stay in draft with a blank commencement date
Article 53 of the NRTA draft leaves the date it takes effect literally empty. The three provisions that would bite hardest on coin monetisation are not in force.
What this basis means: Regulatory filing, government body, court or industry association.
The full text of China's draft measures on microdrama development runs to 8 chapters and 53 articles. Article 53 reads 第五十三条 本办法自 起施行 - the date on which the measures take effect is left literally blank. The draft carries a publication stamp of 2026-06-24 14:08, and the consultation window (意见反馈截止时间为2026年7月23日) closed on 23 July 2026 without a finalised text.
Three provisions are therefore not in force. Article 34 would require AI-generated microdramas to carry a visible label on every episode. Article 37 would prohibit algorithms that induce addiction or excessive spending ("不得使用诱导用户沉迷、过度消费等的算法模型"). Article 40 would require clear disclosure of fee information for paid content.
Articles 37 and 40 are the provisions that would most directly constrain the coin and in-app-purchase model used across the category. Both remain pending rather than live. The commencement date has not been set.
Tracked instrument China, NRTA Order No. 16 — Measures for the Administration of Micro Short Drama Development (微短剧发展管理办法)
Sources
- 微短剧发展管理办法（征求意见稿） National Radio and Television Administration