China's microdrama licensing measures take effect with classification thresholds unissued
NRTA Order No. 16 came into force on 1 September 2026, unamended from the text published on 31 July. The investment thresholds Article 5 delegates to a later instrument had not been issued, and the regulator published no implementing measure on the day.
What this basis means: Regulatory filing, government body, court or industry association.
China's National Radio and Television Administration Order No. 16, the measures for the administration of micro short drama development, took effect on 1 September 2026. Article 54 sets that date; the measure was adopted at an administration meeting on 27 July 2026 and signed by director Cao Shumin on 30 July.
The text is unchanged from the version published on 31 July, at 54 articles across eight chapters.
The measure contains no transitional provision. Article 50 provides an opt-in to a higher classification; Article 53 preserves higher law.
Article 5 sorts microdramas into three classes by investment and subject matter, defines the tiers only qualitatively, and assigns the numerical standards to a later instrument. Those standards had not been issued as of 1 September. As of 1 September the administration had published no implementing measure, no policy interpretation since 23 May 2025, and no filing-disclosure form under Article 14.
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), China, NRTA filing review tiers and the AI micro short drama classification notice
Sources
- Order No. 16 — measures for the administration of micro short drama development (opens in a new tab) National Radio and Television Administration