(Promulgated by Decree No. 217 of the State Council of the People's Republic of China on May 20, 1997, and effective as of the date of promulgation)

Article 1 These Regulations are formulated for the purposes of protecting traditional arts and crafts and promoting the prosperity and development of the undertaking of traditional arts and crafts.

Article 2 Traditional arts and crafts used in these Regulations refer to a variety of handicrafts and techniques that have existed for over one hundred years and marked by a long history, exquisite skills, have been passed on from generation to generation, have a complete technical process, have been made of natural materials, have a distinct national style and local features, and are renowned both at home and abroad.

Article 3 The State practices a policy of protection, development and improvement of varieties and techniques of traditional arts and crafts.

Local people's governments at or above the county level shall strengthen leadership over the work of protection of traditional arts and crafts and shall take effective measures to support and promote the prosperity and development of the cause of traditional arts and crafts in their respective districts.

Article 4 The department of the State Council in charge of the work of protection of traditional arts and crafts is responsible for the nationwide work of protection of traditional arts and crafts.

Article 5 The State practices a system of identification and verification with regard to varieties and techniques of traditional arts and crafts. The varieties and techniques of traditional arts and crafts that tally with the requirements laid down in Article 2 of these Regulations shall, in accordance with the provisions of these Regulations, be identified and verified as the varieties and techniques of traditional arts and crafts.

Article 6 The varieties and techniques of traditional arts and crafts shall be assessed and examined by the assessment and examination board composed of the experts engaged by the department of the State Council in charge of the work of protection of traditional arts and crafts shall, according to the assessment and examination conclusion of the assessment and examination board, make and publicize an identification.