Five Ministries Launch Nationwide Assessment of 20 Year Old Petrochemical Units Safety and Digital Upgrades Accelerate

China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, together with four other government bodies, has jointly issued a directive to launch a comprehensive evaluation of aging petrochemical and chemical production units across the country. The scope covers facilities whose main equipment has reached its designed lifespan or has been in operation for over 20 years as of May 30, 2025.

The assessment will focus on facility status, safety reviews, and additional performance checks for these older units. Authorities are also finalizing an action plan to accelerate the modernization of outdated petrochemical infrastructure, with an emphasis on higher safety, environmental standards, and digital transformation.

This nationwide push aims to identify risks, promote green upgrades, and drive the high-quality development of China’s chemical industry. Enhanced standards and policy support are expected to pave the way for safer, cleaner, and smarter operations in the sector.