Rules on Discretion in Ecological and Environmental Administrative Penalties of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (2026 Draft for Comments)

The Rules apply to ecological and environmental authorities at all levels in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region when exercising discretion in administrative penalties, and serve as a reference for production and business operators, project developers, pollutant dischargers and other regulated entities subject to enforcement. They calculate fines through specific, common and adjustment benchmarks; all benchmarks apply to thirteen categories of environmental violations, while other cases use common and adjustment benchmarks. They specify factors including pollution consequences, subjective fault, means and duration of violations, affected objects, repeat violations and corrective actions. The draft establishes lists for non-imposition, mitigation, leniency and aggravation of penalties, sets procedures for collective deliberation and evidence review, and requires transfer of suspected crimes, while repealing the 2023 Rules.