No, child labor under 14 is illegal in China under the Labor Law of the People’s Republic of China (revised 2018) and Provisions on the Prohibition of Child Labor (2022). Exceptions exist only for cultural or artistic performances with strict provincial approvals and mandatory safeguards. The 2026 draft Minor Protection Law amendments further tighten enforcement, mandating real-time age verification via national databases.
Key Regulations for Child Labor Under 14 in China
- Absolute Prohibition: Article 15 of the Labor Law bans employment for minors under 14, with penalties up to ¥50,000 ($7,000) for employers and criminal liability for severe violations.
- Cultural/Artistic Exemptions: Local labor bureaus (e.g., Beijing Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau) may grant permits for performances, but require parental consent, educational continuity, and capped working hours (≤4 hours/day).
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: The Minor Protection Law draft introduces mandatory digital age verification for all employment checks, enforced by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and local education departments.