The central bank said on Thursday that the some types of gold
and gold product shipments would require its permission.
The People's Bank of China (PBOC) and General Administration of
Customs jointly announced the rule, which was effective
immediately. No reason was given for the move.
The circular listed more than 10 kinds of gold-based compounds,
including gold potassium cyanide.
Most domestic shipments, including those from free trade zones,
export processing zones and areas under the special supervision of
customs were included in the rule, but most foreign trade shipments
were excluded.
China produced 270.29 tons of gold last year, up 12.67 percent
from 2006, which made it the world's second largest bullion
producer after South Africa, statistics from the China Gold
Association showed earlier this week.
(Xinhua News Agency February 1, 2008)
