White List for the Auction Market Released: 139 Enterprises Sign Self-Discipline Agreement

Commitments in the Self-Discipline Agreement:

Do not auction items prohibited by the state for circulation.

Do not auction stolen or illegally exported cultural relics from other countries.

Do not engage in commercial appraisal activities.

Do not charge any fees to consignors before the auction.

Do not engage in any form of false advertising regarding auction items.

Report by: Niu Weikun

Yesterday, at the "Momentum Toward the New — 2025 China Cultural Relics and Art Auction Market Annual Forum," 139 domestic auction companies signed the Self-Discipline Convention for Chinese Cultural Relics and Art Auction Enterprises, providing a reference "white list" for the auction market and contributing to maintaining the market's healthy order.

The forum was organized by the China Auction Industry Association and focused on the regulation and development of private cultural relics collections, the applicability and integration of international standards for cultural relics and art auctions, and the future persistence and transformation of the auction market. It invited company leaders, collectors, experts, and scholars to share their insights.

Cai Wei, founder of "Minghe Yaji" and a collector, called for the establishment of a more transparent transaction mechanism to promote a healthy market cycle. In his view, accumulating trust and reputation is the key to the industry. Hu Yanyan, President of China Guardian Auctions, echoed his sentiment, emphasizing that auction companies must uphold the principles of integrity, cultural quality, and professionalism while leveraging technology to empower the auction process, enhancing efficiency and user experience.

The Self-Discipline Convention has been signed by 139 domestic auction enterprises, including China Guardian Auctions, Beijing Poly Auctions, and others. If any member violates the commitments outlined in the convention and the violation is verified, they will be disqualified from receiving industry-related awards, rankings, and other qualifications. Additionally, their auction industry qualification level may be revoked. The convention's enforcement body will also report to the relevant authorities and suggest penalties.

Wang Bo, President of the China Auction Industry Association, stated that cultural relics and art auctions are not just market activities; they also carry the mission of continuing the Chinese cultural legacy and activating the contemporary value of cultural heritage. The implementation of the newly revised Cultural Relics Protection Law of the People's Republic of China, along with the deepening of the new round of technological revolutions and industrial transformations, presents both new opportunities and challenges for the cultural relics and art auction market. Therefore, the auction industry needs to use innovation as its engine, driving the three forces of technological empowerment, rule upgrades, and international collaboration, in order to build a sustainable development model that combines cultural depth with market vitality.

A representative from the relevant department of the National Cultural Heritage Administration stated that the Administration will strengthen market supervision, guide enterprises in standardizing their operations, and actively explore reforms to support the innovative development of the industry.