Procedures
Two instances, short limitation periods and a strong mediation preference
The Civil Procedure Law gives a two-instance system: a first-instance judgment may be appealed once, and the second-instance decision is final. The general limitation period is three years.
Key rules
- Jurisdiction — The 2023 amendment expanded jurisdiction over foreign-related disputes and refined recognition of foreign judgments.
- Deadline — Appeal within 15 days of a first-instance judgment (30 days for foreign parties)
- Deadline — Three-year general limitation period from when the claim was known
- Deadline — Retrial application within six months of a judgment taking effect
Governing law
- Civil Procedure Law of the PRCrevised 2023
- Civil Code of the PRC (2021) (arts. 188-199 (limitation))
In practice
Courts actively promote mediation, and a mediated settlement confirmed by the court is enforceable like a judgment. There is no discovery comparable to common-law systems: parties must produce their own evidence, though a court may order production or investigate. Enforcement runs through the court's own enforcement division, backed by a public list of judgment debtors that restricts travel and credit. Foreign judgments are recognised on the basis of treaty or reciprocity; arbitral awards are enforced under the New York Convention.