China bans archives inquiry charging

BEIJING - The State Archives Administration on Friday reiterated that archive authorities at all levels are banned from charging individuals or companies for file inquiries.

Those who violate the order will be punished, administration head Yang Dongquan told a Friday meeting.

Archives authorities at all levels should be aware of "free and better services," and reduce procedure for users of the resource, said Yang.

China abolished archive fees in August, along with 33 other charges at central institutions.

Yang also promised to speed up building of modern digital archives to improve management and speed up inquiries.