Chinese legislators are reportedly writing a law on direct marketing, where businesses use individuals to sell products rather than sell through shops.

China banned almost all direct marketing activities in 1998 to curb illegal operations, but has been forced to lift the ban as a requirement of entry into the World Trade Organization.

Currently a qualified direct marketing company needs a registered capital of 10 million US dollars and sales revenue of at least 60 million US dollars, in order to get a license.

Only 10 foreign companies are allowed to practice direct marketing in China, including Amway and Avon.

The US's Wall Street Journal predicts that China will endorse the law by the end of this year.

(CRI.com November 10, 2004)