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Ecodesign and the Brussels effect: How the Development of European Union’s Ecodesign Legislation Influenced China’s Regulatory System
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- This thesis explores the influence of the European Union (EU) on Chinese environmental legislation, specifically in relation to Ecodesign and the Brussels Effect. The increasing global concerns over the environmental consequences of production models have emphasized the need for more sustainable products and environmental protection. China's role as a global economic powerhouse and major manufacturer has made its environmental impact significant. The thesis aims to examine the extent to which EU laws have shaped Chinese legislation by investigating the dynamic relationship between the EU's environmental regulations and China's regulatory landscape. More specifically this thesis aims at answering the following research question: "has the European Union, through its normative power, influenced the Chinese environmental legislation through the promotion of norms at the Member States level?". The study adopts a literature review-based methodology, analyzing existing research and relevant laws, supplemented by interviews with Chinese industries. The systematic analysis identifies research gaps, trends, and key themes while ensuring the validity and reliability of the findings. The research confirmed the presence of both the de facto and de jure variants of the Brussels Effect in China's Ecodesign legislation. Chinese corporations modified their production processes to comply with EU rules, and China implemented Ecodesign legislation based on EU regulations. In conclusion, the study found that the EU's normative power and the Brussels Effect have influenced Chinese environmental legislation, particularly in the area of Ecodesign. The EU's standards and regulations played a significant role in shaping Chinese Ecodesign regulations.