Chinese lawmakers Wednesday began reviewing a revised draft law on the country's intangible cultural heritage (ICH), Xinhua reported.

The draft was submitted to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) for its third reading.

This is the first attempt by China to enact a law in the ICH sector that safeguards heritage of historical, literary, artistic or scientific value. It stipulates that foreign organizations will have to conduct surveys in cooperation with Chinese ICH research institutions. Also, foreign organizations and individuals must submit their research along with copies of on-site data and pictures during the survey, according to the draft law.

Legislators were also quoted saying that the utilization and development of the ICH, which involves intellectual property rights (IPR), should also observe other relevant laws and regulations. The draft law supports the representative heirs in carrying out claims during the exploitation and utilization of ICH projects. New appointments should be made if representative heirs lose the ability to pass on related skills or knowledge, the draft law said.