Entering the Association

Constitution of Hunan Botanical Extract Association

Chapter 1 General Provisions

Article 1 The name of this Association is Hunan Botanical Extract Association (abbreviated as HNBEA).

Article 2 The nature of this Association: Hunan Botanical Extract Association is a non-profit social organization voluntarily formed by companies (groups), industrial enterprises legally established in Hunan Province engaged in the research, development, production, and sales of botanical extracts, as well as related research institutions, educational bodies, social organizations, and individuals. It is a social entity legally registered with the Hunan Provincial Department of Civil Affairs.

Article 3 The purpose of this Association is to abide by the Constitution, laws, regulations, and state policies, practice core socialist values, and uphold social ethics and moral standards. In accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Communist Party of China, this Association shall establish a CPC organization, carry out Party activities, and provide necessary conditions for the activities of the Party organization. The Association adheres to the socialist market economy as its guide, is dedicated to serving its members, reflects the voice of its members, actively plays an organizational and coordinating role, and safeguards the legitimate rights and interests of its members. It actively serves competent government departments, provides industry opinions for government departments in formulating industry management policies, tax incentive policies, business guidance, and conducting research. The Association vigorously advocates the "Green Theme" and provides guidance on the research, development, production, and sales of botanical extracts. Adhering to the scientific development outlook and the principle of revitalizing the industry through science and technology, it promotes the development of new technologies and processes and facilitates their transformation into advanced productivity. It promotes the modernization and industrialization of botanical extracts, enhances the competitiveness of Hunan botanical extract enterprises in the industry, facilitates corporate economic and technological progress, and drives the rapid development of the botanical extract industry.

Article 4 This Association accepts the business guidance and supervisory management of the Hunan Provincial Department of Civil Affairs.

Article 5 The address of this Association is Room 1008-13, 10th Floor, Building A, No. 618 Heping Road, Longping High-Tech Park, Changsha Furong Area, China (Hunan) Pilot Free Trade Zone.

Chapter 2 Scope of Business

Article 6 The business scope of this Association:

This Association carries out its work under the principles of "self-sufficiency," "self-discipline," and "self-reliance." Its business scope includes:

(1) Organizing member units to study and implement relevant state policies and guidelines, conducting research on strategic issues related to the development of the industry, reporting to relevant government departments in a timely manner, making recommendations, and assisting in the formulation of policies and regulations concerning industry development.

(2) Investigating the basic conditions of the industry, collecting and organizing baseline industry data, assisting government departments in formulating industry development plans, and participating in the formulation and revision of various industry standards. Coordinating industry business and special statistical work to provide a basis for government policy-making and to serve the business decisions of member units. Proposing policy opinions and recommendations to government departments based on industry development needs.

(3) Formulating industry self-discipline conventions and codes of conduct, organizing self-regulatory management activities within the industry, standardizing self-management practices, enhancing the overall quality of the industry, and safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of enterprises and the industry.

(4) Organizing relevant seminars, experience-sharing sessions, or thematic forums in a timely manner according to the development needs of the botanical extract industry, promoting best practices and modern marketing methods.

(5) Providing member units with information on policies, economics, technology, products, and markets; exchanging information on R&D, production, and sales of botanical extracts; and offering various consulting services to member units. Coordinating relationships among members and between members and other parties, and promoting cooperation and development within and beyond the industry.

(6) Conducting economic, technological, trade, and academic exchanges and cooperation with international counterparts; organizing member units and related organizations to participate in international professional conferences and visit relevant international exhibitions and expos; assisting member units in introducing foreign investment and advanced technology; and contributing to the global competitiveness of Hunan's botanical extract products.

(7) Organizing domestic and international training for professionals in business, technology, and management in the industry; conducting various training programs as requested by members; compiling training materials; improving the qualifications of professionals in Hunan's botanical extract industry; strengthening publicity efforts for botanical extracts; publishing Association journals; building industry information websites; enhancing the social status of the botanical extract industry; and expanding the social influence of the Association and its member units.

(8) Organizing or participating in various forms of exhibitions, shows, trade fairs, and industry forums related to the botanical extract industry, helping enterprises expand distribution channels and establishing a platform for information exchange on botanical extract product distribution.

(9) Conducting theoretical research and academic exchanges in the industry, compiling relevant industry materials; organizing demonstration projects for comprehensive utilization of botanical extracts; and actively promoting new technologies and research achievements.

(10) Strengthening ties between this industry and other industries and related associations; undertaking tasks entrusted by government authorities and member enterprises; and carrying out other activities beneficial to industry development.

(11) Promoting exchanges among member units to achieve resource sharing, mutual complementarity of advantages, solidarity, mutual assistance, and common development.

Matters within the business scope that are subject to approval in accordance with laws, regulations, and rules shall be carried out only after obtaining such approval.

Chapter 3 Membership

Article 7 Membership categories: The Association consists of corporate members and individual members, including companies (groups) and industrial enterprises legally established in Hunan Province with independent legal personality that are legally engaged in botanical extract operations, as well as related research institutions, educational bodies, and social organizations.

Article 8 Applicants for membership must meet the following conditions:

(1) Support the constitution of this Association;

(2) Have the willingness to join this Association;

(3) Have a certain level of influence in the industry field of this Association.

Article 9 Membership admission procedures:

(1) Submit a written membership application;

(2) Be approved by the Council through deliberation;

(3) Be issued a membership certificate by the Council or its authorized body.

Article 10 Members enjoy the following rights:

(1) The right to vote, the right to stand for election, and the right to vote in this Association;

(2) The right to participate in the activities of this Association;

(3) Priority in obtaining services provided by this Association;

(4) The right to be informed of the work of this Association, the right to criticize and make suggestions, and the right to supervise;

(5) Freedom to join or withdraw from the Association voluntarily.

Article 11 Members shall fulfill the following obligations:

(1) Implement the resolutions of this Association;

(2) Safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of this Association;

(3) Complete tasks assigned by this Association;

(4) Pay membership dues in accordance with regulations and may voluntarily provide financial support;

(5) Report relevant information and provide required materials to this Association.

Article 12 Members who withdraw from the Association shall notify the Association in writing and return their membership certificates.

A member who fails to pay membership dues or participate in Association activities for one year shall be deemed to have automatically withdrawn from the Association.

Article 13 Any member that seriously violates this Constitution shall be expelled upon a resolution passed by the Council.

Chapter 4 Organizational Structure and Election/Removal of Officers

Article 14 The highest authority of this Association is the General Assembly of Members. The powers of the General Assembly of Members are:

(1) Formulating and amending the Constitution;

(2) Electing and removing directors and determining fee standards;

(3) Reviewing the work report and financial report of the Council;

(4) Deciding on the work guidelines and tasks of the Association;

(5) Deciding on the termination of the Association or other major matters.

Article 15 The General Assembly of Members can only be convened when more than two-thirds of the member representatives are present, and its resolutions can only take effect when approved by more than half of the member representatives present.

Article 16 The General Assembly of Members shall have a term of four years. In the event of special circumstances requiring early or postponed re-election, a resolution shall be passed by the Council and submitted for approval to the Hunan Provincial Department of Civil Affairs as the social organization registration authority. However, the postponement shall not exceed one year.

Article 17 The Council is the executive body of the General Assembly of Members and shall lead the day-to-day work of the Association during the period when the General Assembly is not in session, and shall be responsible to the General Assembly of Members.

Council members are elected through a representative system, whereby the legal representative of an elected council member unit shall serve as a director. Special directors may be recommended by the Secretariat after obtaining the consent of relevant units when work requires.

If a director, during their term of office, leaves their current position due to job changes or other reasons and no longer performs their duties as a director, the director's unit shall appoint a replacement and report to the Secretariat for record.

Article 18 The powers of the Council are:

(1) Implementing the resolutions of the General Assembly of Members;

(2) Preparing for the convening of the General Assembly of Members;

(3) Reporting on work and financial status to the General Assembly of Members;

(4) Deciding on the admission or expulsion of members;

(5) Electing and removing the Chairman, Vice Chairmen, and Secretary-General;

(6) Deciding on the establishment of administrative offices, branches, representative offices, and entities;

(7) Deciding on the appointment of Deputy Secretaries-General and heads of various bodies;

(8) Approving internal management systems and leading the work of the Association's various bodies;

(9) Approving the appointment of Honorary Presidents, Honorary Advisors, and Advisors;

(10) Deciding on other major matters.

Article 19 A meeting of the Council can only be convened when more than two-thirds of the directors are present, and its resolutions can only take effect when approved by more than two-thirds of the directors present.

Article 20 The Council shall hold at least one meeting per year; when circumstances require, meetings may be convened through communication methods.

Article 21 This Association shall not establish a Standing Council.

Article 22 The Chairman, Vice Chairmen, and Secretary-General of this Association must meet the following conditions:

(1) Adhere to the Party's line, principles, and policies, and possess good political quality;

(2) Have significant influence in the business field of this Association and be familiar with and passionate about the industry's work;

(3) The maximum age for the Chairman, Vice Chairmen, and Secretary-General shall not exceed 65 years old, and the Secretary-General shall be a full-time position;

(4) Be in good health and able to perform duties normally;

(5) Not have been subject to criminal punishment involving deprivation of political rights;

(6) Possess full civil capacity.

Article 23 If the Chairman, Vice Chairmen, or Secretary-General exceed the maximum age limit, they may only take office after a resolution is passed by the Council and approved by the Department of Civil Affairs.

Article 24 The Chairman, Vice Chairmen, and Secretary-General of this Association shall be elected from among the directors and approved by the Council, with a term of four years. The consecutive term of the Chairman, Vice Chairmen, and Secretary-General shall not exceed two terms.

Should the Chairman, Vice Chairmen, or Secretary-General change jobs and no longer work in the botanical extract industry, the Council shall decide through an electoral vote.

Article 25 The Chairman of this Association shall serve as the legal representative. If special circumstances require the Vice Chairman or Secretary-General to serve as the legal representative, this may only occur after approval by the Department of Civil Affairs.

The legal representative of this Association shall not serve as the legal representative of any other organization.

Article 26 The Chairman of this Association exercises the following powers:

(1) Presiding over the day-to-day work of the administrative bodies and organizing the implementation of annual work plans;

(2) Nominating candidates for Secretary-General and deciding on the appointment of full-time staff for administrative offices, representative offices, and entities;

(3) Convening and chairing Council meetings;

(4) Inspecting the implementation of resolutions passed by the General Assembly of Members and the Council;

(5) Signing important documents on behalf of this Association.

Article 27 The Secretary-General of this Association exercises the following powers:

(1) Presiding over the day-to-day work of the Secretariat;

(2) Coordinating the work of branches, representative offices, and entities;

(3) Nominating Deputy Secretaries-General and the principal heads of administrative offices, branches, representative offices, and entities for decision by the Council;

(4) Participating in decisions regarding the appointment of full-time staff for administrative offices, representative offices, and entities;

(5) Handling other day-to-day affairs.

Chapter 5 Asset Management and Principles of Use

Article 28 The sources of funds for this Association are:

(1) Membership dues;

(2) Donations;

(3) Government subsidies;

(4) Income from activities or services conducted within the approved scope of business;

(5) Interest;

(6) Other lawful income.

Article 29 This Association collects membership dues in accordance with relevant state regulations.

Article 30 The funds of this Association must be used for the business scope and the development of the cause as stipulated in this Constitution and shall not be distributed among members.

Article 31 This Association shall establish a strict financial management system to ensure that accounting records are lawful, true, accurate, and complete.

Article 32 This Association shall employ accounting personnel with professional qualifications. The accountant shall not concurrently serve as the cashier. Accounting personnel must carry out accounting work and exercise accounting supervision. When accounting personnel are transferred or leave their posts, they must complete the handover procedures with the successor.

Article 33 The asset management of this Association must implement the financial management system prescribed by the state, and is subject to the supervision of the General Assembly of Members and financial authorities. Assets sourced from state allocations or social donations and subsidies must be subject to audit by audit authorities, and relevant information shall be disclosed to the public through appropriate means.

Article 34 This Association must undergo an audit by the social organization registration authority before the change of leadership or replacement of the legal representative.

Article 35 No entity or individual may appropriate, privately divide, or misappropriate the assets of this Association.

Article 36 The salaries, insurance, and welfare benefits of full-time staff of this Association shall be handled with reference to relevant state regulations for public institutions.

Chapter 6 Procedures for Amending the Constitution

Article 37 Amendments to this Constitution shall be submitted to the General Assembly of Members for deliberation after a resolution is passed by the Council.

Article 38 The amended Constitution shall take effect after approval by the Hunan Provincial Department of Civil Affairs as the social organization registration authority within 15 days of being passed by the General Assembly of Members.

Chapter 7 Termination Procedures and Post-Termination Financial Arrangements

Article 39 If this Association completes its purpose or needs to be dissolved due to division, merger, or other reasons, the Council shall propose a resolution for termination.

Article 40 The termination resolution of this Association must be passed by the General Assembly of Members.

Article 41 Prior to termination, a liquidation team shall be established under the guidance of the social organization registration authority and relevant authorities to settle claims and debts and handle post-termination affairs. During the liquidation period, no activities other than liquidation shall be conducted.

Article 42 This Association shall be terminated upon completion of deregistration procedures with the Department of Civil Affairs.

Article 43 The remaining property after termination of this Association shall, under the supervision of the social organization registration authority, be used for undertakings related to the purposes of this Association in accordance with relevant state regulations.

Chapter 8 Supplementary Provisions

Article 44 This Constitution was passed by the General Assembly of Members on August 10, 2018.

Article 45 The authority to interpret this Constitution rests with the Council of this Association.

Article 46 This Constitution shall take effect as of the date of approval by the social organization registration authority.