There are 24 examination and approval departments for foreign capital projects in Shanghai. The Shanghai Foreign Investment Operation Commission is in charge of the examination and approval of projects with investment from $10 million USD up to $30 million USD and those projects with investment of more than $30 million which fall in the State-encouraging category and do not need the over-view of the State.

The people's government of the district or county is in charge of the examination and approval of projects under $10 million USD and projects in the city's industrial zone with investment of under $30 million USD. The examination and approval of projects in Pudong New Area and the Waigaoqiao Bonded Area with investment under $30 million are in the charge of the Economic & Trade Bureau of Pudong New Area and the Management Commission of Waigaoqiao Bonded Area.