BEIJING, March 16 -- China's national lawmakers on Wednesday approved the charity law with 2,636 affirmative votes, 92.49 percent of the total.

The new law, adopted at the annual legislative session and to take effect in September, eases restrictions on fundraising and operations of charity groups, promises tax benefits for charitable activities, and tightens scrutiny on their internal management.

The law stipulates how charities should be registered, giving approved charities more freedom in their operations.

Currently only a few charities are allowed to raise money.