China’s top legislature has passed a number of revisions to the law on consumer rights and interests. It’s the first time any amendments have been made since the law was adopted in 1993.
The Standing Committee of the 12th National People’s Congress adopted the bill through a vote at its bi-monthly session. The bill has been through three readings since April this year. The revisions focus on better ways of protecting consumer rights and interests, with added regulations designed to cover the recent boom in online shopping.
There are also stricter liability laws governing businesses. The changes come as the Chinese government tries to steer the country more towards domestic consumption, as a means of fuelling economic growth. Academics have welcomed the changes, particularly in the areas of online shopping.
"Under the new regulations, if a third-party transaction platform cannot provide the real contacts and addresses of online shop owners, it then must shoulder all responsibilities, and pay compensation in any dispute," said professor Liu Junhai from Renmin University Law School