On Saturday (Aug 23), China released draft regulations aimed at pricing practices on internet platforms, inviting public feedback following numerous complaints from merchants and consumers about deceptive or unfair pricing by major platforms.
According to a statement from the National Development and Reform Commission, the proposed rules target platforms that offer goods or services, aiming to promote transparency and fairness in pricing.
The commission stated that platform participants must “set and adjust prices through standardized methods, such as contracts and purchase orders.”
Additionally, the regulations mandate that platform operators and merchants “follow clear pricing guidelines, enhance transparency around pricing mechanisms, and disclose any fee changes in a timely manner to facilitate public scrutiny.”
Merchants have alleged that large platforms manipulate prices to boost sales unfairly, while consumers have expressed frustration over misleading pricing tactics.
In 2021, Alibaba was hit with a record US$2.75 billion fine for violating anti-monopoly laws—an outcome the company accepted. Meanwhile, leading e-commerce firms continue to engage in aggressive pricing battles in the fast-paced “instant retail” sector, where delivery can occur in as little as 30 minutes, downplaying regulatory concerns.
