Protecting consumers

For the first time since its enactment 20 years ago, China's top legislature is reviewing a draft amendment to the country's consumer rights law, which will further protect consumers' rights, better protect their privacy and impose harsher punishments on commercial fraud.

The changes are aimed at boosting consumer confidence and promoting consumption.

About half of the complaints received by the country's commercial departments and associations are about quality problems, and the amendment clarifies the conditions for the return, exchange or repair of goods. It includes a seven-day cooling-off period for online purchases, except goods such as foods and live products, in which consumers can return their purchases and get a full refund.