China Proposes Online Platform Pricing Rules
- tech360.tv
- Aug 25, 2025
- 1 min read
China has proposed draft rules for internet platform pricing, seeking public comment on the measure. The proposal follows numerous complaints from merchants and consumers regarding unfair or misleading pricing practices by large platforms.
The National Development and Reform Commission stated the draft rules for platforms selling goods or services aim to encourage price transparency and fairness. These regulations will require operators and merchants to adhere to clear pricing guidelines.
Platforms operating in China will need to agree on and change prices through standardised means, such as contracts and orders. They must also increase the transparency of pricing rules and promptly disclose any fee changes.
Merchants have accused mega platforms of manipulating prices to boost sales. Concurrently, consumers have voiced complaints about misleading pricing strategies employed by these platforms.
In 2021, Alibaba was fined a record USD 2.75 billion for anti-monopoly violations, a decision the company accepted. This year, e-commerce leaders have brushed off regulatory risk as they fight price wars in "instant retail" where delivery can be as quick as half an hour.
The draft rules will be open for public comment for a duration of one month.
China has proposed new draft rules for internet platform pricing.
The rules aim to enhance price transparency and fairness for consumers and merchants.
Platforms must use standardised means for price changes and disclose fee adjustments promptly.
Source: REUTERS
