新华视点丨快递计重、停车计时等“向上取整”，合理吗？

Core Viewpoint - The practice of "rounding up" in pricing, such as charging for 3 kg for a 2.1 kg package, raises concerns about consumer rights and compliance with regulations in various industries, including express delivery and parking services [1][4]. Group 1: Industry Practices - The "rounding up" pricing method has become a common practice in the express delivery industry, with different companies adopting varying standards for weight measurement [2][4]. - Some express companies, like EMS, charge based on the actual weight, while others, such as SF Express, have specific rounding rules based on weight thresholds [2][4]. - Similar "rounding up" practices are observed in parking fees and shared services, where charges are often based on minimum time increments [3][4]. Group 2: Regulatory Framework - Existing regulations, such as the "Guidelines for Express Business Operations" by the State Post Bureau, require express companies to use accurate measurement tools and inform customers of pricing standards [4][5]. - New national standards effective from April 2024 mandate that billing weight must retain at least one decimal place, emphasizing the need for transparency in pricing [4][5]. Group 3: Consumer Rights and Legal Implications - Legal experts argue that "rounding up" without clear disclosure may constitute a form of price inflation and violate consumer protection laws [5][6]. - The principle of fair trading is compromised when companies charge more than the actual service cost, leading to potential legal challenges against such practices [5][6]. Group 4: Recommendations for Improvement - Companies are encouraged to establish fair pricing standards and improve transparency in their billing practices to protect consumer rights [6][7]. - The implementation of advanced technology for accurate measurement and billing is recommended to enhance service quality and compliance with regulations [6][7].