强力“反内卷”！时隔27年，价格法重新修订

Core Viewpoint - China is revising its price law framework, which has been in place for 27 years, to curb destructive low-price competition and establish new market rules for the digital economy [1] Group 1: Legislative Changes - The National Development and Reform Commission and the State Administration for Market Regulation have drafted the "Draft Amendment to the Price Law of the People's Republic of China" and are seeking public opinion, marking a critical stage in this legislative process [1] - This amendment is the first since the law was implemented in 1998 and was officially included in the legislative plan of the 14th National People's Congress in 2023 [1] Group 2: Addressing "Involution" Competition - A key focus of the amendment is to provide clearer legal tools to combat "involution" competition, particularly targeting predatory pricing practices [2] - The current price law's provisions on predatory pricing are complex and limited to goods and operators, making it inadequate for the rise of platform economies and service consumption [2] - The revised draft clarifies the two core elements of predatory pricing: the means (pricing below cost) and the purpose (eliminating competitors or monopolizing the market) [2] Group 3: Expanding Scope and Regulatory Framework - The scope of predatory pricing is expanded from "goods" to include "goods and services," and the regulatory subjects are broadened to include third parties that set pricing rules, such as platforms [3] - New provisions prohibit operators from engaging in unfair pricing practices using data, algorithms, and technology, addressing the changes in business models in the digital economy [4] Group 4: Comprehensive Regulatory System - The amendment is part of a broader effort to enhance the market economy's legal framework, requiring multiple laws to work together to address chaotic low-price competition [6] - The revised price law will collaborate with the newly amended Anti-Unfair Competition Law and Anti-Monopoly Law to form a comprehensive legal regulatory system [6] - The draft increases penalties for violations of pricing regulations and clarifies legal responsibilities for providing false cost information [6]