直面认定难、确权难、追款难、申诉难、惩戒难等难题

Core Points - The newly revised "Regulations on Ensuring Payment to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises" will take effect on June 1, 2025, aiming to improve the efficiency of accounts receivable collection for SMEs and alleviate cash flow difficulties [1][2] - In 2024, the added value of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the industrial sector is expected to grow by 6.9%, outperforming large enterprises by 2.8 percentage points, highlighting the importance of SMEs in the economy [1] - The revised regulations address the issues of prolonged payment periods and the "chain debt" phenomenon, which have been exacerbated by complex domestic and international conditions [1][2] Summary of the Revised Regulations - The revised regulations include a dedicated chapter on payment provisions, specifying that large enterprises must pay within 60 days of delivery, unless otherwise agreed in the contract [2] - The regulations prohibit forcing SMEs to accept non-cash payment methods, such as commercial bills or electronic vouchers, and prevent the use of these methods to extend payment periods [2] - There is a clear obligation for timely payment of undisputed amounts, even if there are disputes regarding other parts of the transaction [2] Industry Impact - The revised regulations are expected to enhance the overall environment for SMEs, which are crucial for economic vitality and job creation, with nearly 60 million SMEs in China [3] - The measures in the revised regulations directly address key challenges faced by SMEs, such as difficulties in recognition, rights confirmation, debt collection, and appeals [3] - The regulations align with the "Action Plan for Accelerating the Clearing of Arrears to Enterprises" approved by the State Council, reinforcing legal obligations for timely payments to SMEs [4]