Core Viewpoint - The newly implemented "Guidelines for Compliance of Charging Behavior on Online Trading Platforms" aims to regulate the charging behaviors of online platforms, addressing issues of excessive fees and unfair practices that hinder the development of small and medium-sized enterprises [1][20]. Summary by Sections 1. Key Prohibitions in the Guidelines - The guidelines prohibit eight types of unreasonable charging behaviors, including repeated charging for the same service, charging without providing corresponding services, and transferring costs that should be borne by the platform to merchants [3][8]. - Specific prohibitions include: - Repeated charging for the same service at different stages [8]. - Charging without adequate service provision [7]. - Transferring platform costs to merchants, such as delivery personnel's social security fees [7][9]. - Charging for basic operational data that should be provided for free [7][9]. - Forcing merchants to participate in promotional activities [9]. - Price discrimination among merchants under similar conditions [9]. 2. Transparency Requirements - The guidelines establish four major transparency requirements to enhance the clarity of charging practices: - Continuous public disclosure of all charging items, rules, and standards on the platform's homepage [11][12]. - A mandatory seven-day public consultation period before any changes to charging rules [11][12]. - Retention of historical versions of charging rules for three years for reference [11][12]. - Clear disclosure of marketing fees and their calculation methods [11][12]. 3. Impact on Platform Economics - The guidelines are expected to reshape the relationship between platforms and merchants, shifting from a "traffic-first" approach to a "value-first" model [14][20]. - Platforms will face pressure to adjust their profit models, as seen in the case of Meituan, where commission income is significant but often includes hidden fees that can exceed 30% for merchants [14][15]. - The guidelines encourage platforms to provide more favorable terms for small and medium-sized merchants, potentially reducing their operational costs [16][20]. 4. Challenges and Future Outlook - Despite the positive implications, challenges remain in enforcing the guidelines, as platforms may find ways to circumvent regulations through rebranding fees or adjusting pricing structures [21][22]. - The effectiveness of the guidelines will depend on the regulatory authorities' ability to enforce compliance and the platforms' willingness to adapt to the new rules [21][24]. - The guidelines represent a significant step towards a more equitable market environment, aiming to stabilize the income of nearly 200 million flexible workers and prevent severe social conflicts [20][27].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recently released "Compliance Guidelines for Charging Behavior of Online Trading Platforms," which aims to regulate platform charging practices, reduce the burden on platform operators, and promote mutual development between platforms and their operators [2][4]. Summary by Sections Development of Platform Economy - The platform economy in China has seen rapid growth, with online shopping users expected to reach 974 million by December 2024, accounting for nearly 90% of internet users. The online retail sales of physical goods are projected to reach 13,081.6 billion yuan, representing 26.8% of total retail sales [2]. Issues in Charging Practices - There are numerous complaints from merchants regarding the complexity and lack of transparency in platform charging practices. Issues include excessive and unclear fees, forced purchases of services, and hidden charges [2][4]. Focus on Reducing Burden on Operators - The guidelines emphasize the need to reduce the financial burden on platform operators, recognizing that both platforms and operators are in a symbiotic relationship. The success of one is tied to the success of the other [3][6]. Specific Requirements for Charging Practices - The guidelines outline several unreasonable charging behaviors that need to be addressed, such as duplicate charges, charging without providing services, and price discrimination among operators with similar transaction conditions [4][5]. Compliance as a Foundation - Compliance with laws and industry standards is crucial for platform charging practices. The guidelines encourage industry associations to promote self-regulation and establish communication mechanisms with platforms to ensure fair charging practices [5]. Support for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises - The guidelines advocate for platforms to provide preferential services and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), recognizing their vulnerable position and the importance of their participation in the platform economy [6][7].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article is the implementation of the "Guidelines for Compliance of Charging Behavior on Online Trading Platforms" by the State Administration for Market Regulation, aimed at regulating the fees charged by platforms to their operators [1][2] - The guidelines emphasize the need for platforms to lower the burden on operators, enhance self-discipline, and standardize charging behaviors [1] - Platforms are required to establish compliance management responsibilities, improve compliance management organizations, and integrate regulatory systems into compliance systems [1] Group 2 - The guidelines prohibit platforms from charging operators multiple times, charging without providing services, or transferring costs that should be borne by the platform itself [2] - Platforms are not allowed to charge for basic operational data, force operators to purchase services, or impose discriminatory pricing on operators with the same transaction conditions [2] - The guidelines also mandate platforms to publicly disclose their charging rules and maintain historical versions of these rules for three years [1][2]

Core Points - The State Administration for Market Regulation has implemented the "Guidelines for Compliance of Charging Behavior on Online Trading Platforms" to regulate fees charged by platforms to operators [1][2] - The guidelines emphasize reducing the burden on operators, enhancing self-discipline, and standardizing charging behaviors [1] - Platforms are required to establish compliance management responsibilities and mechanisms to identify and assess unreasonable charging risks [1] Summary by Sections - **Charging Principles**: The guidelines advocate for lowering the financial burden on platform operators and enhancing compliance self-discipline [1] - **Compliance Management**: Platforms must establish compliance management organizations, appoint compliance personnel, and internalize regulatory systems into compliance protocols [1] - **Fee Disclosure**: Platforms are mandated to publicly disclose their charging rules and service agreements prominently on their homepage [1] - **Prohibited Practices**: The guidelines prohibit platforms from charging operators multiple fees, charging without providing services, and imposing fees for basic operational data [2] - **Price Discrimination**: Platforms are not allowed to engage in price discrimination against operators with similar transaction conditions [2]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the high platform fees that e-commerce merchants face, highlighting the need for regulatory guidelines to ensure fair charging practices by platforms [2][4]. Summary by Sections Platform Fees and Merchant Experiences - Merchants report that platform advertising costs can account for over 30% of sales, significantly impacting their profitability [1][3]. - The article cites a merchant named Lingling, who indicates that her store's operational costs have become unsustainable due to high platform fees [1][3]. Regulatory Response - The National Market Regulation Administration has released a draft guideline aimed at regulating platform charging behaviors, which includes 28 specific provisions [1][4]. - The guidelines seek to address various unreasonable charging practices, such as duplicate fees and lack of service for charges incurred [4][6]. Transparency and Compliance - The guidelines emphasize the need for platforms to maintain transparency in their fee structures, including clear public disclosure of charging rules and historical fee changes [4][6]. - Legal experts suggest that the guidelines will indirectly compel platforms to adjust their practices to avoid legal risks, even though they may not have direct punitive power [7]. Future Implementation - The guidelines are currently in a public consultation phase, with plans for formal implementation to enhance compliance and standardization across platforms [5][7]. - Experts advocate for ongoing regulatory oversight and the use of data-driven methods to ensure fair practices in the platform economy [6][7].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing burden of platform fees on merchants in the e-commerce sector, highlighting the need for regulatory guidelines to ensure fair pricing practices and transparency in fee structures [1][2][3]. Group 1: Platform Fees and Merchant Experiences - A merchant reported that over 30% of their sales revenue is consumed by platform advertising fees, which has become unsustainable for their business [1][2]. - Merchants have expressed concerns about the complexity and lack of transparency in platform fee structures, which include various charges such as commissions, service fees, and penalties [1][2]. - The National Market Regulation Administration has acknowledged the need for improved compliance mechanisms within platforms to mitigate the risks associated with their fee structures [1][3]. Group 2: Regulatory Guidelines - The National Market Regulation Administration released a draft guideline aimed at regulating platform fees, detailing 28 specific provisions to address common fee-related issues [1][3]. - The guideline identifies eight types of unreasonable fee practices, including duplicate charges, lack of service for fees paid, and price discrimination among merchants [3][4]. - The guideline emphasizes the importance of transparency in fee structures, requiring platforms to clearly disclose their charging rules and maintain historical records of fee changes [3][4]. Group 3: Future Directions and Merchant Strategies - Merchants are considering diversifying their sales channels to reduce reliance on any single platform, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness [5][6]. - Experts suggest that ongoing regulatory oversight of platforms is necessary, advocating for the use of data-driven methods to ensure compliance and protect the interests of small and micro businesses [5][6]. - The National Market Regulation Administration plans to finalize and implement the guidelines based on public feedback, aiming to establish a more standardized regulatory framework for platform fees [6].

Core Viewpoint - The State Administration for Market Regulation has released a draft guideline for the compliance of charging behaviors on online transaction platforms, particularly targeting the food delivery industry, aiming to rectify the industry ecosystem and ensure fair practices [2][12]. Summary by Relevant Sections Guideline Principles - The guideline emphasizes that platform charges must adhere to principles of fairness, legality, and good faith, considering service agreements, transaction rules, and the operating conditions of platform operators [3]. - It encourages platforms to reduce the burden on operators, especially small and medium-sized businesses, by adopting flexible pricing strategies and providing support [3]. Compliance and Self-Regulation - Platforms are required to implement compliance management responsibilities, establish compliance management organizations, and enhance their capacity for compliance management regarding charging behaviors [4][5]. - The guideline specifies eight types of unreasonable charging behaviors, including duplicate charges, charging without providing services, and price discrimination among operators [4][6]. Supervision and Implementation - Platforms must promptly address charging concerns from operators, cooperate with supervision, and engage in fair market competition [4]. - The guideline mandates that platforms must establish mechanisms for identifying and assessing risks related to unreasonable charges [5][6]. Transparency and Fairness - The guideline highlights the importance of transparency, requiring platforms to publicly disclose charging items, rules, and standards prominently on their homepage [7][10]. - It also states that operators can opt out of the platform if they do not accept changes to charging rules, ensuring a principle of voluntary participation [7][8]. Specific Charging Regulations - The guideline outlines that charging items must correspond to service content, and the rules should be clear and easy to understand [10]. - It also addresses the collection of deposits, stating that platforms must carefully assess the necessity of such charges and ensure proper management of these funds [11]. Industry Context - The release of this guideline follows increased regulatory scrutiny of major food delivery platforms like Meituan and JD, indicating a shift towards stronger regulation in the food delivery sector [12].

Core Viewpoint - The National Market Supervision Administration has released a draft guideline to regulate the charging behaviors of online trading platforms, focusing on e-commerce platforms and aiming to promote healthy development in the platform economy [1][2]. Summary by Relevant Sections Unreasonable Charging Behaviors - The guideline identifies eight types of unreasonable charging behaviors that platforms cannot engage in, establishing clear boundaries for what is unacceptable [2]. - Specific behaviors include: - Duplicate charging [3] - Charging without providing services or providing minimal services [7] - Shifting costs that should be borne by the platform to merchants [7] - Charging merchants for basic operational data [7] - Forcing or coercing merchants to purchase services or participate in promotional activities [7] - Using unreasonable deposits to indirectly charge or raise fees [4] - Price discrimination among merchants under the same trading conditions [4] - Charging other unreasonable fees [4] Scope of Application - The guideline specifies that "platform operators" refer to merchants selling goods or providing services on online trading platforms, and outlines various forms of platform charges, including commissions, registration fees, and advertising fees [5]. Compliance Mechanisms - The guideline emphasizes the establishment of a reasonable charging mechanism, requiring platforms to implement risk identification and assessment mechanisms for unreasonable charging behaviors [9]. - Platforms are mandated to conduct internal reviews before modifying charging rules and to provide compliance training for employees regarding unreasonable charging behaviors [9]. Impact on Industries - The guideline's applicability to various industries is still under discussion, with potential implications for app stores and ride-hailing platforms, which may not fit the traditional definition of online trading platforms [6][8]. Reference for Enforcement - The guideline serves as a reference for enforcement, addressing issues of transparency and complexity in platform charges that have led to merchant grievances [11]. - It aims to assist regulatory bodies in understanding the nuances of existing laws like the E-commerce Law and Price Law, thereby promoting compliance and improving platform rules [13].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the draft of the "Compliance Guidelines for Charging Behavior of Online Trading Platforms," which aims to regulate the fees charged by platforms to their operators, ensuring fair practices and promoting healthy development of the platform economy [1][3][10]. Summary by Sections Principles of Charging - Charging by platforms should adhere to principles of fairness, legality, and good faith, considering service agreements, transaction rules, and the operating conditions of platform operators [1][5]. Reducing Burdens on Operators - Platforms are encouraged to adopt flexible pricing strategies within legal and reasonable limits, providing discounts or support to small and medium-sized merchants to alleviate their operational burdens [1][5]. Strengthening Self-Regulation - Platforms are required to implement compliance management responsibilities, establish compliance management organizations, and enhance their ability to manage charging compliance [1][5][7]. Regulating Charging Behavior - Platforms must set reasonable charging standards, maintain clear charging rules, and ensure transparency in their fee structures, while prohibiting eight types of unreasonable charging behaviors [2][5][6]. Enhancing Supervision and Implementation - Platforms are expected to respond to operators' concerns regarding charges, cooperate with supervision, and promote industry self-discipline to ensure fair market competition [2][5][6]. Legal Framework - The guidelines are based on existing laws such as the Price Law and the E-commerce Law, which prohibit unreasonable fees and emphasize fair pricing practices [4][5]. Future Impact - The implementation of these guidelines is anticipated to improve the regulatory framework for the platform economy, enhance self-regulation among platform enterprises, and protect the rights of platform operators [9].