Core Viewpoint - The newly released "Compliance Guidelines for Charging Behavior of Online Trading Platforms" aims to clarify the principles of platform charging, advocate for reduced burdens on platform operators, and enhance compliance and self-discipline among platforms [2] Industry Overview - 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] - The platform economy has created approximately 200 million jobs [2] Issues Identified - There are several issues within the charging practices of platforms, including numerous and complex fees, lack of transparency, and forced participation in paid services or promotional activities [2][4] - The guidelines specifically address unreasonable charging behaviors such as duplicate charges, charging without providing services, and price discrimination among platform operators [4] Compliance Requirements - Charging practices must be compliant with laws and industry standards, promoting self-discipline among platform enterprises [5][6] - The legal basis for compliance includes the Price Law and the E-commerce Law, which mandate fair and lawful pricing practices [6] Support for Small and Medium Enterprises - The guidelines emphasize the need to support small and medium-sized merchants by providing preferential charging policies and encouraging platforms to offer beneficial services [7] - Small operators are particularly vulnerable and lack bargaining power, making their support crucial for the sustainability of the platform economy [7]