Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing pressure on merchants from platform operators due to unreasonable fee structures and the need for regulatory guidelines to ensure fair practices in the platform economy [5][6][7]. Group 1: Issues Faced by Merchants - Merchants are experiencing pressure from platforms that abuse refund policies, leading to "zero-cost purchase" losses [5]. - There is a rise in complaints regarding the complexity, lack of transparency, and numerous fees charged by platforms [5][6]. - Unreasonable fee practices, such as excessive commissions and repeated charges without adequate service, are increasing operational costs for merchants, particularly affecting small and medium-sized enterprises [6][7]. Group 2: Regulatory Response - The State Administration for Market Regulation has drafted the "Guidelines for Compliance of Charging Behavior on Online Trading Platforms" to address these issues [6][7]. - The guidelines aim to establish a fair and transparent charging system, advocating for flexible pricing strategies that reduce the burden on merchants [7]. - Specific definitions of "unreasonable charging" behaviors and regulations on practices like "free first, then charge" are included to enhance regulatory oversight [7][8]. Group 3: Importance of Fair Practices - The article emphasizes that a fair and transparent charging mechanism is crucial for the survival of small merchants and the overall health of the platform economy [7][8]. - Without equitable rules, platforms risk losing numerous operators, which could hinder the sustainable development of the platform economy [8].

Core Viewpoint - The rapid development of the platform economy in China plays a significant role in promoting consumption, expanding employment, and driving innovation, necessitating the establishment of guidelines to regulate platform charging behaviors and ensure healthy development of the platform economy [1][3]. Summary by Sections Overview of the Platform Economy - The platform economy in China involves tens of millions of online operators, numerous flexible employment individuals, and over 900 million online consumers, creating a broad, inclusive, and open ecosystem that empowers various sectors of the real economy [1]. Guidelines for Charging Behavior - The "Guidelines for Compliance of Charging Behavior of Online Trading Platforms" (draft for public consultation) was released on May 25 by the State Administration for Market Regulation, aiming to standardize charging behaviors and protect the legitimate rights of operators [1][2]. - The guidelines consist of 28 articles focusing on five main areas: principles for platform charging, reducing burdens on operators, strengthening self-discipline, regulating charging behaviors, and enhancing supervision and implementation [2]. Specific Provisions - The guidelines detail various unreasonable charging scenarios, prohibiting practices such as double charging, charging without providing services, transferring costs to operators, and imposing discriminatory pricing among operators under similar transaction conditions [2]. Regulatory Framework and Future Implications - The introduction of the guidelines signifies an improvement in the regulatory policy framework for the platform economy, addressing issues of transparency and fairness in charging practices [3]. - The guidelines encourage platforms to adopt measures to reduce the burden on operators and ensure timely feedback on charging concerns, promoting a harmonious ecosystem between platforms and operators [3].

Core Viewpoint - The release of the "Guidelines for Compliance of Charging Behavior of Online Trading Platforms (Draft for Comments)" aims to address the challenges faced by online trading platforms, emphasizing the importance and timeliness of regulation to protect the rights of operators and consumers, and to promote the sustainable and healthy development of the platform economy [1] Group 1 - Strengthening regulation is a major directive from the Central Economic Work Conference to promote the healthy development of the platform economy [1] - The purpose of establishing rules is not to restrict platform development but to further promote fair, legal, and honest charging practices, guiding platforms back to their service essence [1] - The guidelines encourage platforms to adopt flexible and diverse pricing strategies within a legal, reasonable, and mutually beneficial framework to reduce the burden on operators within the platform [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the release of the "Guidelines for Compliance of Charging Behavior on Online Trading Platforms (Draft for Comments)" on the 25th, which addresses key issues in the development of online trading platforms, emphasizing the importance and timeliness of regulation to better protect the rights of operators and consumers, and to promote the sustainable and healthy development of the platform economy [1] Group 1 - The guidelines target the hot, difficult, and painful issues faced by online trading platforms [1] - The initiative aims to enhance the protection of rights for both platform operators and consumers [1] - The guidelines are intended to facilitate the continuous and healthy development of the platform economy [1]

Core Viewpoint - The Market Regulation Administration has drafted the "Compliance Guidelines for Charging Behavior of Online Trading Platforms" to standardize the fees charged by platforms to their operators, aiming to protect their rights and promote healthy development of the platform economy [1][4]. Summary by Relevant Sections Principles of Charging - The guidelines emphasize that platforms must adhere to specific principles when setting fees, including the need for reasonable fee standards and transparent charging rules [4]. Reducing Burden on Operators - The guidelines advocate for lowering the financial burden on platform operators, ensuring that platforms fulfill commitments regarding fee reductions or exemptions [4][5]. Strengthening Compliance and Self-Regulation - Platforms are required to establish compliance management responsibilities and integrate charging compliance into their internal compliance systems, risk control, and training [4]. Standardizing Charging Behavior - The guidelines specify eight types of unreasonable charging behaviors, such as double charging, charging without providing services, and transferring costs that should be borne by the platform itself [4][5]. Enhancing Supervision and Implementation - The guidelines include provisions for the public disclosure of charging rules, the necessity for platforms to solicit public opinions when modifying rules, and the requirement to maintain historical versions of charging rules [4].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of regulating the charging behavior of online transaction platforms to ensure a sustainable and healthy development of the platform economy, which is crucial for high-quality economic and social development [1][2][4]. Summary by Sections Platform Economy Development - The platform economy in China has been rapidly developing, significantly contributing to resource allocation efficiency and technological transformation, involving millions of online operators and over 900 million consumers [1][2]. - The government has been enhancing policy consistency in the platform economy sector to ensure its development is regulated while promoting a healthy ecosystem [2][3]. Issues and Challenges - Despite the positive overall trend, issues such as data manipulation, forced choices, privacy violations, and chaotic capital expansion have emerged, disrupting market order and innovation [2]. - There are complaints from platform merchants regarding the complexity and lack of transparency in platform fees, which poses risks to industry health [2]. Regulatory Measures - The introduction of the "Guidelines for Compliance of Charging Behavior on Online Transaction Platforms" aims to address issues of non-transparent and unreasonable fees, fostering a harmonious ecosystem between platforms and their operators [2][3]. - The guidelines are intended to clarify principles for platform fees, reduce burdens on operators, and enhance compliance management capabilities [3][4]. Future Outlook - The platform economy is seen as a vital component of the digital economy, playing an essential role in daily life and national economic development [3][4]. - Strengthening the guidance for the healthy development of the platform economy is crucial for maximizing its contributions to consumer demand, employment stability, and overall welfare [3].

Core Viewpoint - The issuance of the "Guidelines for Compliance of Charging Behavior of Online Trading Platforms" aims to standardize and guide the charging behavior of online trading platforms, protect the legitimate rights and interests of operators, and promote the sustainable and healthy development of the platform economy [1][9]. Summary by Sections Section 1: Purpose and Importance of the Guidelines - The guidelines provide clear action guidance for the charging behavior of online trading platforms, aligning with the goals of promoting innovation and establishing a normalized regulatory system for the platform economy [2]. - The guidelines emphasize preventive regulation, shifting the focus from post-event enforcement to proactive compliance, thereby enhancing the precision and effectiveness of regulatory oversight [2][4]. Section 2: Specific Provisions of the Guidelines - The guidelines offer general guidance on charging behavior, addressing operator concerns and promoting compliance management by ensuring transparency in charging practices [3][6]. - Platforms are required to publicly disclose charging items, rules, and standards prominently on their homepage, ensuring operators can easily access and understand this information [3][8]. - The guidelines prohibit unreasonable promotional fees and require platforms to clarify the sharing of subsidy burdens with operators before conducting promotional activities [3][7]. Section 3: Encouragement of Compliance Culture - The guidelines encourage platforms to establish compliance management systems to mitigate potential legal risks and enhance operational integrity [4][5]. - Platforms are urged to adopt measures to reduce the financial burden on operators, including flexible pricing strategies and support during emergencies [7][8]. Section 4: Prohibition of Unreasonable Charging Practices - The guidelines outline specific unreasonable charging behaviors that platforms must avoid, such as duplicate charges, charging without providing services, and price discrimination among operators [8]. - Platforms are required to adhere strictly to relevant laws and regulations, ensuring fair competition and transparency in their charging practices [8][9].

Core Viewpoint - The introduction of the "Guidelines for Compliance of Charging Behavior on Online Trading Platforms" aims to standardize the fees charged by platforms to their operators, ensuring their legal rights and promoting healthy development of the platform economy [1][5]. Summary by Sections Principles of Platform 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 [2]. Reducing Burdens on Operators - Platforms are encouraged to adopt flexible pricing strategies within legal and reasonable limits, particularly providing discounts or exemptions to small and medium-sized merchants to alleviate their operational burdens [2][5]. Strengthening Compliance and Self-Regulation - Platforms are required to implement compliance management responsibilities, establish compliance management organizations, and enhance their ability to identify and prevent unreasonable charging risks [2][4]. Standardizing Charging Behavior - The guidelines specify that platforms must set reasonable charging standards, improve charging rules, and ensure transparency in fees, while also prohibiting eight types of unreasonable charging behaviors [2][3]. Enhancing Supervision and Implementation - Platforms must actively respond to operators' concerns regarding fees, cooperate with supervision, and strengthen industry self-regulation to ensure fair market competition [2][3]. Risk Assessment Mechanism - Platforms should establish mechanisms to identify and assess risks associated with unreasonable charging behaviors, utilizing data technology for effective monitoring [3][4]. Improvement of Regulatory Framework - The introduction of the guidelines signifies further enhancement of the regulatory framework for platform economies, addressing issues of transparency and fairness in charging practices [5].

Core Viewpoint - The newly drafted "Guidelines for Compliance of Charging Behavior on Online Trading Platforms" aims to regulate platform charging practices, reduce the burden on operators, and enhance compliance and self-discipline within platforms [2][3]. Summary by Relevant Sections Regulatory Framework - The guidelines signify an improvement in the regulatory policy system for platform economies in China, promoting sustainable and healthy development [2]. - The guidelines address specific issues such as non-transparent and unreasonable charging practices, reflecting the regulatory body's commitment to protecting the legitimate rights of platform operators [2][3]. Focus on Platform Operators - The guidelines emphasize the need for platforms to consider operational costs and the conditions of platform operators when setting charges, encouraging platforms to provide discounts or support for small and medium-sized businesses [3]. - Eight types of unreasonable charging behaviors are identified, including duplicate charges and fees without corresponding services, which platforms are required to avoid [3]. Shift in Regulatory Focus - The guidelines represent a shift in regulatory focus from primarily protecting consumers to also safeguarding the rights of platform operators, addressing the power imbalance between platforms and operators [3][4]. - The guidelines aim to create a fair competitive market environment, responding to the core demands of numerous small and medium-sized businesses [3][4]. Definition of Platform Operators - The term "platform operators" encompasses a wide range of entities, including e-commerce, food delivery, ride-hailing, and various matchmaking platforms, all of which are subject to the new guidelines [4]. - The guidelines do not aim to weaken platforms but rather promote a governance model that combines government regulation with corporate self-discipline, encouraging platforms to enhance internal governance and reduce the operational burden on operators [4]. Long-term Cooperation - The guidelines stress the importance of mutual development between platforms and operators, highlighting that both parties are integral to the same ecosystem and must thrive together for long-term stability [4].

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].