Core Points - The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) has implemented the "Guidelines for Compliance of Charging Behavior on Online Trading Platforms" to regulate the fees charged by online platforms to their operators [1][2] - The guidelines emphasize reducing the financial burden on operators, enhancing self-discipline among platforms, and standardizing charging practices [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 burden on platform operators and require platforms to strengthen compliance self-discipline and standardize charging behaviors [1] - **Compliance Management**: Platforms must implement compliance management structures, appoint compliance personnel, and integrate regulatory systems into their internal compliance protocols [1] - **Public Disclosure**: Platforms are mandated to publicly disclose their charging rules and service agreements prominently on their homepage and must seek public opinion before modifying these rules [1] - **Prohibited Practices**: 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] - **Data and Service Fees**: Platforms cannot charge operators for basic operational data or force them into purchasing services or participating in promotional activities [2] - **Price Discrimination**: The guidelines also prevent platforms from implementing price discrimination against operators under similar transaction conditions [2]

Core Points - The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) has released and implemented the "Compliance Guidelines for Charging Behavior of Online Trading Platforms" to further regulate the fees charged by online trading platforms to their operators [1][2] - The guidelines emphasize the need to reduce the burden on operators, strengthen self-discipline, and standardize charging behaviors [1] - Platforms are required to establish compliance management responsibilities, enhance risk identification mechanisms, and promote a culture of compliance [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 implement compliance management structures, appoint compliance personnel, and internalize regulatory systems into compliance protocols [1] - **Public Disclosure**: Platforms are mandated to publicly disclose their charging rules and service agreements prominently on their homepage [1] - **Fee Restrictions**: 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] - **Data Charges**: Platforms cannot charge operators for providing their basic operational data [2] - **Service Purchase Coercion**: The guidelines forbid platforms from forcing operators to purchase services or participate in promotional activities for a fee [2] - **Discriminatory Pricing**: Platforms are not allowed to implement price discrimination against operators with the same transaction conditions [2]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the implementation of the "Guidelines for Compliance of Charging Behavior on Online Trading Platforms," which aims to regulate the fees charged by online platforms to their operators, ensuring fairness and transparency in the platform economy [1][3]. Summary by Sections Overview of the Guidelines - The guidelines are established to standardize the charging behavior of online trading platforms, protect the legitimate rights of operators, and promote sustainable development of the platform economy [3][4]. Principles of Charging - Platforms must adhere to principles of fairness, legality, and good faith when setting fees, considering the operational status of the operators [4]. - Platforms are encouraged to provide preferential services to support small and medium-sized businesses [5]. Compliance Management - Platforms are required to establish compliance management responsibilities, including the creation of compliance organizations and training programs to foster a culture of compliance [6][8]. - A risk identification and assessment mechanism for unreasonable charging behaviors must be established [8][9]. Charging Rules and Transparency - Platforms must publicly disclose their charging rules and service agreements prominently on their homepage [14]. - Any modifications to charging rules must be publicly consulted, with a minimum consultation period of seven days [9][12]. Prohibited Charging Practices - The guidelines prohibit various unreasonable charging practices, including double charging, charging without providing services, and price discrimination among operators with similar transaction conditions [2][16]. Consumer Protection and Fee Adjustments - Platforms must adhere to commitments regarding fee reductions or exemptions and cannot arbitrarily change previously free services without proper notice [12][13]. - The necessity of collecting deposits from operators must be carefully evaluated, and any fees must be clearly justified [12][23]. Industry Cooperation - The guidelines encourage industry associations to strengthen self-regulation and establish communication mechanisms with platforms to better protect the rights of operators, especially small businesses [17].

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 Viewpoint - The guidelines aim to standardize and guide the charging behavior of online trading platform operators, protect the legitimate rights and interests of operators, and promote the sustainable and healthy development of the platform economy [1][2]. Summary by Sections Definition and Scope - The guidelines define "platform" as entities providing online trading venues, transaction matching, and information publishing services for independent trading activities [1]. - "Platform operators" are individuals or organizations selling goods or services through these platforms [1]. Charging Principles - Platforms should set charging standards based on their operating costs, service agreements, and trading habits, adhering to principles of fairness, legality, and good faith [2]. - Platforms are encouraged to adopt flexible pricing strategies to reduce the burden on operators and support mutual development [2]. Support for Small Businesses - Platforms should provide preferential charging policies to support the survival and development of small and medium-sized enterprises [2]. - In emergencies like natural disasters or public health crises, platforms are encouraged to take social responsibility by reducing fees [2]. Compliance Management - Platforms must implement compliance management responsibilities and integrate charging compliance into their internal management systems [2][3]. - A risk identification and assessment mechanism for unreasonable charging behaviors should be established [3]. Transparency and Communication - Platforms are required to publicly disclose charging items, rules, and standards prominently on their homepage, ensuring operators can easily access this information [4]. - Any modifications to charging rules must be publicly announced, allowing operators to express their opinions [5]. Training and Culture - Platforms should establish training mechanisms to enhance compliance awareness among relevant personnel [3]. - A culture of lawfulness, integrity, transparency, and fairness in charging practices is encouraged [3]. Reporting and Feedback - Platforms should create mechanisms for reporting compliance issues and include charging compliance in overall compliance reports [3]. - Operators can report excessive charges and platforms must respond and negotiate with them [7]. Prohibited Practices - The guidelines outline specific unreasonable charging behaviors that platforms must avoid, such as duplicate charges, charging without service, and price discrimination [7][8]. - Platforms must comply with relevant laws and regulations, ensuring that all charging practices are justified and transparent [7][8].

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 Points - The State Administration for Market Regulation has implemented the "Compliance Guidelines for Charging Behavior of Online Trading Platforms" to regulate the fees charged by platforms to their operators [1][2] - The guidelines emphasize reducing the burden on operators, enhancing compliance 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 - Platforms must adhere to principles that advocate for lowering the operational burden on platform operators and strengthening compliance self-discipline [1] - The guidelines mandate that platforms must not charge operators multiple times for the same service or impose fees without providing adequate services [2] Compliance Management - Platforms are required to develop a compliance management organization and appoint compliance personnel to internalize regulatory systems into compliance protocols [1] - There is a focus on building mechanisms for risk identification and assessment of unreasonable charging behaviors [1] Public Disclosure - Platforms must publicly disclose their charging rules prominently on their homepage, including service agreements and transaction rules [1] - Any changes to charging rules must be publicly consulted, and historical versions of the rules must be retained for three years [1] Prohibited Practices - The guidelines prohibit platforms from transferring costs that should be borne by them to operators and from charging for basic operational data [2] - Platforms cannot force operators to purchase services or participate in promotional activities under coercive conditions [2] - Price discrimination against operators with equivalent transaction conditions is also prohibited [2]

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]