E-Commerce Law: Lawmakers weigh in on how to better protect cross-border trade

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China's draft e-commerce law has been submitted to the NPC Standing Committee for approval. The top legislature will carry out a third reading on the law, which looks to further regulate online market. CGTN's Hou Na spoke to lawmakers and heard their views.

Chinese lawmakers are weighing in on the country's toughest e-commerce law.

The draft law would focus on the obligations and liabilities of e-commerce operators, especially platform operators. E-commerce operators, while posting advertisements to consumers based on individual traits, must also push promotions not particularly targeted to respect and protect the rights and interests of consumers.

HOU NA BEIJING "The third draft further clarifies liabilities of e-commerce operators and punishment over infringement of consumer rights. But during the discussions, some lawmakers suggested that the draft should include more items to regulate cross-boarder e-commerce transactions."

Lawmaker Lyu wei has participated in drafting and revising the law from the very beginning. She thinks the law still needs to adapt to international practices.

LYU WEI, MEMBER NPC STANDING COMMITTEE "As our e-commerce platform becomes more international, the law should state clearly on how it can protect online transactions with some overseas websites in China ."

China is the world's largest e-commerce market, accounting for more than 40 percent of the value of worldwide transactions, and in terms of mobile payments, China has a transaction value 11 times that of the United States, according to a recent report by McKinsey Global Institute.

LI WEI, MEMBER NPC STANDING COMMITTEE "This is a question that cannot be neglected. Many of our domestic consumers are purchasing on foreign websites, their rights should be protected. The third draft falls short on that."

Having been reviewed in December 2016 and October 2017 by the NPC Standing Committee, the draft added that e-commerce operators must clearly point out tie-in sales, both products and services, to consumers, and cannot assume consent. The draft will be put to a vote on Friday. HOU NA, CGTN, BEIJING.