China Proposes Expanding E-Commerce Law Scope, Platform Rules

July 4, 2026 - 07:23

China has unveiled draft amendments to its E-Commerce Law, aiming to widen the legal net beyond traditional online platforms and sellers. The proposed changes, released for public comment, would extend regulatory oversight to a broader range of digital economy participants, including livestreaming hosts, social media influencers, and other intermediaries who facilitate commercial transactions.

The revisions target the growing complexity of online commerce, where sales often occur through short videos, live broadcasts, and social media posts rather than conventional storefronts. Under the current law, many of these activities fall into a regulatory grey area. The draft seeks to close that gap by defining new categories of "e-commerce operators" and holding them accountable for product quality, consumer rights, and data protection.

the amendments revise rules for platform operators, requiring them to take greater responsibility for verifying merchant credentials and preventing unfair competition. Platforms would also face stricter obligations to share data with regulators and to ensure algorithm transparency. The move reflects Beijing's ongoing push to tame the digital economy, balancing innovation with consumer safety and market order. Public consultation on the draft is open until early next year.