China to implement new express delivery sector regulations

China will implement new regulations on express delivery services to help the sustainable and healthy development of the rapidly-growing sector.

The regulations aim to establish a regulatory framework to guide the operation of courier service companies and to improve consumer protection, as well as tackling emerging problems such as information security and waste.

The first separate laws for the sector will be effective on May 1, according to a decree by the State Council, signed by Premier Li Keqiang.

With an average annual growth rate of 42 percent in the past decade, China's delivery services sector has topped the world for four straight years in terms of business volume. Over half of global deliveries were made by Chinese companies.

The sector saw revenue of 495 billion yuan (nearly 80 billion US dollars) in 2017.

The regulations also encourage businesses to launch cross-border delivery services and increase their presence in overseas markets.

"It will help China build an express delivery network connected with the world and support a global logistics system," said Wei Jigang, researcher with the Development Research Center of the State Council.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)