On March 9, 2026, the 18th Global New E-commerce Expo in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, showcased over 2,000 e-commerce brands from around the globe, emphasizing innovations driven by the digital economy. In a move to promote fair market competition and protect consumer rights, the Cyberspace Administration of China and the State Administration for Market Regulation have introduced new regulations for online product reviews and testing. These regulations, consisting of 12 provisions, mandate that review entities adhere to laws, maintain objectivity and impartiality, and ensure the accuracy of their evaluations. Products selected for review must be regular consumer items with traceable origins, and food products require statutory testing qualifications. The document also stipulates that subjective reviews without actual testing must be clearly identified. Website platforms are tasked with managing review content and addressing complaints promptly. The rapid growth of online reviews in China has led to issues like exaggerated claims and paid promotions masquerading as independent reviews, which damage consumer trust and disrupt market order. Authorities will enhance oversight and penalize violations to ensure a transparent and fair online review environment.
What are China’s new rules for online product reviews?
