(China Daily)
Updated: 2007-11-21 07:10

Current stipulations on consumer compensation should be improved as soon as possible to protect their interest and rights, says an article in Workers' Daily. The following is an excerpt:

According to latest reports, Chinese consumers usually get an average compensation of 700 yuan ($92) if they win their lawsuits for infringement of their rights. By contrast, US consumers get an average compensation of $350,000.

Therefore, a source with China Consumers' Association recently urged that the clauses pertaining to minimum compensation and punitive compensation should be considered in revision to the Law for the Protection of Consumer Rights and Interests.

Businesses selling fake or inferior commodities are intentionally hurting the interests of consumers no matter how much the commodities are priced.

In real life, not everyone would return a small item to the store or lodge a lawsuit if he or she finds the item is a fake. But businesses would make considerable profits if no customer sought compensation.

Therefore, it would be solid protection for consumers as well as market order if businesses selling fakes are liable to compensation comparable to their profits.

Punitive compensation not only seeks to address the harm done to consumers, punish the fake-sellers, but is also a warning to other businesses.

The standard set for a higher minimum compensation would also serve as a deterrent.

These clauses would definitely boost the protection of consumers, and check business malpractices. The sooner they are added to our law, the better.

(China Daily 11/21/2007 page10)