China's first-ever Express Delivery Interim Regulations were announced on Tuesday, which explicitly tackle eight major issues facing China's express delivery sector. The regulations will take effect on May 1.

Real-name system

Recipients must identify themselves by their real name and the number of their ID card at the time of pick-up. This rule came into force at the end of 2015.

When the recipients refuse to provide this information or give false information, the express companies must not complete the delivery. Senders must also provide their name and ID card number.

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Privacy policy

The regulations indicate that no unit or individual may inspect items excluding authorized government organs and no one is allowed to secretly open, hide, destroy or sell them.

Whoever sells, discloses, or illegally distributes user information acquired during express service must pay a maximum fine of 100,000 yuan ($15,856).

Delayed delivery

Meanwhile service providers and their branches shall bear the obligation of reporting to the postal administration and announcing to the public the reason and terms for a suspension of service resulting from force majeure or other special cases.

Damage claims

Consumers whose legitimate rights and interests are infringed upon in because of an express items’ delay, loss, damage and shortage are entitled to demand compensation from the issuers of the waybill, as well as the express service provider.

In addition, the responsibility for insured packages shall be assigned according to the signed deal; and for uninsured packages, liability shall be defined in accordance with civil law.

Insurance companies are encouraged to develop a new insurance product to cover compensation for losses, damage, or missing contents.

Delivered at terminal (DAT)

The regulations encourage and guide the courier services enterprises to adopt advanced technology by facilitating the use of high-end equipment including automatic sorting machines, mechanized handling facilities, smart terminal equipment, electronic express waybills and information management systems.

Management of delivery vans

The regulations also call for the management and proper use of delivery vans in light of relevant rules and regulations, consisting of speed limits and weight limitations for delivery-dedicated electric tricycles. The regulations also aim to strengthen control over vans by serial or registration numbers.

Traffic violations

The regulations also stipulate that couriers shall abide by traffic safety laws and drive with courtesy. Those who cause personal injuries or property damage to others for performing their work duties will be exempted from tort liability. The employers they serve bear legal liability in accordance with the provisions of tort or civil law.

Waste from packaging

Both delivery providers and senders are encouraged to utilize eco-friendly packaging materials which are biodegradable and recyclable. Recycling and reusing of packaging materials are highly recommended to protect the environment while also controlling costs.

( Compiled by Liu Wenbo)