CHINA TIGHTENS FOOD DELIVERY RULES STARTING JUNE 1

The Chinese government is implementing stricter compliance requirements for food delivery companies operating in the country. Platforms will be obligated to conduct regular verification checks on all merchant partners, ensuring proper business registration and valid operating licenses. The regulations also mandate that delivery platforms maintain accurate records of merchant locations and conduct unannounced inspections to verify compliance. These requirements aim to enhance food safety standards and protect consumers from unlicensed or fraudulent vendors operating through delivery apps. The enforcement marks an escalation in Beijing's regulatory scrutiny of the food delivery sector, following broader efforts to tighten oversight of major tech platforms. Companies including Meituan and Alibaba's Ele.me will need to adjust their operational procedures to meet the new verification standards before the June deadline. Non-compliance could result in penalties for platforms failing to maintain proper merchant oversight.