Fresh measures ensure timely payments to SMEs starting from Sept 1 2020

China enforced new regulations on ensuring timely payments to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) starting from Sept 1, 2020.

The State Council announced the regulations in a bid to safeguard legitimate rights and interests of SMEs and improve the business environment.

 

The regulations ban government departments, public institutions and large enterprises from defaulting on payments to SMEs in any disguised form, or forcing unfair payment terms upon SMEs in contracts.

To curb unfair practices, China will standardize contract signing and set up mechanisms for payment information disclosure, complaint handling, as well as supervision and evaluation, according to the regulations.

 

The officials noted that the regulation also introduced provisions in terms of payment deadlines, payment information disclosure and complaint handling, stressing that the regulation will help boost the SMEs' confidence in development.