China's lawmakers hold group reviews on consumer rights law

China's lawmakers on Tuesday held group reviews on draft amendments to the consumer rights law regarding consumer associations' rights to file a lawsuit. The draft amendment to the Law of the People's Republic of China on the Protection of Consumer Rights and Interests, which took effect 20 years ago, was tabled for a second reading at the ongoing bimonthly session of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, which runs from Monday to Friday. The draft calls for support of consumer associations in protecting consumers' rights and stipulates that government at all levels shall provide assistance, including funds, to the associations. Lawmaker Wu Xiaoling said the government should give more financial support to consumer associations even if they have obtained clear social status. Legal aid institutions should be designated or entrusted by consumers' associations to ensure better effect of public interest litigation, lawmaker Wan Exiang said. Lawmakers also offered proposals to regulate the name of consumers' associations and supervise such associations.