Lawmakers hold the panel discussion on draft e-commerce law, June 19, 2018. (Photo: CGTN)

China's draft e-commerce law was submitted to the NPC Standing Committee, China's top legislature, for a third reading on Tuesday to further regulate online market order and protect consumer rights.

The draft law would focus on the obligations and liabilities of e-commerce operators, especially platform operators. 

E-commerce operators, while posting advertisements to consumers based on individual traits, must also push promotions not particularly targeted to respect and protect the rights and interests of consumers.

The third draft further clarifies liabilities of e-commerce operators and punishment over infringement of consumer rights. But during the discussions, some lawmakers suggest that the draft should include more items to regulate cross-border e-commerce transactions.

Lawmaker Lyu Wei has participated in drafting and revising the law from the very beginning. 

She thinks the law still needs to adapt to international practices.

"As our e-commerce platform is getting more and more international, the law should state clearly how it can protect online transactions as some overseas websites operate in China," she said.

China is the world's largest e-commerce market, accounting for more than 40 percent the value of worldwide transactions, and regarding mobile payments, China has a transaction value 11 times that of the United States, according to a recent report by McKinsey Global Institute.

"This is a question that can not be ignored. Many of our domestic consumers are purchasing on foreign websites, their rights should be protected. The third draft falls short on that," said lawmaker Li Wei.

Having been reviewed in December 2016 and October 2017 by the NPC Standing Committee, the draft added that e-commerce operators must clearly point out tie-in sales, both products and services, to consumers, and cannot assume consent.

The draft will be put to the vote on Friday.