Logo 20 Apr 2026

SAMR fines platforms for “ghost takeout” violations

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What is this new delivery devilry? On April 17, the market regulator (SAMR) announced fines totaling RMB 3.6 billion for seven platforms – Pinduoduo, Meituan, JD, Ele.me, Douyin, Taobao, and Tmall – for their role in enabling “ghost takeout (SAMR 1)."

Pinduoduo copped the biggest hit – RMB 1.522 bi...