30 express delivery branches suspended for violating Counter-Terrorism Law

This is one of the express delivery outlets. [Photo: Chinanews.com]

Thirty express delivery outlets in the city of Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, have been temporarily shut down for violating China's Counter-Terrorism Law, reports the Beijing News.

Operations of the branches have been halted for failing to register clients' identity information or conducting security checks.

Industry observers are suggesting the move has been made as a warning to other express delivery companies who have not been in full compliance with the law. The report also suggests a similar crackdown is likely in Beijing and Shanghai.

Chinese law requires that delivery companies fully inspect the packages they are going to deliver. Delivery agents are also required to take down the personal information of senders.

Industry insiders believe real-name registration was difficult to carry out because of clients' concerns over privacy.

Express delivery companies which don't comply with these rules face fines of between 100,000 and 500,000 yuan. Individual employees can face fines of up to 100,000 yuan for breaking the rules.