File #2548: "2019_Book_AComparativeAnalysisOfPolicing.pdf"
Text
1|Acknowledgements|5
1|Contents|7
1|Abbreviations|11
1|Chapter 1: Introduction|13
2|1.1 Background: Policing Consumer Contracts in a Global Context|13
2|1.2 Research Questions|15
2|1.3 Research Hypotheses|15
3|1.3.1 Introduction|15
3|1.3.2 Distinctions Between a Competitive Market and a Regulated Market and the Application to China and the EU|16
4|1.3.2.1 Different Markets: A Focus on the PMR Indicator|16
4|1.3.2.2 Differences Between a Competitive Market and a Regulated Market|18
4|1.3.2.3 The Application to China and the EU|20
5|1.3.2.3.1 A Relatively Regulated Market: The Features of China’s Socialist Market Economy|20
5|1.3.2.3.2 A Relatively Competitive Market: The Features of the EU Internal Market|24
3|1.3.3 Consumer Law in a Competitive Market|25
4|1.3.3.1 The Higher Level of Demand and Concreteness|25
4|1.3.3.2 The Procedure-Oriented Assessment on Misconduct|26
4|1.3.3.3 The Inclination Towards Consumer Information|27
4|1.3.3.4 The Focus on Private Enforcement|28
3|1.3.4 Consumer Law in a Regulated Market|28
4|1.3.4.1 The Lower Level of Demand and Concreteness|28
4|1.3.4.2 The Substance-Oriented Assessment on Misconduct|29
4|1.3.4.3 The Inclination Towards Consumer Protection|29
4|1.3.4.4 The Focus on Public Enforcement|29
3|1.3.5 Summaries and Research Hypotheses|30
2|1.4 Methodology and Outline|31
3|1.4.1 Introduction|31
3|1.4.2 The Comparative Approach as the Major Methodology|32
4|1.4.2.1 The Incentives to Adopt the Comparative Approach|32
4|1.4.2.2 Why China and the EU?|34
4|1.4.2.3 How This Comparative Study Works|35
3|1.4.3 Outline|36
2|1.5 Academic Value and Societal Relevance|36
3|1.5.1 Academic Value|36
3|1.5.2 Societal Relevance|38
2|1.6 Limits|39
2|References|40
3|Research Services, Working Papers, Etc|42
1|Chapter 2: Sources of Consumer Contract Law|44
2|2.1 Introduction|44
2|2.2 Chinese Law|45
3|2.2.1 Introduction|45
3|2.2.2 Sources of Law in General|46
4|2.2.2.1 Discussion on ‘Sources of Law’|46
5|2.2.2.1.1 Opinions and Arguments|46
5|2.2.2.1.2 Some Comments|49
4|2.2.2.2 The Constitution|51
4|2.2.2.3 Legislation|52
4|2.2.2.4 Legal Documents Created by the Supreme People’s Court|53
5|2.2.2.4.1 Judicial Interpretations|53
5|2.2.2.4.2 Cases Published by the Supreme People’s Court|55
4|2.2.2.5 Legal Doctrine|57
5|2.2.2.5.1 What Is ‘Doctrine’ in China?|57
6|2.2.2.5.1.1 Books|57
6|2.2.2.5.1.2 Journal Articles|59
6|2.2.2.5.1.3 Lectures and Training Courses for Judges|60
5|2.2.2.5.2 How Legal Doctrine Sets Rights and Obligations|60
5|2.2.2.5.3 Legal Education in China|62
4|2.2.2.6 Policies|64
4|2.2.2.7 Customary Law and Transaction Practices|64
5|2.2.2.7.1 Customary Law|64
5|2.2.2.7.2 Transaction Practices|65
3|2.2.3 Sources of Chinese Consumer Contract Law|67
3|2.2.4 Motives for Adopting Legal Rules on Consumer Protection|68
2|2.3 EU Law|69
3|2.3.1 Introduction|69
3|2.3.2 Sources of Private Law in the EU|70
4|2.3.2.1 Introduction|70
4|2.3.2.2 National Level|70
4|2.3.2.3 EU Level|71
5|2.3.2.3.1 Sources of EU Law in General|71
5|2.3.2.3.2 EU Private Law: Harmonisation and Its Instruments|71
5|2.3.2.3.3 The Level of Harmonisation|72
5|2.3.2.3.4 Enforcement|73
5|2.3.2.3.5 Academic Achievements and Optional Instruments|74
4|2.3.2.4 International Level|76
3|2.3.3 Sources of EU Consumer Contract Law|77
3|2.3.4 Motives for Adopting Legal Rules on Consumer Protection|79
2|2.4 Comparison Between China and the EU|81
2|References|82
3|Research Services, Working Papers, Etc|85
1|Chapter 3: The Concept of Consumer Contract|86
2|3.1 Introduction|86
2|3.2 Chinese Law|87
3|3.2.1 Definitions of Consumer and Business Operator|87
4|3.2.1.1 Legislative Expression and Its Interpretation|87
4|3.2.1.2 Several Specific Issues|89
5|3.2.1.2.1 Legal Persons|89
5|3.2.1.2.2 Patients and Students|91
5|3.2.1.2.3 Financial Investors|92
3|3.2.2 Abuse of the Status of Consumer: The Case of ‘Hai Wang’|93
2|3.3 EU Law|97
3|3.3.1 Definitions of Consumer and Trader|97
4|3.3.1.1 Legislative Expression in the Directives|97
4|3.3.1.2 Several Specific Issues|98
5|3.3.1.2.1 Mixed Situations|98
5|3.3.1.2.2 Intermediary|100
3|3.3.2 Legal Persons: A Focus on SMEs|101
2|3.4 Concluding Remarks|102
3|3.4.1 Comparison Between China and the EU|102
3|3.4.2 Explanatory Analysis|104
2|References|105
1|Chapter 4: Unfair Terms|108
2|4.1 Introduction|108
2|4.2 Legislative Framework and Technique|110
3|4.2.1 Chinese Law|110
3|4.2.2 EU Law|111
4|4.2.2.1 Introduction|111
4|4.2.2.2 The Unfair Contract Terms Directive|112
4|4.2.2.3 German Law|113
4|4.2.2.4 English Law|114
2|4.3 Applicable Scope|116
3|4.3.1 Introduction|116
3|4.3.2 Chinese Law|117
4|4.3.2.1 Subjective Scope of Application|117
4|4.3.2.2 Objective Scope of Application|118
3|4.3.3 EU Law|120
4|4.3.3.1 The Unfair Contract Terms Directive|120
5|4.3.3.1.1 Subjective Scope of Application|120
5|4.3.3.1.2 Objective Scope of Application|120
4|4.3.3.2 German Law|122
5|4.3.3.2.1 Subjective Scope of Application|122
5|4.3.3.2.2 Objective Scope of Application|122
4|4.3.3.3 English Law|123
5|4.3.3.3.1 Subjective Scope of Application|123
5|4.3.3.3.2 Objective Scope of Application|124
3|4.3.4 Comparative Review|125
2|4.4 Formal Control|128
3|4.4.1 Introduction|128
3|4.4.2 Chinese Law|130
4|4.4.2.1 Incorporation Problem|130
4|4.4.2.2 Interpretation Problem|134
3|4.4.3 EU Law|136
4|4.4.3.1 The Unfair Contract Terms Directive|136
5|4.4.3.1.1 Incorporation Problem|136
5|4.4.3.1.2 Interpretation Problem|137
4|4.4.3.2 German Law|138
5|4.4.3.2.1 Incorporation Problem|138
5|4.4.3.2.2 Interpretation Problem|139
4|4.4.3.3 English Law|139
5|4.4.3.3.1 Incorporation Problem|139
5|4.4.3.3.2 Interpretation Problem|141
3|4.4.4 Comparative Review|142
2|4.5 Substantive Control|145
3|4.5.1 Introduction|145
3|4.5.2 Chinese Law|146
4|4.5.2.1 Introduction|146
4|4.5.2.2 Exemption Clauses|148
5|4.5.2.2.1 Exemption Clauses in General|148
6|4.5.2.2.1.1 Article 53: Two Enumerated Categories|148
6|4.5.2.2.1.2 Article 53 in Practice|149
6|4.5.2.2.1.3 Some Comments|150
5|4.5.2.2.2 Exemption Clauses in Standard Terms|151
4|4.5.2.3 Unfair Contract Terms|152
5|4.5.2.3.1 Obviously Unfair Terms|152
6|4.5.2.3.1.1 Single-Element or Dual-Element?|152
6|4.5.2.3.1.2 What Is ‘Obvious’?|154
6|4.5.2.3.1.3 Article 54 in Practice|155
6|4.5.2.3.1.4 Some Comments|157
7|From A Doctrinal Perspective|157
7|From A Normative Perspective|158
5|4.5.2.3.2 Unfair Standard Terms|159
6|4.5.2.3.2.1 Article 40 of the Contract Law|159
6|4.5.2.3.2.2 Article 26 of the Consumer Protection Law|160
6|4.5.2.3.2.3 Unfair Standard Terms in Practice|161
5|4.5.2.3.3 Consequences of Unfairness|162
3|4.5.3 EU Law|163
4|4.5.3.1 The Unfair Contract Terms Directive|163
5|4.5.3.1.1 Introduction|163
5|4.5.3.1.2 Exemption Clauses|164
5|4.5.3.1.3 Unfair Contract Terms|165
6|4.5.3.1.3.1 ‘Good Faith’ in General|165
6|4.5.3.1.3.2 ‘Good Faith’ in the Context of the Unfair Contract Terms Directive|167
6|4.5.3.1.3.3 Significant Imbalance|168
6|4.5.3.1.3.4 The Relation Between the Fairness Test and the Requirement of Transparency|170
6|4.5.3.1.3.5 The Annex|171
5|4.5.3.1.4 Consequences of Unfairness|172
4|4.5.3.2 German Law|173
5|4.5.3.2.1 Exemption Clauses|173
5|4.5.3.2.2 Unfair Contract Terms|174
5|4.5.3.2.3 Consequences of Unfairness|174
4|4.5.3.3 English Law|175
5|4.5.3.3.1 Exemption Clauses|175
6|4.5.3.3.1.1 The Rules Provided by the UCTA|175
6|4.5.3.3.1.2 The Rules Provided by the UTCCR and the CRA|177
5|4.5.3.3.2 Unfair Contract Terms|177
5|4.5.3.3.3 Consequences of Unfairness|179
3|4.5.4 Comparative Review|180
2|4.6 Public Mechanisms for Controlling Unfair Terms|182
3|4.6.1 Introduction|182
3|4.6.2 Chinese Law|184
4|4.6.2.1 Administrative Bodies|184
4|4.6.2.2 Consumer Organisations|189
3|4.6.3 EU Law|192
4|4.6.3.1 The Unfair Contract Terms Directive|192
4|4.6.3.2 German Law|193
5|4.6.3.2.1 Administrative Bodies|193
5|4.6.3.2.2 Consumer Organisations|194
4|4.6.3.3 English Law|195
5|4.6.3.3.1 Administrative Bodies|195
5|4.6.3.3.2 Consumer Organisations|197
3|4.6.4 Comparative Review|197
2|4.7 Concluding Remarks|198
3|4.7.1 Comparison Between China and the EU|198
3|4.7.2 Explanatory Analysis|203
2|References|205
3|Research Services, Working Papers, Etc|209
1|Chapter 5: Withdrawal Rights|210
2|5.1 Introduction|210
2|5.2 Applicable Scope|215
3|5.2.1 Introduction|215
3|5.2.2 Chinese Law|216
4|5.2.2.1 Withdrawal Rights Regulated by Administrative Regulations and Departmental Administrative Regulations|216
4|5.2.2.2 Withdrawal Rights Regulated by Local Regulations|217
4|5.2.2.3 Withdrawal Rights Regulated by the Consumer Protection Law|218
3|5.2.3 EU Law|220
4|5.2.3.1 Directives|220
4|5.2.3.2 German Law|223
4|5.2.3.3 English Law|224
3|5.2.4 Comparative Review|226
2|5.3 Exceptions to Withdrawal Rights|228
3|5.3.1 Introduction|228
3|5.3.2 Chinese Law|229
3|5.3.3 EU Law|232
4|5.3.3.1 Directives|232
4|5.3.3.2 German Law|234
4|5.3.3.3 English Law|235
3|5.3.4 Comparative Review|236
2|5.4 Periods of Withdrawal Rights|237
3|5.4.1 Introduction|237
3|5.4.2 Chinese Law|237
4|5.4.2.1 Length of the Period|237
4|5.4.2.2 Start and End of the Period|238
3|5.4.3 EU Law|240
4|5.4.3.1 Directives|240
5|5.4.3.1.1 Lengths of the Periods|240
5|5.4.3.1.2 Start and End of the Periods|241
4|5.4.3.2 German Law|243
5|5.4.3.2.1 Lengths of the Periods|243
5|5.4.3.2.2 Start and End of the Periods|244
4|5.4.3.3 English Law|244
5|5.4.3.3.1 Lengths of the Periods|244
5|5.4.3.3.2 Start and End of the Periods|245
3|5.4.4 Comparative Review|246
2|5.5 Exercise of Withdrawal Rights|249
3|5.5.1 Introduction|249
3|5.5.2 Chinese Law|250
4|5.5.2.1 ‘Intactness’|250
4|5.5.2.2 Return of Commodity and the Issue of Notification|251
3|5.5.3 EU Law|253
4|5.5.3.1 Directives|253
5|5.5.3.1.1 ‘Intactness’?|253
5|5.5.3.1.2 Notification|254
5|5.5.3.1.3 Supply of Services and Non-tangible Digital Content|256
4|5.5.3.2 German Law|256
5|5.5.3.2.1 Notification|256
5|5.5.3.2.2 Supply of Services and Non-tangible Digital Content|257
4|5.5.3.3 English Law|257
5|5.5.3.3.1 Notification|257
5|5.5.3.3.2 Supply of Services and Non-tangible Digital Content|258
3|5.5.4 Comparative Review|258
2|5.6 Consequences of Withdrawal|260
3|5.6.1 Introduction|260
3|5.6.2 Chinese Law|260
4|5.6.2.1 Withdrawal of Contract|260
4|5.6.2.2 Return of Rendered Performances|263
4|5.6.2.3 Cost of Transportation|263
4|5.6.2.4 Liability for Damages|264
4|5.6.2.5 Risk of Loss|264
3|5.6.3 EU Law|265
4|5.6.3.1 Directives|265
5|5.6.3.1.1 Withdrawal of Contract|265
5|5.6.3.1.2 Return of Rendered Performances|265
5|5.6.3.1.3 Cost of Transportation|266
5|5.6.3.1.4 Liability for Damages|266
5|5.6.3.1.5 Risk of Loss|267
4|5.6.3.2 German Law|267
5|5.6.3.2.1 Withdrawal of Contract|267
5|5.6.3.2.2 Return of Rendered Performances|267
5|5.6.3.2.3 Cost of Transportation|268
5|5.6.3.2.4 Liability for Damages|268
5|5.6.3.2.5 Risk of Loss|268
4|5.6.3.3 English Law|268
5|5.6.3.3.1 Withdrawal of Contract|268
5|5.6.3.3.2 Return of Rendered Performances|269
5|5.6.3.3.3 Cost of Transportation|269
5|5.6.3.3.4 Liability for Damages|270
5|5.6.3.3.5 Risk of Loss|270
3|5.6.4 Comparative Review|270
2|5.7 Concluding Remarks|273
3|5.7.1 Comparison Between China and the EU|273
3|5.7.2 Explanatory Analysis|276
2|References|279
1|Chapter 6: Conclusions|281
2|6.1 Introduction|281
2|6.2 Sources of Consumer Contract Law in China and the EU|283
3|6.2.1 Introduction|283
3|6.2.2 Sources of Consumer Contract Law in China|283
3|6.2.3 Sources of Consumer Contract Law in the EU|285
3|6.2.4 Comparison Between China and the EU|286
2|6.3 Rules on Consumer Contracts: A Comparative and Explanatory Analysis|287
3|6.3.1 Introduction|287
3|6.3.2 Four Hypotheses|287
3|6.3.3 Verification of Hypothesis (1)|288
4|6.3.3.1 Introduction|288
4|6.3.3.2 The Concept of Consumer Contract|289
4|6.3.3.3 Unfair Terms|290
4|6.3.3.4 Withdrawal Rights|291
3|6.3.4 Verification of Hypothesis (2)|293
4|6.3.4.1 Introduction|293
4|6.3.4.2 Unfair Terms|294
3|6.3.5 Verification of Hypothesis (3)|296
4|6.3.5.1 Introduction|296
4|6.3.5.2 Withdrawal Rights|296
3|6.3.6 Verification of Hypothesis (4)|297
4|6.3.6.1 Introduction|297
4|6.3.6.2 Unfair Terms|297
3|6.3.7 Other Findings of This Study|298
4|6.3.7.1 Different Orientations of Withdrawal Rights and the Possible Explanation|298
4|6.3.7.2 Similarities|299
2|6.4 General Remarks|300
2|6.5 Limits of This Study and Recommendations for Future Research|301
1|Relevant Documents|302
2|Chinese Legislation|302
2|Chinese Judicial Interpretations|303
2|Chinese Administrative Regulations, Local Regulations and Department Regulations|305
2|Chinese Cases|307
2|Eu Treaties, Regulations and Directives|312
2|Eu Legislative Proposals, Decisions, Opinions, Recommendations, Resolutions and Policy Documents|314
2|Case Law of the Court of Justice of the European Union|316
2|German Legislation|317
2|English Legislation and Cases|318
1|Bibliography|320
2|Online Sources|331
3|News, Reports, Online Official Documents, Etc|331
3|Research Services, Working Papers, Etc|334
1|Contents|7
1|Abbreviations|11
1|Chapter 1: Introduction|13
2|1.1 Background: Policing Consumer Contracts in a Global Context|13
2|1.2 Research Questions|15
2|1.3 Research Hypotheses|15
3|1.3.1 Introduction|15
3|1.3.2 Distinctions Between a Competitive Market and a Regulated Market and the Application to China and the EU|16
4|1.3.2.1 Different Markets: A Focus on the PMR Indicator|16
4|1.3.2.2 Differences Between a Competitive Market and a Regulated Market|18
4|1.3.2.3 The Application to China and the EU|20
5|1.3.2.3.1 A Relatively Regulated Market: The Features of China’s Socialist Market Economy|20
5|1.3.2.3.2 A Relatively Competitive Market: The Features of the EU Internal Market|24
3|1.3.3 Consumer Law in a Competitive Market|25
4|1.3.3.1 The Higher Level of Demand and Concreteness|25
4|1.3.3.2 The Procedure-Oriented Assessment on Misconduct|26
4|1.3.3.3 The Inclination Towards Consumer Information|27
4|1.3.3.4 The Focus on Private Enforcement|28
3|1.3.4 Consumer Law in a Regulated Market|28
4|1.3.4.1 The Lower Level of Demand and Concreteness|28
4|1.3.4.2 The Substance-Oriented Assessment on Misconduct|29
4|1.3.4.3 The Inclination Towards Consumer Protection|29
4|1.3.4.4 The Focus on Public Enforcement|29
3|1.3.5 Summaries and Research Hypotheses|30
2|1.4 Methodology and Outline|31
3|1.4.1 Introduction|31
3|1.4.2 The Comparative Approach as the Major Methodology|32
4|1.4.2.1 The Incentives to Adopt the Comparative Approach|32
4|1.4.2.2 Why China and the EU?|34
4|1.4.2.3 How This Comparative Study Works|35
3|1.4.3 Outline|36
2|1.5 Academic Value and Societal Relevance|36
3|1.5.1 Academic Value|36
3|1.5.2 Societal Relevance|38
2|1.6 Limits|39
2|References|40
3|Research Services, Working Papers, Etc|42
1|Chapter 2: Sources of Consumer Contract Law|44
2|2.1 Introduction|44
2|2.2 Chinese Law|45
3|2.2.1 Introduction|45
3|2.2.2 Sources of Law in General|46
4|2.2.2.1 Discussion on ‘Sources of Law’|46
5|2.2.2.1.1 Opinions and Arguments|46
5|2.2.2.1.2 Some Comments|49
4|2.2.2.2 The Constitution|51
4|2.2.2.3 Legislation|52
4|2.2.2.4 Legal Documents Created by the Supreme People’s Court|53
5|2.2.2.4.1 Judicial Interpretations|53
5|2.2.2.4.2 Cases Published by the Supreme People’s Court|55
4|2.2.2.5 Legal Doctrine|57
5|2.2.2.5.1 What Is ‘Doctrine’ in China?|57
6|2.2.2.5.1.1 Books|57
6|2.2.2.5.1.2 Journal Articles|59
6|2.2.2.5.1.3 Lectures and Training Courses for Judges|60
5|2.2.2.5.2 How Legal Doctrine Sets Rights and Obligations|60
5|2.2.2.5.3 Legal Education in China|62
4|2.2.2.6 Policies|64
4|2.2.2.7 Customary Law and Transaction Practices|64
5|2.2.2.7.1 Customary Law|64
5|2.2.2.7.2 Transaction Practices|65
3|2.2.3 Sources of Chinese Consumer Contract Law|67
3|2.2.4 Motives for Adopting Legal Rules on Consumer Protection|68
2|2.3 EU Law|69
3|2.3.1 Introduction|69
3|2.3.2 Sources of Private Law in the EU|70
4|2.3.2.1 Introduction|70
4|2.3.2.2 National Level|70
4|2.3.2.3 EU Level|71
5|2.3.2.3.1 Sources of EU Law in General|71
5|2.3.2.3.2 EU Private Law: Harmonisation and Its Instruments|71
5|2.3.2.3.3 The Level of Harmonisation|72
5|2.3.2.3.4 Enforcement|73
5|2.3.2.3.5 Academic Achievements and Optional Instruments|74
4|2.3.2.4 International Level|76
3|2.3.3 Sources of EU Consumer Contract Law|77
3|2.3.4 Motives for Adopting Legal Rules on Consumer Protection|79
2|2.4 Comparison Between China and the EU|81
2|References|82
3|Research Services, Working Papers, Etc|85
1|Chapter 3: The Concept of Consumer Contract|86
2|3.1 Introduction|86
2|3.2 Chinese Law|87
3|3.2.1 Definitions of Consumer and Business Operator|87
4|3.2.1.1 Legislative Expression and Its Interpretation|87
4|3.2.1.2 Several Specific Issues|89
5|3.2.1.2.1 Legal Persons|89
5|3.2.1.2.2 Patients and Students|91
5|3.2.1.2.3 Financial Investors|92
3|3.2.2 Abuse of the Status of Consumer: The Case of ‘Hai Wang’|93
2|3.3 EU Law|97
3|3.3.1 Definitions of Consumer and Trader|97
4|3.3.1.1 Legislative Expression in the Directives|97
4|3.3.1.2 Several Specific Issues|98
5|3.3.1.2.1 Mixed Situations|98
5|3.3.1.2.2 Intermediary|100
3|3.3.2 Legal Persons: A Focus on SMEs|101
2|3.4 Concluding Remarks|102
3|3.4.1 Comparison Between China and the EU|102
3|3.4.2 Explanatory Analysis|104
2|References|105
1|Chapter 4: Unfair Terms|108
2|4.1 Introduction|108
2|4.2 Legislative Framework and Technique|110
3|4.2.1 Chinese Law|110
3|4.2.2 EU Law|111
4|4.2.2.1 Introduction|111
4|4.2.2.2 The Unfair Contract Terms Directive|112
4|4.2.2.3 German Law|113
4|4.2.2.4 English Law|114
2|4.3 Applicable Scope|116
3|4.3.1 Introduction|116
3|4.3.2 Chinese Law|117
4|4.3.2.1 Subjective Scope of Application|117
4|4.3.2.2 Objective Scope of Application|118
3|4.3.3 EU Law|120
4|4.3.3.1 The Unfair Contract Terms Directive|120
5|4.3.3.1.1 Subjective Scope of Application|120
5|4.3.3.1.2 Objective Scope of Application|120
4|4.3.3.2 German Law|122
5|4.3.3.2.1 Subjective Scope of Application|122
5|4.3.3.2.2 Objective Scope of Application|122
4|4.3.3.3 English Law|123
5|4.3.3.3.1 Subjective Scope of Application|123
5|4.3.3.3.2 Objective Scope of Application|124
3|4.3.4 Comparative Review|125
2|4.4 Formal Control|128
3|4.4.1 Introduction|128
3|4.4.2 Chinese Law|130
4|4.4.2.1 Incorporation Problem|130
4|4.4.2.2 Interpretation Problem|134
3|4.4.3 EU Law|136
4|4.4.3.1 The Unfair Contract Terms Directive|136
5|4.4.3.1.1 Incorporation Problem|136
5|4.4.3.1.2 Interpretation Problem|137
4|4.4.3.2 German Law|138
5|4.4.3.2.1 Incorporation Problem|138
5|4.4.3.2.2 Interpretation Problem|139
4|4.4.3.3 English Law|139
5|4.4.3.3.1 Incorporation Problem|139
5|4.4.3.3.2 Interpretation Problem|141
3|4.4.4 Comparative Review|142
2|4.5 Substantive Control|145
3|4.5.1 Introduction|145
3|4.5.2 Chinese Law|146
4|4.5.2.1 Introduction|146
4|4.5.2.2 Exemption Clauses|148
5|4.5.2.2.1 Exemption Clauses in General|148
6|4.5.2.2.1.1 Article 53: Two Enumerated Categories|148
6|4.5.2.2.1.2 Article 53 in Practice|149
6|4.5.2.2.1.3 Some Comments|150
5|4.5.2.2.2 Exemption Clauses in Standard Terms|151
4|4.5.2.3 Unfair Contract Terms|152
5|4.5.2.3.1 Obviously Unfair Terms|152
6|4.5.2.3.1.1 Single-Element or Dual-Element?|152
6|4.5.2.3.1.2 What Is ‘Obvious’?|154
6|4.5.2.3.1.3 Article 54 in Practice|155
6|4.5.2.3.1.4 Some Comments|157
7|From A Doctrinal Perspective|157
7|From A Normative Perspective|158
5|4.5.2.3.2 Unfair Standard Terms|159
6|4.5.2.3.2.1 Article 40 of the Contract Law|159
6|4.5.2.3.2.2 Article 26 of the Consumer Protection Law|160
6|4.5.2.3.2.3 Unfair Standard Terms in Practice|161
5|4.5.2.3.3 Consequences of Unfairness|162
3|4.5.3 EU Law|163
4|4.5.3.1 The Unfair Contract Terms Directive|163
5|4.5.3.1.1 Introduction|163
5|4.5.3.1.2 Exemption Clauses|164
5|4.5.3.1.3 Unfair Contract Terms|165
6|4.5.3.1.3.1 ‘Good Faith’ in General|165
6|4.5.3.1.3.2 ‘Good Faith’ in the Context of the Unfair Contract Terms Directive|167
6|4.5.3.1.3.3 Significant Imbalance|168
6|4.5.3.1.3.4 The Relation Between the Fairness Test and the Requirement of Transparency|170
6|4.5.3.1.3.5 The Annex|171
5|4.5.3.1.4 Consequences of Unfairness|172
4|4.5.3.2 German Law|173
5|4.5.3.2.1 Exemption Clauses|173
5|4.5.3.2.2 Unfair Contract Terms|174
5|4.5.3.2.3 Consequences of Unfairness|174
4|4.5.3.3 English Law|175
5|4.5.3.3.1 Exemption Clauses|175
6|4.5.3.3.1.1 The Rules Provided by the UCTA|175
6|4.5.3.3.1.2 The Rules Provided by the UTCCR and the CRA|177
5|4.5.3.3.2 Unfair Contract Terms|177
5|4.5.3.3.3 Consequences of Unfairness|179
3|4.5.4 Comparative Review|180
2|4.6 Public Mechanisms for Controlling Unfair Terms|182
3|4.6.1 Introduction|182
3|4.6.2 Chinese Law|184
4|4.6.2.1 Administrative Bodies|184
4|4.6.2.2 Consumer Organisations|189
3|4.6.3 EU Law|192
4|4.6.3.1 The Unfair Contract Terms Directive|192
4|4.6.3.2 German Law|193
5|4.6.3.2.1 Administrative Bodies|193
5|4.6.3.2.2 Consumer Organisations|194
4|4.6.3.3 English Law|195
5|4.6.3.3.1 Administrative Bodies|195
5|4.6.3.3.2 Consumer Organisations|197
3|4.6.4 Comparative Review|197
2|4.7 Concluding Remarks|198
3|4.7.1 Comparison Between China and the EU|198
3|4.7.2 Explanatory Analysis|203
2|References|205
3|Research Services, Working Papers, Etc|209
1|Chapter 5: Withdrawal Rights|210
2|5.1 Introduction|210
2|5.2 Applicable Scope|215
3|5.2.1 Introduction|215
3|5.2.2 Chinese Law|216
4|5.2.2.1 Withdrawal Rights Regulated by Administrative Regulations and Departmental Administrative Regulations|216
4|5.2.2.2 Withdrawal Rights Regulated by Local Regulations|217
4|5.2.2.3 Withdrawal Rights Regulated by the Consumer Protection Law|218
3|5.2.3 EU Law|220
4|5.2.3.1 Directives|220
4|5.2.3.2 German Law|223
4|5.2.3.3 English Law|224
3|5.2.4 Comparative Review|226
2|5.3 Exceptions to Withdrawal Rights|228
3|5.3.1 Introduction|228
3|5.3.2 Chinese Law|229
3|5.3.3 EU Law|232
4|5.3.3.1 Directives|232
4|5.3.3.2 German Law|234
4|5.3.3.3 English Law|235
3|5.3.4 Comparative Review|236
2|5.4 Periods of Withdrawal Rights|237
3|5.4.1 Introduction|237
3|5.4.2 Chinese Law|237
4|5.4.2.1 Length of the Period|237
4|5.4.2.2 Start and End of the Period|238
3|5.4.3 EU Law|240
4|5.4.3.1 Directives|240
5|5.4.3.1.1 Lengths of the Periods|240
5|5.4.3.1.2 Start and End of the Periods|241
4|5.4.3.2 German Law|243
5|5.4.3.2.1 Lengths of the Periods|243
5|5.4.3.2.2 Start and End of the Periods|244
4|5.4.3.3 English Law|244
5|5.4.3.3.1 Lengths of the Periods|244
5|5.4.3.3.2 Start and End of the Periods|245
3|5.4.4 Comparative Review|246
2|5.5 Exercise of Withdrawal Rights|249
3|5.5.1 Introduction|249
3|5.5.2 Chinese Law|250
4|5.5.2.1 ‘Intactness’|250
4|5.5.2.2 Return of Commodity and the Issue of Notification|251
3|5.5.3 EU Law|253
4|5.5.3.1 Directives|253
5|5.5.3.1.1 ‘Intactness’?|253
5|5.5.3.1.2 Notification|254
5|5.5.3.1.3 Supply of Services and Non-tangible Digital Content|256
4|5.5.3.2 German Law|256
5|5.5.3.2.1 Notification|256
5|5.5.3.2.2 Supply of Services and Non-tangible Digital Content|257
4|5.5.3.3 English Law|257
5|5.5.3.3.1 Notification|257
5|5.5.3.3.2 Supply of Services and Non-tangible Digital Content|258
3|5.5.4 Comparative Review|258
2|5.6 Consequences of Withdrawal|260
3|5.6.1 Introduction|260
3|5.6.2 Chinese Law|260
4|5.6.2.1 Withdrawal of Contract|260
4|5.6.2.2 Return of Rendered Performances|263
4|5.6.2.3 Cost of Transportation|263
4|5.6.2.4 Liability for Damages|264
4|5.6.2.5 Risk of Loss|264
3|5.6.3 EU Law|265
4|5.6.3.1 Directives|265
5|5.6.3.1.1 Withdrawal of Contract|265
5|5.6.3.1.2 Return of Rendered Performances|265
5|5.6.3.1.3 Cost of Transportation|266
5|5.6.3.1.4 Liability for Damages|266
5|5.6.3.1.5 Risk of Loss|267
4|5.6.3.2 German Law|267
5|5.6.3.2.1 Withdrawal of Contract|267
5|5.6.3.2.2 Return of Rendered Performances|267
5|5.6.3.2.3 Cost of Transportation|268
5|5.6.3.2.4 Liability for Damages|268
5|5.6.3.2.5 Risk of Loss|268
4|5.6.3.3 English Law|268
5|5.6.3.3.1 Withdrawal of Contract|268
5|5.6.3.3.2 Return of Rendered Performances|269
5|5.6.3.3.3 Cost of Transportation|269
5|5.6.3.3.4 Liability for Damages|270
5|5.6.3.3.5 Risk of Loss|270
3|5.6.4 Comparative Review|270
2|5.7 Concluding Remarks|273
3|5.7.1 Comparison Between China and the EU|273
3|5.7.2 Explanatory Analysis|276
2|References|279
1|Chapter 6: Conclusions|281
2|6.1 Introduction|281
2|6.2 Sources of Consumer Contract Law in China and the EU|283
3|6.2.1 Introduction|283
3|6.2.2 Sources of Consumer Contract Law in China|283
3|6.2.3 Sources of Consumer Contract Law in the EU|285
3|6.2.4 Comparison Between China and the EU|286
2|6.3 Rules on Consumer Contracts: A Comparative and Explanatory Analysis|287
3|6.3.1 Introduction|287
3|6.3.2 Four Hypotheses|287
3|6.3.3 Verification of Hypothesis (1)|288
4|6.3.3.1 Introduction|288
4|6.3.3.2 The Concept of Consumer Contract|289
4|6.3.3.3 Unfair Terms|290
4|6.3.3.4 Withdrawal Rights|291
3|6.3.4 Verification of Hypothesis (2)|293
4|6.3.4.1 Introduction|293
4|6.3.4.2 Unfair Terms|294
3|6.3.5 Verification of Hypothesis (3)|296
4|6.3.5.1 Introduction|296
4|6.3.5.2 Withdrawal Rights|296
3|6.3.6 Verification of Hypothesis (4)|297
4|6.3.6.1 Introduction|297
4|6.3.6.2 Unfair Terms|297
3|6.3.7 Other Findings of This Study|298
4|6.3.7.1 Different Orientations of Withdrawal Rights and the Possible Explanation|298
4|6.3.7.2 Similarities|299
2|6.4 General Remarks|300
2|6.5 Limits of This Study and Recommendations for Future Research|301
1|Relevant Documents|302
2|Chinese Legislation|302
2|Chinese Judicial Interpretations|303
2|Chinese Administrative Regulations, Local Regulations and Department Regulations|305
2|Chinese Cases|307
2|Eu Treaties, Regulations and Directives|312
2|Eu Legislative Proposals, Decisions, Opinions, Recommendations, Resolutions and Policy Documents|314
2|Case Law of the Court of Justice of the European Union|316
2|German Legislation|317
2|English Legislation and Cases|318
1|Bibliography|320
2|Online Sources|331
3|News, Reports, Online Official Documents, Etc|331
3|Research Services, Working Papers, Etc|334