Sanya Releases Typical Cases for 2026 "3·15" International Consumer Rights Day

The 2026 “March 15” International Consumer Rights Day theme is “Getting Closer to 3.15, Market Regulation in Action.” Sanya Market Supervision Administration focuses on the theme, fulfilling its duties responsibly, and effectively safeguarding consumers’ legal rights. Here are seven typical cases of violations of consumer rights and market disorder, serving as warnings for all business entities in the city to operate legally, honestly, and in compliance, jointly building a fair, safe, and trustworthy consumption environment.

1. False Advertising Case of Hainan Real Estate Development Co., Ltd.

From 2019 to 2025, Hainan Real Estate Development Co., Ltd. illegally included public corridor areas in model homes for decoration display and sales promotion during project sales, without truthful disclosure of this key information to buyers, misleading consumers’ purchasing decisions. The company’s behavior violates Article 8, Paragraph 1 of the Anti-Unfair Competition Law of the People’s Republic of China (2019 Revision), constituting false advertising. Based on Article 20, Paragraph 1 of the law, Sanya Market Supervision Administration fined the company 240,000 yuan.

Consumer Tip: Model home setup, actual unit size, and space ownership are core factors influencing consumers’ purchasing decisions. Real estate companies that illegally include public areas in model homes and conceal facts are typical false advertising behaviors, infringing on consumers’ right to information and fair transaction rights, and disrupting the normal market order. This case warns real estate operators to uphold integrity, fully and truthfully disclose key information such as property rights, layouts, and supporting facilities, and strictly prohibit concealment and misleading practices.

2. Unauthorized Use of Influential Name for Confusing Behavior Case of a Villa Rental Shop in Haitang District, Sanya

In January 2023, a villa rental shop in Haitang District, Sanya, illegally used the name “Tianfang Intercontinental,” causing consumers to mistakenly believe it was affiliated with a well-known hotel in the area to attract business. The behavior violates Article 6, Item 2 of the Anti-Unfair Competition Law (2019 Revision), constituting illegal use of a name with influence to cause confusion. Sanya Market Supervision Administration fined the shop 10,000 yuan and confiscated illegal gains of 15,000 yuan.

Consumer Tip: This case serves as a warning to market operators to prevent “free riding” and “name-brand imitation.” Operators should establish their own brand awareness, legally standardize the use of business names and logos, and avoid unauthorized use of well-known names or brands to mislead the public. Violators will bear legal responsibility. Consumers should verify the credentials and brand marks of accommodation and dining services carefully to avoid losses caused by name confusion.

3. Sale of Fake and Substandard Products at an Antique Shop in Sanya

On January 25, 2025, Mr. Zhang purchased seven items at a Sanya antique shop, including “Guatemala Jade Carving,” “Violet Bracelet,” “Wild Sea Water Pearl Necklace,” and “Horn Carved Shakyamuni,” totaling 27,000 yuan. Professional testing revealed the items were dyed quartzite, freshwater cultured pearls, and the so-called “rhinoceros horn, tiger bone” carvings could not be verified for origin, contradicting the shop’s claims. The shop’s conduct violates Article 39 of the Product Quality Law of China, constituting illegal sales of false and substandard products. The Sanya Market Supervision Administration transferred the case, and the Sanya Comprehensive Administrative Law Enforcement Bureau fined the shop 980,750 yuan.

Consumer Tip: The antique jewelry market is not outside the law; industry practices do not override legal standards. This case warns antique and jewelry merchants to strictly adhere to quality and integrity, truthfully disclose material, origin, and appraisal information, and resolutely prevent false and substandard sales. Consumers should verify official appraisal certificates and check product information through authoritative channels to protect their rights.

4. Sale of Counterfeit “Guojiao 1573” Liquor at a Department Store in Jiyang District, Sanya

In January 2025, a department store in Jiyang District, Sanya, sold two bottles of counterfeit “Guojiao 1573” liquor without verifying the source or retaining supplier qualification and product certificates. The conduct violates Article 57, Item 3 of the Trademark Law of China, constituting the illegal sale of goods infringing on registered trademarks. The Sanya Market Supervision Administration fined the store 12,000 yuan and confiscated all infringing products.

Consumer Tip: The “Guojiao” trademark series is a well-known registered trademark with high brand value and market recognition. Selling counterfeit liquor damages the rights of trademark owners and endangers consumer safety, disrupting market order. This case warns operators to strictly implement procurement verification and resist counterfeit and inferior products, maintaining lawful and honest business practices.

5. Unauthorized Use of “Organic” Label Without Certification by Hainan Trading Co., Ltd.

From February to March 2025, Hainan Trading Co., Ltd. purchased ordinary “scattered flower” vegetables from Sanya Honggang Market and, without obtaining organic certification or possessing any certification documents, falsely labeled and sold 53.63 kg as “Organic Cauliflower.” The conduct violates Article 34, Item 1 of the Organic Product Certification Management Measures, constituting illegal mislabeling to mislead the public. The Sanya Market Supervision Administration fined the company 3,000 yuan and confiscated illegal gains of 534 yuan.

Consumer Tip: Organic product labels are protected by law; labeling “organic” must be based on proper certification. Consumers should check for organic certification marks, organic codes, and certification body information, and verify authenticity via the national organic product certification query platform to avoid being misled by false labels.

6. Use of Expired Food Raw Materials in Food Processing at a Off-Campus Care Center in Haitang District, Sanya

In January 2025, a off-campus care center in Haitang District, Sanya, used expired seasonings in food preparation, posing serious food safety risks. The conduct violates Article 34, Item 3 of the Food Safety Law of China, constituting illegal use of expired raw materials in food production. The case was transferred to the Sanya Comprehensive Administrative Law Enforcement Bureau, which fined the center 10,000 yuan and confiscated the expired seasonings.

Consumer Tip: Food safety for minors is a top priority. Off-campus care centers and school canteens must strictly fulfill their food safety responsibilities, control procurement, storage, and usage processes, regularly remove expired or spoiled ingredients, and prevent using expired raw materials to ensure children’s dietary safety.

7. Commercial Bribery Case at a Seafood Shop in Tianya District, Sanya

In January 2026, a seafood shop in Tianya District, Sanya, paid multiple “kickbacks” to drivers to induce them to bring passengers to the store, artificially increasing consumption costs and infringing on consumer rights. The conduct violates Article 8 of the Anti-Unfair Competition Law of China, constituting commercial bribery. The Sanya Market Supervision Administration plans to fine the shop 200,000 yuan.

Consumer Tip: Business operators using commercial bribery to attract customers ultimately transfer the unfair costs to consumers through higher prices and lower quality, severely harming consumer rights. This case warns food and beverage operators to operate honestly and avoid bribery practices. Consumers should be cautious of small favors like fare discounts, not trust drivers or guides’ inducements, and choose transparent, regulated venues for rational and informed consumption.

(Original Title: Sanya Announces Typical Cases for 2026 “3.15” International Consumer Rights Day)

【Responsible Editor: Liu Ruying】

【Content Review: Sun Lingwei】

【Source: Coconut Network - Island Affairs】