China will amend its regulations on direct selling and step up supervision of the business, the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said in a statement on Tuesday.

The announcement came shortly after personal-care products maker Nu Skin Enterprises was punished with heavy fines and confiscations in China for exaggerating product effects to mislead consumers, conducting business beyond its permitted scope and other offences.

The ministry said it had met Nu Skin's senior managers and asked the New York-listed direct selling company to regulate its business practices in accordance with the country's regulations.

In addition, the MOC will strengthen controls on entry to the direct selling market, according to the statement.