A resident purchases food at a market in Huaibei, east China's Anhui Province, June 9, 2015. [Photo: Xinhua/Xie Zhengyi]

China's Supreme Court has published ten model cases on the protection of consumer rights, especially related to online shopping and prepaid cards.

The ten cases focus on products, such as food, health care goods, and cars; and services such as the installation of household appliances.

Sun Jungong, spokesman of the Supreme Court, says the newly amended consumer rights protection law has properly improved protecting consumers' legal rights.

"Since the new Consumer Rights Law took effect over one year ago, courts at different levels have cracked down on illegal acts such as selling fake and inferior products. They have also raised the cost of illegal operations. Actions like those are playing an important role in protecting consumers' rights."

A typical case concentrates on a seller's false or misleading advertising. Leading Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi was sued last year by a consumer who accused the company of price gouging, saying he was charged 69 yuan for a mobile power supply even though it had been advertised at 49 on its website.The court decided that Xiaomi deliberately attempted to deceive, and ordered the company to return the payment as well as pay punitive damages of 500 yuan.

Yang Linping, the president of the first civil court, adds that online consumers also have the right to "return the product in seven days without reasons".

"Online shopping is fast and efficient, but you cannot see the real entity. Therefore, consumers 'regret right' should be safeguarded."Yang Linping points out that consumers can now get compensation easier since the online shopping platform will now take greater responsibility.

"Online shopping platforms have the responsibility to provide consumers with the manufacture's address and contacts. If it refuses to do so, consumers can sue the platform and ask it to pay for their losses in advance."According to the new consumer right l, e-shoppers can unconditionally return goods for refunds within seven days of transaction but requires them to pay logistics costs.