Express delivery companies suspended

BEIJING - The State Post Bureau has suspended the business of 17 Chinese express delivery companies because they lacked operating permits, according to the bureau's official website.

"Customers should be vigilant when using express delivery services," the bureau said on its website on Friday, adding that the public should alert the bureau if any of these companies continues to trade illegally.

The ban came after the bureau inspected the express-delivery companies at the end of last year to regulate it. The companies are located in six provinces and autonomous regions.