Bidding on contracts denied to those who spurn rulings

Bidders for business contracts who have defaulted on financial judgments against them will face future restrictions, under a court guideline issued on Thursday.

Bidders, bid agencies and bid professionals, who have failed to carry out court verdicts in the past - for example, debtors who don't pay - will be disqualified from participation in future business contract bids, according to the guideline issued by the Supreme People's Court and eight other government departments.

The guideline, which took immediate effect, is the first to restrict bidding by defaulters, and aims to maintain an orderly bidding market and improve the credibility of the process in the eyes of the public, Meng Xiang, director of enforcement department at the top court, said at a news conference.