New regulation to streamline e-commerce activities in mainland

Zhang Yunfang, 23, a Chinese graduate now studying at the University of Tokyo, has been working as a shopper but not with her own money. Specifically, she has been a daigou (an overseas shopper who buys foreign products for customers on the Chinese mainland) in her spare time for about two years.

"I mainly shop for Japanese cosmetics, skin care products and paper diapers at major department stores and supermarkets for my clients. There has been a sharp rise in Chinese consumers buying overseas products in recent years," she said.

Business is good but nonetheless Zhang decided to call it a day as she fears a new law will hit her profit margins.