In 2003, during the mid-autumn festival, a box of moon cakes that was attached to a flat had a listed price of 310,000 yuan (US$37,500). In the same period in 2004, a box of moon cakes containing a piece of pure gold Buddha posted a price of 180,000 yuan. This year, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the Ministry of Commerce plus two other ministries posted notices and jointly said "no" to moon cakes with "sky-high prices".

The joint regulation issued by these four government entities dictates that prices set by those selling moon cakes must follow the principles of fairness, legality, honesty and commensurate quality. Merchants making and selling moon cakes must not use multi-level marketing techniques and harm the lawful rights of consumers. They are not allowed to commingle and repackage moon cakes with other products for resale.

The NDRC indicated that although "sky-high" priced moon cakes are but a very small portion of the overall moon cake market, they have nonetheless a pernicious influence and caused a strong reaction from society. Relevant government departments will treat the issue of "sky-high priced" moon cakes seriously to resolve the problems of overpackaging and product tie-in in selling moon cakes. These are important for conserving resources, protecting the environment and building a harmonious society.

There are more than two months from the next mid-autumn festival. According to the NDRC, during this year's peak season of selling moon cakes, relevant departments will organize a market surveillance team to prevent the negative phenomenon of "sky-high" priced moon cakes.

(China News Service July 6, 2005)