The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, wrapped up its bi-monthly session on Friday by passing an amendment to the law on consumer rights and interests.

President Xi Jinping signed a presidential a decree to formally revise the law, which will take effect on March 15.

The revision, which was adopted after three readings, focuses on better protection of the rights and interests of consumers, added regulations on online shopping and tightened liabilities of businesses.

The revision balances protection consumers' rights and those of businesses, while standardizing approaches to prominent problems, said Zhang Dejiang, China's top legislator, while presiding over the final meeting.

The committee decided not to vote on a draft revision to the environmental protection law after a third reading, as legislators want stronger action to protect the already heavily polluted environment.

"Environmental problems are pertinent to economic and social development as well as to the health of the people, and various sectors are very concerned about the revision to the environmental protection law," Zhang said. <

During the session, lawmakers stressed environmental protection is a pressing, complex and enduring task which should be carried out by enhancing laws and regulations, legal liability and comprehensive management.

The committee voted to appoint Li Shaoping and He Rong as vice presidents of the Supreme People's Court.

On Friday morning, the members of the NPC Standing Committee attended a lecture on the development and industrial revolution of information technology.