Imported products from renowned brands not always represent better quality. On 13 March 2017, Hangzhou Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Burea of China destroyed piles of T-shirts (tag unit price RMB 2,800 Yuan, about USD 404.96) imported from a well-known brand of Italy and MAG fashion jewellery imported from South Korea, worthy of USD 12,779.2. The underlying reason for the destruction is that those imported products do not meet the Chinese standards.

Fashion Jewellery: Dangerous levels of lead and nickel

The fashion jewellery falls far behind of relevant standard requirements as they contain dangerous levels of lead and nickel.

Alarmingly, in the worst case that the lead present in a design of necklace even exceeds 699 times as high as the limits set forth in relevant standards. To be more specifically, the product virtually consists of 70% lead. To our knowledge, lead is one of toxic elements that can accumulate in human body to a certain level that may harm nero, hemopoietic and digest systems in the long run. Necklaces always come into direct contact with human skin and the hazard is self-evident.

Meanwhile some bracelets released nickel at a level of 7 times as high as the limits set forth in relevant standards. Due to its carcinogenic properties, nickel can infiltrate into human skin through pores and sebiferous gland leading to allergy and inflammation.

T-shirts: Colour fastness makes a big difference

More than 50 T-shirts imported from Italy were also destroyed (tag unit price: bout USD 404.96). The officials say the colour fastness to perspiration is generally above level 3 but that of these T-shirts is only at level 2.

That may put consumers in an awkward position where they may be “coloured” in case of sweat or rain. What’s worse, the long-term contact with dyes easily gives rise to skin allergy or even irritant dermatitis and contact dermatitis.

The non-compliance rate of imported light textiles products in Hangzhou reaches 29.1% last year (covering 475 lots, amount: USD 8.49 million).

The most common reasons for non-compliance including:

Chemical: dangerous levels of heavy metals (lead, cadmium, arsenic, nickel in particular), phthalates, organic tin, migration of colours, colour fastness, pH values, etc.

Physical: structural issues, strength, small parts, sharp points and edges in toys, dynamic test of child safety seats.

Electrical: temperature rise tests.

Other: packaging, warning, instructions

C&K Testing Comments

China is attracting world attention with its vast market potential and increasing purchasing powers. However, it is important that imported products should be compliant with Chinese requirements if intended for sale in the market.

C&K Testing, based in China and staffed by experienced technicians, can help you check product compliance or improve your product quality by our testing and consulting services.

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