600 China toy makers lose license in blitz

A Chinese Government authority has revoked the export licenses of more than 600 toy manufacturers after a crackdown on product quality and safety.

The Administration for Quality Supervision and Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) of China, the world’s biggest toy exporter, held a press conference in Beijing earlier this week to announce the move.

“We have thoroughly inspected all 3000-plus toy makers for export during the rectification work that began last August,” AQSIQ deputy director Pu Changcheng told media.

“We have also set a complete quality test system. All toys, even those that are made based on designs and standards by importers, are subjected to safety checks.

“The overall quality of Chinese-made toys will be further improved and safety will be fully guaranteed,” Pu said.

Pu noted that while the poor practices of domestic manufacturers were largely responsible for recent product recalls, design flaws and a change of standards by foreign importers also played a part.

Food safety was also addressed at the conference, with Pu telling media that all food manufacturers and processors in China had put quality safety labels (“QS”) on their products.

He said the AQSIQ would this year focus on regulating small workshops, where most “unqualified” or “shoddy” food products came from. These food products would be required to have a different label than the quality safety label.

Pu made assurances about food safety during the coming Olympics. “All foods provided to the athletes and referees are made by quality companies,” he said. “We will step up construction of inspection and quarantine institutions and make sure all foods for the Olympics are safe.”

Inside Retailing