China intercepts substandard children's products of foreign brands

SHANGHAI - Shanghai's quarantine officers have returned or destroyed 101 batches of substandard imported children's garments, toys and diapers this year, some of which were produced by well-known high street brands, such as H&M and Next.

The shoddy imports, found between January 1 and May 15, failed to meet quality and safety standards on formaldehyde, PH levels and color fastness, according to a spokesperson with the Shanghai Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau.

For example, more than 3,900 T-shirts made in Turkey by H&M were destroyed due to below-standard color fastness, along with nearly 300 kg of its infant one-pieces that failed PH level tests and more than 1,000 scarfs that failed formaldehyde level tests.

High-end brands, such us Armani Junior and Polo Ralph Lauren, were also named for exporting the substandard clothes.

Shanghai Port has handled more than two thirds of China's imported children's products so far this year.