China quality watchdog warns of fake inspections
BEIJING, Sept 26 (Reuters) - China's quality watchdog, in charge of making sure exported goods are up to standard, warned on Wednesday that some companies had been targetted by fraudsters claiming to be able to help them avoid inspections in exchange for money.
The fraudsters solicited business using names of magazines such as "China brand goods" and "Supervision and choice", the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said on its Web site (www.aqsiq.gov.cn).
"They falsely said they could provide special channels to avoid inspection and approval, or could help companies apply for inspection exemption or gets the right contacts to do so in exchange for money," the regulator said in a statement.
They had nothing to do with the watchdog even though some had resorted to using chops (stamps) engraved with the regulator's name, it added, though did not say what exactly they did with the chops, used like a signature by Chinese firms and official bodies.
Companies should be extremely cautious and tell the regulator or the police if they are suspicious, it said, without giving further details about the suspected fraudsters or if any had been detained.
The quality of everything from Chinese-produced toys and toothpaste to fish has come under international scrutiny following a series of high profile scandals over tainted goods.
China has promised to crack down, but also says a vast majority of its products are safe and the problems of a few errant companies should not tarnish the country's reputation as a whole.
The fraudsters solicited business using names of magazines such as "China brand goods" and "Supervision and choice", the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said on its Web site (www.aqsiq.gov.cn).
"They falsely said they could provide special channels to avoid inspection and approval, or could help companies apply for inspection exemption or gets the right contacts to do so in exchange for money," the regulator said in a statement.
They had nothing to do with the watchdog even though some had resorted to using chops (stamps) engraved with the regulator's name, it added, though did not say what exactly they did with the chops, used like a signature by Chinese firms and official bodies.
Companies should be extremely cautious and tell the regulator or the police if they are suspicious, it said, without giving further details about the suspected fraudsters or if any had been detained.
The quality of everything from Chinese-produced toys and toothpaste to fish has come under international scrutiny following a series of high profile scandals over tainted goods.
China has promised to crack down, but also says a vast majority of its products are safe and the problems of a few errant companies should not tarnish the country's reputation as a whole.
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