China revokes Toy export licenses
China revokes Toy export licenses
Bowing to international pressure after a long string of toy recalls from hazardously high levels of lead in paint and other faulty manufacturing issues, the Chinese government has revoked the export licences of 700 toy factories. Revocation came after an extensive inspection of more than 3,500 toy makers since last August after Chinese-made toys were recalled due to either design flaws or being found with toxic levels of lead in the paint used to decorate the toys.
“After the inspection, the overall situation regarding the production of toys for export has been greatly improved,” said Li Changjiang, head of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine
Widespread safety issues with everything from food to toys and other exports have created heightened tensions in trade relations with Europe and the United States. One of China’s leading export officials was arrested recently for accepting bribes to look the other way and now, this widespread revocation shows that Beijing is very serious about trade relations globally.
China exports around 22 billion toys every year. That’s a lot of plastic and a lot of money, so it make sense that China would eventually respond to the pressure to clean up its export act.
Hat Tip: Agency France Presse