China’s export industry faced new safety concerns today after authorities in New Zealand began probing claims that imported children’s clothes had contained dangerously high levels of formaldehyde.
A consumer watchdog television programme claimed this week that formaldehyde levels on some Chinese-made clothes were 900 times above safety levels. The New Zealand Commerce Commission and the Ministry of Consumer Affairs have started an investigation.
A New Zealand clothing retailer has also withdrawn a range of children’s pyjamas made in China after reports that they had caught fire, injuring two boys.
This comes just days after toy giant Mattel recalled over 18m toys made in China because they contained loose magnets that could cause serious harm if swallowed.
China’s textile industry has grown fast in recent years, driven by exports to markets such as Europe and the US. This has sparked concerns that domestic textile manufacturers could suffer, leading to sometimes bitter battles over import quotas.
The head of China’s safety watchdog has claimed that the safety warnings are a new form of protectionism by the west. Li Changjiang accused some governments of "demonising Chinese products".
But Peter Mandelson, the EC trade commissioner who had conducted the negotiations over Chinese textile imports, hit back at this claim.
"The allegation that European companies’ action against toxic Chinese goods is politically motivated and shows bias against China is totally false," said Mr Mandelson in a statement.
The Mattel recall led to claims that some Chinese companies are not adhering to safety standards, and fears in Beijing that the "Made in China" brand could be damaged.
China and the US are due to hold negotiations over the issue later this month, and again in September.
Excessive levels of formaldehyde have been linked to eye, skin and nasal irritations, respiratory problems and asthma. The chemical also been labelled as a human carcinogen.
But according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC), UK consumers should not suffer the kind of problems that were apparently found in New Zealand.
"There is no evidence of problems of this kind in Europe," said a spokesman for the BRC.
"The EU sets strict legal limits on the use of chemicals in products in order to protect consumers. All responsible retailers ensure their suppliers comply and frequently impose even more stringent restrictions," he added.
