The quality of Chinese products has greatly improved and consequently, the number of recalls of Chinese products has dropped significantly in the U.S. in recent years, according to a U.S. official.
Richard W. O'Brien, director of International Programs and Intergovernmental Affairs of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), made the remarks at a news briefing at the U.S. embassy in Beijing Monday afternoon.
According to O'Brien, the number of CPSC recalls of products from China dropped to 220 in 2010 from 346 in 2008. The current number for 2011 stands at 120, and O'Brien is optimistic for a continuing decline.
One of the purposes of O'Brien's China visit is to learn the latest trend of Chinese product safety and extend cooperation with China's main product safety body, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ).
O'Brien emphasized the importance of safety for children's products, explaining that manufacturers, importers, retailers and distributors of children's products in the United States must comply with the new federal limit for total lead content from August 14, 2011. Moreover, children's metal jewelry must undergo independent third party testing.
"Both sides should know the safety standards for children's products, and information sharing is vital to reduce the recalls," O'Brien said.
The commission established its first overseas office in Beijing this year, and O'Brien stressed the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with AQSIQ that includes greater information sharing with provincial-level inspection administrations.
