Made in China

Made in China or "Made in P.R.C." (simplified Chinese: 中国制造; traditional Chinese: 中國製造; pinyin: zhōngguó zhìzào) is a mark affixed to products manufactured in the People's Republic of China, specifically mainland China. While Hong Kong and Macau are special administrative regions of China, most products made in those regions are labeled as "Made in Hong Kong" and "Made in Macau", respectively. Although the name "China" is used by both the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China, the label "Made in China" is generally affixed to products made in the former. Products made in the Republic of China do not use the "Made in China" label. Rather, they use "Made in Taiwan", "Made in R.O.C." or a combination of both is also possible, "Made in Taiwan, R.O.C."

Marketing significance

Made in China is one of the most recognizable labels in the world today due to the large manufacturing industry of rapidly developing China. The country is the largest exporter in the world and the made in china label can be seen on a huge range of goods from clothing to electronics.

Some companies, such as Apple choose to label their products with "Designed by Apple in California Assembled in China" to indicate that even though the products are made in China, the original design was from the US. However, US law requires the country of origin of the product to be clearly displayed on the product, or on the product's container if it is enclosed.

Controversies

2007 Chinese Export Recall

The 2007 Chinese export recalls were a series of scandals involving tainted food and products exported from China, starting with tainted pet food imported from China to the United States that poisoned pets.[3] The recalls sparked international concern that many products made in China do not meet minimum quality standards. Soon after, the US halted imports of seafood from China after tests detected the presence of drugs unapproved in the US.[4][5] China has gone on record to admit that nearly a fifth of products made in China do not reach minimum standards.[6] Also, some children's toys made in China were found to contain excessive levels of lead, prompting widespread concern. In 2006, shipments of cough syrup and other medicines, imported from China to Panama and laden with the toxin diethylene glycol, caused mass poisonings and killed 83 people.[7]

On December 19, 2007, The US House of Representatives passed legislation (H.R. 4040) that would significantly amend the current U.S. safety establishment for consumer products imported from China.

2008 Chinese milk scandal

One year later, the 2008 Chinese milk scandal refers to a food safety incident in mainland People's Republic of China involving milk and infant formula which had been adulterated with melamine, an organic base combined with formaldehyde to form plastic. The result was catastrophic - By 22 September, nearly 53,000 illnesses, over 12,800 hospitalizations, and four infant deaths had been reported, caused by kidney stones and other renal failure.The chemical appeared to have been added to milk in order to cause it to appear to have a higher protein content. The same chemical was also involved in a series of pet food recalls in 2007. In November 2009, two individuals were executed for endangering public safety and producing and selling toxic food.

2009 Made in India scandal

In June 2009, the Nigerian Government Drug Regulatory Authority (NAFDAC) reported about the detention of a large consignment of fake anti-malarial generic pharmaceuticals labeled Made in India but produced in China[9]. The Laboratory analysis conducted by NAFDAC revealed the drugs to be fake and had it not been intercepted, about 64,200 adults would have been affected. The consignment containing Maloxine and Amalar tablets, used for the treatment of Malaria, were valued at 32.1 million Naira and were produced, packed and shipped from China. After Indian Authorities took up the matter, The State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) of China was asked to investigate the matter[10]. In December 2009, 6 chinese traders were sentenced to death for their involvement [11]

In July 2009, customs officials in the South Indian port city of Chennai seized spurious cosmetics and mobile phone batteries worth Rs. 30 million, imported into India from Scheko in China. The 40 foot container was held up at the port for more than 75 days and opened on 13th July when the importer did not file a bill of entry. It was reported to contain over 187,000 batteries with Nokia holograms and stickers, and 126,000 cosmetic items including face packs, lipsticks and hair gels.

Expressive Media

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In December 2009, the Chinese government launched an advertisement campaign on CNN to promote Made in China goods.

Prokiwi International Ltd., a Christchurch-based Company, has been asked to pay a fine of $48,000 for selling Chinese-made products as being produced in New Zealand.

A total of 17 charges were imposed against the Company under the Fair Trading Act. The Company was selling such mislabeled skin care products like soaps, lotions, and lip balms to its customers, especially tourists. A total of 250 outlets were selling these products countrywide.

The products were put into the packages, which had pictures of Aoraki-Mt Cook, kiwi fruits, and a merino ram. The products were also labeled with the word, New Zealand, Aotearoa.

James Donkin, a lawyer for the Commerce Commission said that Prokiwi didn't use corrective measures for labeling its products, even after it was given a warning by the commission.

Some old stocks that were lying in the market and couldn't be sold because of the recession are now being sold with a label "Made in China", which is difficult to read.

As per Judge Moran, such an act is shameful and has smeared the Company's reputation.

He said, "It was a deliberate deception to dupe overseas tourists who have English as a second language".

The Company is seriously looking into this problem and is seeking legal help to sort it out as early as possible.