Illegal cosmetics imports a big problem in China

According to the Asia News Network, more than US$350,000 worth of illegal imports from China were seized last month; the first month they began seizing such goods.

Figures from the Ministry suggest that about 95 per cent of the seized goods were consumer products, mainly cosmetics, food and personal-care products.

Seized​

The goods were seized on the highway between Muse town on the border with China in Shan State and Mandalay in central Myanmar.

The seizures are part of an effort by the illegal trade control committee to curb illegal imports and protect consumers.

The committee was formed by the President's Office late last year to monitor and curb illegal trade at every trading point: airports, seaports and border crossings, and began by forming mobile teams to monitor the highway from Muse to Mandalay.

Growing concern​

The mobile teams began issuing warnings last November and December to traders who did not have authorisation to import, before beginning to seize goods last month.

The move was made after growing public concern over a reported increase in illegal trades and imports.

It is a problem that has also been recognized in India, where authorities recently cracked down on illegal trading as well as the sale of fake cosmetics.

Two weeks ago three cosmetics outlets in Patna were raided after being found to be openly selling products under the names of top cosmetic brands.

Samples of the products seized have been sent off for tests at a laboratory and include products ranging from shampoos to body lotions, face creams, make-up, hair dyes and various other hair care products.