Expired Estee Lauder & Elizabeth Arden batches amongst "unqualified" list

The list released on AQSIQ's website shows that three batches of Elizabeth Arden's White Glove Extreme Brightening Pore Refining Gel, imported by a Hainan duty-free shop from its US base, were disposed of as they had surpassed their warranty period.

In April of this year, one batch of Bobbi Brown Brightening Hydrating Lotion was disposed of as the goods had failed to match the certificates. Two more batches of L'Occitane's Amande Pate Delice Exfoliante were disposed of due to exceeded lead levels.

While back in January, AQSIQ also claimed that one batch of Shiseido Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen, imported from Japan to Qingdao, contained cadmium which is likely to cause poisoning.

According to regional publication, the Guangzhou Daily, on contacting a sales manager of Elizabeth Arden China, they said that the brand's products were very popular at sales counters and no consumer had complained about the expired goods thus far.

In addition, the manager stressed that duty-free shops and sales counters go through different  purchasing channels and the products' expiration dates can be verified at sales counters everywhere.

Experts report brands to raise their prices​

On another note, despite the quality problems of some of these brands, a range of cosmetic companies are now planning to raise their prices on the Chinese market after August, especially those of skin whitening, sunscreen and makeup removal products.

One online micro-blogger ChloeHK com who works in cosmetics sales also told GD that many A-list brands will raise their prices in Hong Kong after August as well. Till now, the brands which have already confirmed the raise include Lamer, Clarins, Estée Lauder and Chanel and prices are expected to be raised by 5-10 per cent.

"Even though there have been no clear signs of any cosmetic brand raising their prices on the Chinese mainland market thus far, consumers have already started to express their discontent."​