China Ramps up War on Poor Product Quality

Every year, March 15 is a day of great trepidation for both foreign and domestic brands in China. In celebration of global consumer rights day, which falls on March 15, the state-run China Central Television (CCTV) annual consumer rights show exposes companies selling what it deems as inferior products or those that are perceived as abusing consumers' rights. In previous years the show has taken aim at major brands such as Apple and Nike. Last year, it targeted Volkswagen for alleged engine defects in its Touareg SUV model, resulting in public apologies from the German carmaker.

This year, there were no foreign brands in its sights. The focus was on how some Chinese factories were turning medical waste such as plastic syringes into toys and bags; the health risks from smoking e-cigarettes; and a local company that allegedly made spicy snacks – popular with Chinese children – in unsanitary conditions, prompting online retailers such as Taobao and JD.com to immediately remove the products made by the accused brands.