China questions clothes inquiry

Lachlan MacGregor, 3, from Hastings wearing pyjamas that were made in China. Photo / Hawkes Bay Today

China has questioned a New Zealand investigation into the safety of its clothing exports - but is making no guarantee the clothes are safe to wear.

China's product-quality watchdog was responding to a Ministry of Consumer Affairs inquiry launched this week into allegations that Chinese-made clothes on sale here contain dangerous levels of formaldehyde.

"[We are] highly concerned about the reports claiming that clothes exported from China contain high levels of formaldehyde," said the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ).

It did not say whether the clothes could be unsafe to wear.

It also indicated that New Zealand authorities must accept some responsibility for the products allowed into their country.

"AQSIQ has not found any technical [safety] standards in New Zealand concerning the content of formaldehyde in clothes," the administration said.

The controversy broke after TV3's consumer programme Target reported that some clothing imported from China contained levels of formaldehyde 900 times higher than was believed safe.

Formaldehyde is used to prevent creasing in clothes and fabrics but is also linked to health problems ranging from skin complaints to cancer.

Yesterday, Consumer Affairs Minister Judith Tizard said the Government was considering conducting wide-ranging inquiries after it was revealed that children's clothes imported from China were found to pose a health risk.

- NZPA