China accuses Western brands Zara, H&M, Nike of selling unsafe products
The Chinese government continues to exert pressure on foreign companies that got entangled in the Xinjiang controversy, where some Western brands reaped backlash after alleged complaints of forced labor in the said Chinese region.
H&M, Nike and Zara were reportedly included in a list of 16 companies released by the Chinese Customs agency for having imported children’s products that are not safe. In an AP report, these products included T-shirts, toys, and toothbrushes that were tagged “quality and safety unqualified.” The list was released in time for the International Children’s Day in China on June 1.
These same brands faced calls for consumer boycott last March after they were targeted by state media over allegations that the brands called out forced labor in Xinjiang, which is a cotton-producing region.
H&M came under fire over a previous statement that it would longer use cotton from Xinjiang due to issues of unfair labor conditions, allegations that the government vehemently deny.
AP reported that the customs announcement did not mention Xinjiang, but cited potentially hazardous dyes and other chemicals in clothing and toys and the failure of some products to meet safety standards. (Bim Santos)
(Banner and thumbnail photo from AFP)