India Eases Import Ban on Chinese Toys; Seeks Quality Assurance

04/03/2009 12:00 - 607 Views

March 2 (Bloomberg) -- India eased the ban on imports of Chinese toys, three weeks after China said the sanctions could hurt bilateral trade relations.

India, which had imposed a six-month ban on made-in-China toys on Jan. 23 for health reasons, today said imports can be allowed if the consignments are accompanied by certificates of international quality assurance. China had said on Feb. 9 that it was ``seriously concerned'' about India blocking its exports.

India's move to ban Chinese products came after the U.S. Congress last year passed the first overhaul of consumer protection laws in almost two decades in response to a spate of recalls of Chinese-made toys. Mattel Inc. recalled more than 21 million Chinese toys in 2007 because of excessive lead content.

More than 4,000 Chinese toy companies closed last year because of waning demand and tighter safety standards, the official Xinhua News Agency reported Feb. 7.

India has initiated 17 trade actions, including 10 anti- dumping probes, against Chinese imports such as penicillin, hot- rolled steel, vehicle axles and linen since October, according to the Chinese commerce ministry. It also cited additional Indian restrictions on imports of products including steel, chemicals and textiles.

By Cherian Thomas

To contact the reporter on this story: Cherian Thomas in New Delhi at Cthomas1@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: March 2, 2009 03:34 EST

Source: www.bloomberg.com