VietNamNet Bridge – Incorrect labels were a feature of two thirds of inspected electrical products, according to Ministry of Science and Technology's chief inspector Tran Minh Dung.
Dung was speaking at a meeting in Ha Noi yesterday, Dec 28, to review the results of a nationwide inspection the ministry carried out from August to October. 

Incorrect labelling was the most common type of violation, but perhaps more serious was the failure to follow quality standards.

He said during the inspection there were many vendors who deliberately tried to get around the laws by claiming their products did not have to comply with these standards.

"For example, they label a certain type of wire as being useful for shaping trees so it doesn't need to comply with the quality standards. But shopkeepers often sell the wire for electricity transmission," he said. "So technically we can't fine them for their wrongdoing."

Dung said the list of home appliances that had to meet quality standards did not cover all products. It left out several, including electric frypans, pressure-cookers and electric cookers which have been becoming popular.

More than 654 shopkeepers, manufacturers and importers out of the total of 2,265 establishments have been fined a total of VND551 million (US$26,500) for the offences.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News