The system, recommended in a report by an authorized research group with Beijing-based Renmin University of China, has long been anticipated by customers as well as law and industrial experts.

Officials from the State's product quality supervision authority said their department is studying how to deal with defective products that are circulating in markets and have the potential to hurt users.

"Special regulations will soon be drafted to protect the interests and health of customers," said Yu Xianzhong, director-general of the Department of Quality under the administration of the State General Administration of Quality Supervision and Inspection and Quarantine.

The research group said that recalling regulation has existed in industrialized countries for years. China's relevant regulations should be based on the Law of Product Quality and the Law of Protection of Customers' Interest.

Guo He, a professor from the Renmin University, said that producers who don't voluntarily recall their defective products will be forced to do so.

His group also suggested that manufacturers of defective products properly inform customers of product function, potential danger and how and when the danger is likely to occur.

However, some experts still doubt the applicability of the well-conceived regulation, considering China's incomplete sale process and lack of consciousness to fulfill contracted obligations.

( November 13, 2001)