CFDA Advises Consumer Caution When Purchasing Discounted Cosmetics Online

China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) has reminded consumers to adopt a precautionary “buyer beware” principle when purchasing discounted cosmetic brands through e-commerce platforms. CFDA has uncovered groups criminals selling counterfeits products through 3^rd party ecommerce platforms, where they attract customers by offering hefty discounts. Counterfeits goods include famous brands such as L’Oreal, Dior, Estee Lauder, Chanel, Lancôme and Gucci.

According to statistics, since 2014 the FDAs have dealt with 8 major counterfeit or illegal cosmetic trading cases some of which involved more than 100 million RMB worth of products. In one recent case a suspect sold products such as Chanel, L’Oreal, etc. online with very low sales price. An investigation revealed that that these counterfeit products were sold in over 20 of China’s provinces.