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China Tightens Enforcement Against Fake Testing Reports in Traditional Craft Markets

China's market regulator has opened reporting channels for fraudulent testing certificates in jewelry, precious metals, redwood, and ceramics. Foreign founders in these sectors must ensure their suppliers and products comply with authenticity rules.

China Cracks Down on Fake Testing Reports in Traditional Craft Markets

On April 16, 2026, China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) announced a new reporting channel to combat fraud in the traditional craft market. The initiative, called "打假清源" (roughly "crack down on fakes and clean up the source"), targets the fabrication and misuse of inspection and testing reports for products such as jewelry, precious metal ornaments, redwood items, and ceramics. For foreign founders operating in these sectors—whether sourcing, manufacturing, or selling in China—understanding the scope of enforcement is essential to avoid penalties and reputational damage.

What the Authorities Are Targeting

SAMR has outlined four categories of illegal activities that can be reported:

• Illegal workshops and intermediaries: Operations that forge testing reports or inspection certificates for traditional craft products. This includes so-called "black workshops," "black dens," and "black intermediaries."
• Fraudulent business practices: Producers and sellers who falsify, alter, impersonate, or trade in testing reports or certificates; who use fake reports to pass off inferior goods as high-quality or genuine; or who engage in deceptive marketing.
• Testing机构 violations: Accredited testing institutions that operate beyond their authorized scope or issue false or grossly inaccurate reports.
• Online platform abuses: E-commerce and livestreaming platforms, as well as related operators, that create fake websites, links, or accounts to offer false testing services or certificates. This also covers the unauthorized use of terms like "inspection and testing," "CMA," "CNAS," "guaranteed pass," "no sample submission," "inspection-free," or "direct certificate issuance" in online searches and promotions without verifying qualifications.

Reporting Channels and Procedures

SAMR has set up dedicated channels for reporting these violations:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 010-88651775 (available on workdays from 9:00–11:30 and 14:00–17:00)
• Additional channels: Reports can also be submitted via the 12315 platform or hotline to local market regulation departments.

Authorities encourage real-name reporting to facilitate investigation and follow-up. Whistleblowers are asked to fill out the "Traditional Craft Market 'Crack Down on Fakes and Clean Up the Source' Report Information Collection Form" accurately. SAMR pledges to strictly maintain confidentiality and protect the legitimate rights and interests of reporters.

Implications for Foreign Founders

For foreign entrepreneurs establishing or running a company in China—especially in jewelry, precious metals, redwood furniture, ceramics, or related e-commerce—this enforcement push signals heightened scrutiny of product authenticity and testing documentation. Key takeaways:

• Verify your suppliers: Ensure that any testing reports or certificates provided by manufacturers or intermediaries are genuine and issued by qualified institutions. Fake reports can lead to product seizures, fines, and even criminal liability.
• Check testing机构 credentials: Use only testing bodies accredited for the specific product category. Confirm that their scope covers the tests you need and that they are authorized to issue reports bearing CMA or CNAS marks.
• Audit your marketing claims: Avoid using terms like "guaranteed pass" or "inspection-free" in online promotions unless you have proper substantiation. Unverified use of such language can be considered deceptive marketing.
• Monitor online listings: If you sell through e-commerce or livestreaming platforms, ensure that your product listings and linked certificates are accurate. Platforms are also under scrutiny for hosting fake testing services.
• Report suspicious activity: If you encounter fraudulent testing providers, use the official channels to report them. This helps clean up the market and protects your own business.

China's market regulator is increasingly focused on transparency and authenticity in traditional craft sectors. Foreign founders who proactively verify their supply chains and marketing practices can mitigate risks and build trust with consumers and regulators alike.

This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.

For assistance with company registration and compliance in China, foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp or WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535.