Chinese city cracks down on fake Russian goods

A number of shops in Shanghai are being investigated for misleading consumers

An investigation has been launched in Shanghai into stores allegedly selling counterfeit Russian goods, the city’s authorities have announced. Interest in traditional Russian products has recently surged in China amid growing popular support for Russia in the face of Western sanctions, according to local media reports.

The crackdown follows a rising number of complaints from consumers about the quality and authenticity of products sold at so-called “Russian goods pavilions,” according to the Shanghai Municipal government’s statement published on Thursday.

The Shanghai Municipal Market Supervision Bureau has made two rounds of inspections since December 23. A total of 47 such pavilions have been inspected, and six stores suspected of illegal activities are under investigation, according to the statement. The alleged violations include operating without a license and false advertising.

The stores come with all the signature elements such as Cyrillic script on product labels, matryoshka dolls, with traditional songs such as ‘Kalinka’ and ‘Katyusha’ played on a loop, according to the South China Morning Post.

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Many customers have raised concerns that most of the goods in these stores are not actually from Russia but are rather made domestically, noted the Global Times newspaper. The counterfeit items reportedly range from snacks and beverages to cosmetics and household goods.

As part of the crackdown, officials are conducting inspections, collecting samples, and reviewing product certifications. Businesses found guilty of selling counterfeit goods could face heavy fines or closure.

According to South China Morning Post, the popularity of Russian goods has surged in China over the past two years thanks to stronger trade links between Beijing and Moscow and the latter’s strained relations with the West.