Imported brands repeatedly appear on quality blacklists: why do ZARA and Ralph Lauren keep repeating the same mistakes?

Recently, the General Administration of Customs announced 100 typical cases of imported consumer goods failing quality and safety inspections in 2025. Internationally renowned clothing brands ZARA and Ralph Lauren were prominently listed, once again sparking public concern and skepticism about the quality and safety of imported brands.

Data from Qichacha shows that both brands’ Chinese affiliates have multiple records of failed spot checks. Ralph Lauren’s numerous infant and children’s clothing items frequently exceeded pH value standards, while ZARA was involved in violations such as formaldehyde exceeding limits. These seemingly minor quality issues conceal potential threats to consumer health.

In this report, Ralph Lauren was identified as a “major affected area,” with 7 cases of non-compliance. Multiple batches of products, including men’s woven shirts, girls’ knitted T-shirts, and infant knitted rompers, were found to have pH values outside acceptable ranges. ZARA also appeared 5 times, mainly involving excessive formaldehyde, fiber content and labeling discrepancies, and sharp attachments. The customs authorities have ordered all non-compliant products to be returned or destroyed, strictly preventing their entry into the market and safeguarding consumer health.

It is noteworthy that this is not the first time these two brands have been called out for quality issues. Ralph Lauren’s related company, Ralph Lauren Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., has repeatedly appeared on spot check failure lists since 2022: in June 2022, four batches of infant and children’s clothing accessories failed tensile strength tests, with buttons prone to falling off and posing suffocation risks; two batches of boys’ T-shirts also failed pH tests. In August 2022, the company was fined 52,100 yuan for failing to meet color fastness standards on men’s knitted shirts. In June 2025, Shanghai spot checks again found Ralph Lauren’s children’s clothing with excessive pH levels.

ZARA’s related company, SARA Business (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., also has a long history of violations, from failing color fastness tests in 2017 to issues like steel hooks on girls’ boots not meeting length standards affecting foot development in 2022. The company has faced multiple administrative penalties for “selling non-compliant products as compliant.”

For clothing, indicators like pH value and formaldehyde content may seem technical but are directly related to consumer health. The normal skin pH is slightly acidic at 5.5-6.5. Clothing with pH levels outside this range can damage the skin’s natural barrier, causing irritation, allergies, and dermatitis. Infants and young children have delicate skin and weaker immune systems, making them more vulnerable to harm.

According to national mandatory standards GB 18401, clothing for infants and young children must have a pH between 4.0 and 7.5, and clothing that contacts skin directly should be between 4.0 and 8.5. Ralph Lauren’s infant and children’s products clearly violate these standards. Excessive formaldehyde can enter the body through skin contact and inhalation, potentially leading to weakened immunity, respiratory issues, and, in severe cases, harm to the hematopoietic system.

Regrettably, both brands have not provided clear responses to this announcement. As of March 17, ZARA and Ralph Lauren’s customer service and stores in China reported no specific notices or corrective actions. Stores are operating normally, and repeated attempts to contact brand headquarters have gone unanswered. No official rectification statements have been issued.

Meanwhile, online complaints about the quality of these brands continue to rise. Some consumers report Ralph Lauren clothing costing nearly 2,000 yuan falling apart after fewer than ten wears, and ZARA trench coats developing tears after just one wear. There are also frequent reports of difficulty returning products, with stores refusing refunds outright.

As influential international brands, ZARA and Ralph Lauren hold significant market share based on their reputation. Consumers choose them not only for their design and style but also trust in their quality and safety.

However, repeated failures in inspections, refusal to respond to violations, and inadequate rectification efforts undermine their responsibility and erode consumer trust. The Customs announcement serves as a warning against substandard products and a reminder to import brands: quality and safety are non-negotiable. No matter how well-known the brand, compliance with Chinese quality standards is mandatory.

The safety of imported products directly affects consumers’ well-being and tests the strength of market regulation. This notice underscores that import does not equal quality. Regulatory authorities must continue increasing sampling inspections, improve oversight mechanisms, and impose stricter penalties on repeat offenders to create effective deterrence.

It is also essential for brands to recognize their issues, proactively rectify problems, and uphold quality standards. Consumers should abandon the misconception that “imported equals superior” and learn to pay attention to safety indicators, protecting their rights and interests. Only with strict regulation, responsible brands, and rational consumers can imported consumer goods truly enhance quality of life rather than pose health risks.