News / China crackdown on shoddy PPE exports pushing air cargo rates even higher

A Beijing crackdown on shoddy medical exports has led to surging air cargo costs and congestion in South China.

Following widespread complaints of defective personal protective equipment (PPE), including face masks and coronavirus test kits, the Chinese authorities have tightened quality controls and increased customs inspections.

New regulations include yesterday’s announcement by China’s Ministry of Commerce on strengthening the export quality supervision of “non-medical” masks, including a blacklist of suppliers which failed to gain export certification.

“In Shanghai, customs brokers have raised rates ...