Nepali Regulator Fines Healthcare Company for Mislabeling Chinese Goods as Australian Brand

Kathmandu. The Department of Commerce, Supply and Consumer Protection has taken action against 'Shubham Healthcare' after it was found selling and distributing Chinese goods in the Nepali market claiming them to be an Australian brand.

The department fined the company NPR 201,000 for misleading consumers about the actual origin and quality of the goods.

The department stated that investigations revealed that although the company sold goods under the brand name 'AIWIBI Australia', these items were actually manufactured in China.

The complaint was filed after it was discovered that the company concealed the name of the actual manufacturer by only writing 'Made in PRC' on the product labels.

Furthermore, the complaint mentioned that the company deceived consumers by using the logo of the renowned German 'Dermatest', which was only authorized for diapers and wipes, on other products such as oil, soap, and shampoo. The Department of Commerce has directed the company to immediately recall such goods with faulty labeling from the market and ensure transparent trade practices in the future.

Questions have also been raised regarding the company's financial transactions, not just its branding. Complaints were filed on suspicion of foreign currency misappropriation by making payments through a third country, as two different sets of bills showing varying prices for the same goods were found in the purchase and payment process.

The Department of Revenue Investigation and the Department of Money Laundering Investigation are also conducting further probes into this matter.