An official investigation is set to be launched by the Chinese Government over claims that Chinese-made shoes might contain toxic chemicals over legal limits.

Sources said the China General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine had asked relevant industrial associations to provide information about the allegations. The Bureau of Fair Trade for Imports and Exports of the Ministry of Commerce is also reported to join a probe soon.

The Italian Health Ministry said they had begun an inspection programme of shoes imported from China, claiming they might contain chemicals above limits set out in European Union regulations. The inspection is expected to last six months.

Qin Gang, Foreign Ministry spokesman, said the case should have been settled through a joint investigation.

He added that all commodities passed strict inspections before being exported from China and that they met export standards.

Besides national requirements on products used in the domestic market, Chinese footwear manufacturers strictly abide by their contracts with foreign importers, said Wei Yafei, a spokeswoman with China Leather Association.

"They will do what buyers require if there are any additional requirements," she said.

She added the EU restrictions on chemicals in footwear are only recommended guidelines.

Chinese footwear associations said the Italian claim was to interfere with the ongoing footwear dumping investigation by the EU.

EU rules define dumping as selling a product below the cost of making, causing damage to a substantial part of a particular industry.

The European Commission is scheduled to decide whether to grant market economy treatment to 17 Chinese shoes makers at the end of this year and publish its primary rulings next April.

Source: China Daily