Problems with mosquito repellent products have come to light in China, and authorities have launched an investigation. Chinese media outlet Southern Metropolis Daily reported on the 3rd.

In China, inappropriate sales practices in the mosquito repellent product industry have come to light, and concerns are growing. According to reports, some companies are suspected of selling mosquito repellent products, which should originally be regulated as pesticides, as 'cosmetics' to circumvent regulations. Furthermore, some company officials admitted that 'the main ingredient of the product is water, and it actually has almost no effect.'

In 2021, China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs issued guidelines stating that products claiming mosquito prevention and repellent functions, regardless of whether their active ingredients are chemical substances or plant-derived components, must be managed as pesticides. Therefore, products advertised for their mosquito repellent effect are required to display a pesticide registration number, production license number, and other information. However, China Central Television (CCTV), a state-owned broadcaster, recently investigated several products and confirmed cases where they claimed mosquito repellent effects but were not registered as pesticides.

Many of the products in question contained an insect repellent ingredient called 'IR3535.' Since this ingredient can be used in both pesticides and cosmetics, some companies are believed to have circumvented pesticide regulations by registering them as 'cosmetics.' Experts point out that 'while IR3535 itself is considered to have low toxicity, there are certain standards for its use and concentration, and particular caution is required when used by infants, young children, or individuals with sensitive skin.'

One of the brands in question is 'Angel Forest,' which develops care products for infants and young children. The company's mugwort protective spray was advertised as 'pesticide-free and repelling mosquitoes by scent,' but it actually contained IR3535. Its operating company, Guangzhou Defu Biotechnology, issued a statement explaining that 'the product has been registered as a children's cosmetic and there are no issues with its quality or safety,' while also admitting to and apologizing for inappropriate expressions in its promotional text.

Furthermore, problems were also pointed out regarding multiple companies in Nanyang City, Henan Province. A representative from one company admitted that 'the main ingredient is close to water' and explained that 'the factory shipment price for one bottle of mosquito repellent spray is only 1.5 yuan (approximately 35 yen), and after deducting costs for containers and labor, almost no active ingredients can be included.' Officials from several other companies interviewed also reportedly indicated that 'their own products have almost no actual effect.'

On the 2nd, the Guangzhou Baiyun District Market Supervision Administration announced that it is advancing its investigation into the relevant companies. (Translation/Editing: Kitada)