The Consumer Affairs Authority has seized nearly 1,000 pairs of footwear during a raid on a facility in Kawdana, Dehiwala, as part of an investigation into alleged misleading country-of-origin labelling.
According to the CAA, investigators traced invoices and supply-chain information relating to footwear sold through a retail chain.
The Authority alleges that soles and other components had been imported separately and subsequently assembled at the Dehiwala premises.
The locally assembled footwear was then allegedly packaged and labelled “Made in China” before being supplied to retail outlets.
The CAA also said the products allegedly failed to display the actual manufacturer's name and address.
Nearly 1,000 pairs of footwear and materials associated with their assembly were taken into custody.
Further investigations are continuing.
Investigation status
The country-of-origin labelling issues remain allegations under investigation. Tax evasion, judicially established fraud, retailer knowledge and criminal guilt are not inferred.