Preview Newsletter

MALM Day 16, July 12, 2016

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

IKEA to recall 1.7 million chests, dressers in China: watchdog
Jul 12, 2016 | Reuters
By Brenda Goh

Syndicated coverage: WIN 98.5 - http://wincountry.com/news/articles/2016/jul/12/china-watchdog-says-ikea-to-recall-166-million-malm-chests-and-dressers/ Street Insider - http://www.streetinsider.com/Reuters/IKEA+to+recall+1.7+million+chests,+dressers+in+China%3A+watchdog/11820707.html MSN - http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/ikea-to-recall-17-million-chests-dressers-in-china-watchdog/ar-BBudXnE Today Online - http://www.todayonline.com/business/china-watchdog-says-ikea-recall-166-million-malm-chests-and-dressers Channel NewsAsia - http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/ikea-to-recall-1-66m/2950060.html Yahoo Finance - https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/china-watchdog-says-ikea-recall-1-66-million-022455391--sector.html Strait Times - http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/ikea-to-recall-166-million-chests-dressers-in-china-watchdog OANN - http://www.oann.com/china-watchdog-says-ikea-to-recall-1-66-million-malm-chests-and-dressers/ news.s3.webdigital.hu - http://news.s3.webdigital.hu/latest/ikea-to-recall-17-mln-chests-dressers-in-chinawatchdog Kopitiam Bot - https://kopitiambot.com/2016/07/12/ikea-to-recall-1-66-million-chests-dressers-in-china-watchdog/ KITV - http://www.kitv.com/story/32422002/ikea-to-recall-17-million-chests-dressers-in-china-watchdog In Cyprus - http://in-cyprus.com/ikea-to-recall-1-7-million-chests-dressers-in-china-watchdog/ Strategy BG - http://www.strategybg.com/ikea-to-recall-1-7-million-chests-dressers-in-china-watchdog/ Conservative Angle - http://conservativeangle.com/china-watchdog-says-ikea-to-recall-1-66-million-malm-chests-and-dressers/ Hofstra Today - http://hofstratoday.com/ikea-to-recall-1-7-million-chests-dressers-in-china-watchdog/ Thanhnien news - http://www.thanhniennews.com/world/china-watchdog-says-ikea-to-recall-166-million-malm-chests-and-dressers-64091.html cialiscru - http://cialiscru.net/china-watchdog-says-ikea-to-recall-1-66-million-malm-chests-and-dressers/ Hardware Zone - http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/eat-drink-man-woman-16/ikea-recall-1-66-million-chests-dressers-china-watchdog-5415967.html Best the News - http://24h.bestthenews.com/article/ikea-recall-166-million-chests-dressers-china-watchdog-tue-07122016-0509.html DZRH News - http://dzrhnews.com/ikea-to-recall-1-7-million-chests-dressers-in-china-watchdog/ Anshora - https://anshora.com/world/ikea-to-recall-1-66m-chests-and-dressers-in-china-watchdog/ FTC Publication Newswire - http://news.ftcpublications.com/ikea-to-recall-1-7-million-chests-dressers-in-china-watchdog/ USA Extra News - http://news.usa.extra.hu/latest/ikea-to-recall-17-million-chests-dressers-in-china-watchdog republish - http://business.re-publish.com/708990/ikea-to-recall-17-million-chests-dressers-in-china-watchdog Last Minute Stuff - http://www.lastminutestuff.com/content/China-watchdog-says-IKEA-to-recall-166-million/3623864.html Forex Free - https://www.forexfree.site/ikea-to-recall-1-7-million-chests-dressers-in-china-watchdog.html The Rakyat Post - http://www.therakyatpost.com/?p=272895 News One Place - http://www.newsoneplace.com/article/32531512/ikea-china-watchdog-recall-chests-dressers?index=3 World News - http://breaking.com.ng/worldnews/ikea-to-recall-1-7-million-chests-dressers-in-china-watchdog/ Long Room - https://www.longroom.com/discussion/138111/china-watchdog-says-ikea-to-recall-1-66-million-malm-chests-and-dressers Business News World - http://www.businessnewsworld.com/news/ikea-to-recall-17-million-chests-dressers-in-china-watchdog.html Jittery - https://jittery.com/4034046/china-watchdog-says-ikea-to-recall-166-million-malm-chests-and-dressers Dispute Press - http://dispute.press/news/1356835 Stock Transcript -http://www.stocktranscript.com/china-guard-dog-states-ikea-to-recall-1-66-million-malm-chests-and-cabinets/95537/ Convertagraphics - http://www.convertagraphics.com/news/26772/ikea-to-recall-17-million-chests-dressers-in-china-watchdog/
Ikea yields to Chinese pressure for furniture recall
Jul 12, 2016 | Financial Times
By Gabriel Wildau

Syndicated coverage: Nicosia Business Review - http://nicosiamoneynews.com/2016/07/12/ikea-yields-to-pressure-for-china-recall/
IKEA to recall Malm dressers, chests in China, watchdog says, after Xinhua criticizes 'double standard'
Jul 12, 2016 | CNBC
By Roxanne Lim

Syndicated coverage: In USA News - http://www.inusanews.com/article/66451511/ikea-malm-china-backtracks-recall-stinging-criticism?h=4
How IKEA Got China Wrong
Jul 12, 2016 | Forbes
By Frank Lavin
Ikea Extends Recall to China After Criticism
Jul 12, 2016 | New York Times
By Emily Feng

Syndicated coverage: The Times Times - http://thetimestimes.trendolizer.com/2016/07/ikea-extends-recall-to-china-after-criticism.html A1.AM - http://a1.am/en/us/2016/07/12/ikea-extends-recall-to-china-after-criticism
Ikea to recall 1.7 million Malm dressers in China
Jul 12, 2016 | BBC

Syndicated coverage: News Yac - http://newsyac.com/2016/07/11/ikea-to-recall-1-7-million-malm-dressers-in-china/ Hot Liked - https://hotliked.com/story/228735667216_10153746441277217/ikea-to-recall-malm-dressers-in-china/ Ashburton Online - http://www.ashburtononline.co.nz/site/news/news-headlines/ikea-to-recall-1.7-million-malm-dressers-in-china.html Brief Report - http://www.briefreport.co.uk/news/ikea-to-recall-1-7-million-malm-dressers-in-china-4266121.html
IKEA to recall 'Malm' dressers from Chinese market
Jul 12, 2016 | People's Daily Online
IKEA To Recall Nearly 1.7M MALM Dressers In China Following Safety Concerns, Chinese Regulator Says
Jul 12, 2016 | IB Times
By Mary Pascaline

Syndicated coverage: usa.hir-portal.hu - http://usa.hir-portal.hu/news/ikea-to-recall-nearly-17m-malm-dressers-in-china-following-safety-concerns-chinese-regulator-says
Ikea to recall about 1.7 million chests and dressers in China
Jul 12, 2016 | IB Times
By Kedar Grandhi
Ikea to recall dangerous drawers sold in China
Jul 12, 2016 | China Daily
By Wang Xiaodong

Syndicated coverage: China.org - http://www.china.org.cn/business/2016-07/12/content_38862954.htm RedNet.cn - http://english.rednet.cn/c/2016/07/12/4032502.htm MyInforms - http://myinforms.com/en/a/38373926-ikea-to-recall-dangerous-drawers-sold-in-china/ China Economic Net - http://en.ce.cn/main/latest/201607/12/t20160712_13737662.shtml
IKEA Extends Massive Recall Of Furniture To China
Jul 12, 2016 | RTT News
IKEA recalls chest of drawers in mainland two weeks after they were recalled overseas for child deaths
Jul 12, 2016 | Shanghai Daily
By Hu Min
IKEA extends dresser recall into Chinese mainland
Jul 12, 2016 | CRI English
By Li Linxi
IKEA give no solutions to "problematic dressers" on time
Jul 12, 2016 | People's Daily Online
IKEA recalls 1.66m chest of drawers in China
Jul 12, 2016 | Xinhua
IKEA recalls 1.66 mn chest of drawers in China Read more at: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/53173251.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
Jul 12, 2016 | PTI

Syndicated coverage: Business Standard - http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/ikea-recalls-1-66-mln-chest-of-drawers-in-china-116071200573_1.html dna India - http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report-ikea-recalls-166-million-chest-of-drawers-in-china-2233774
IKEA giving free anchoring kits for its chest of drawers
Jul 12, 2016 | FMT News
IKEA extends dresser recall to China
Jul 12, 2016 | Philadelphia Inquirer
By Tricia Nadolny
IKEA changes its mind and recalls 1.6 million dangerous dressers in China
Jul 12, 2016 | Shanghaiist
By Amy Yang
IKEA to recall 1.7 million chests, dressers in China: watchdog
Jul 12, 2016 | The Villages Suntimes
IKEA to recall dangerous drawers sold in China
Jul 12, 2016 | China State Council Information Office
China watchdog says IKEA to recall 1.66 million malm chests and dressers
Jul 12, 2016 | News Summed Up
IKEA to recall 1.7 million chests, dressers in China: watchdog
Jul 12, 2016 | Equilibrio Informativo
By Pablo Novarro
Ikea to recall 1.7 million Malm dressers in China
Jul 12, 2016 | Breaking News Mag
Siah Hwee Ang says Chinese consumers are pushing for greater protection and more regulation around product quality and safety
Jul 12, 2016 | interest.co.nz
By Professor Siah Hwee Ang
IKEA to recall 1.seven million chests, dressers in China: watchdog
Jul 12, 2016 | Archy Newsy
China watchdog says IKEA to recall 1.66 million malm chests and dressers – News
Jul 12, 2016 | Serendipitous Panda
By Isabella Dias

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

IKEA to recall 1.7 million chests, dressers in China: watchdog

Jul 12, 2016 | Reuters

By Brenda Goh

Swedish furniture company IKEA Group [IKEA.UL] said it would recall 1.66 million chests and dressers in China over concerns the drawers could pose a danger to children if not properly fixed to walls, China's safety regulator said on Tuesday.
The recall covers MALM chests or dressers manufactured from 1999 to 2016, China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) said in a statement posted on its website.
IKEA's decision comes after the official Xinhua news agency criticized it last week for showing "arrogance" and not taking responsibility for the problem.ADVERTISING
The firm said last Thursday it would not extend a recall of 36 million dressers in North America to China, after the products were linked to six child deaths.
The company carried out a recall in North America because the products did not meet industry standards in the United States, IKEA said in a statement to Reuters. However, they complied with regulations in China, it said.
"But ... after communicating with AQSIQ and the China Consumers Association we have decided to carry out a recall on the MALM dressers," it said.

Return to headline | Return to top
Ikea yields to Chinese pressure for furniture recall

Jul 12, 2016 | Financial Times

By Gabriel Wildau

Ikea will recall 1.7m dressers sold in China, caving to pressure from regulators and netizens who had complained that China was receiving unequal treatment after the Swedish retailer announced a recall in North America.show moreSample the FT's top stories for a weekCloseSample the FT's top stories for a week
Receive a free daily email briefing containing the 3 top stories from one of our top news themes.Select the topic you are interested in: Select the topic you're interested in Top Stories Brexit US Election 2016 China slowdown Millennial Economy March of the Robot Plunging oil price Global Terror Tech disruption Advertising Connected Cars Email address:
Invalid emailGet briefing
By signing up you confirm that you have read and agree to theterms and conditions, cookie policy and privacy policy.
Unsubscribe at any time. Free stories only last for 1 week.
The official Xinhua news agency lambasted Ikea in an editorial on Sunday for “arrogance” and irresponsibility after the company initially declined to extend the North American recall to China.
In late June, Ikea announced a recall of 29m chests of drawers from its Malm line, after US regulators found that at least six children had died since 1989. When not anchored to the wall with screws, the chests can topple over and crush children, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission found.
But Ikea initially declined to extend the recall to China, the EU and elsewhere, saying the products conformed to local standards. The decision sparked outrage among Chinese netizens, despite Ikea’s offer to provide free replacement hardware to anchor the dressers, free home installation, and an optional refund. Ikea also launched a publicity campaign to inform customers of the need to attach the dressers to the wall.
China’s General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantinesaid on Tuesday that Ikea had submitted a recall plan following a meeting with the agency. The recall affects 1.7m Malm dressers sold between 1999 and 2016.
“The potential danger to household safety from furniture toppling over is a serious problem for the entire homewares industry. Ikea promises to serve as a model in responding to this challenge,” Ikea said in a statement on its Chinese language website.
“This is a great case of a company technically following the letter of the law but doing a poor job of protecting its brand image,” said Benjamin Cavender, senior analyst at China Market Research Group in Shanghai. “Foreign firms operating in China should at this point expect that they will be under a great deal of scrutiny when it comes to handling product safety issues. Chinese consumers are highly attuned to consumer rights and also are concerned about double standards.”
Foreign companies have faced a series of brand image problems related to product safety in recent years.
Apple chief executive Tim Cook apologised in 2013 after state media slammed the company as “greedy” for selling warrantees on Chinese iPhones that were less comprehensive than those sold elsewhere.
That same year, Volkswagen was pushed into a recall of 380,000 vehicles following an expose by state broadcaster China Central Television about gearbox problems and a meeting with the quality regular.
McDonald’s and Carrefour apologised to Chinese consumers in 2012 after CCTV accused both of selling expired chicken. CCTV used hidden cameras to reveal apparent problems but did not produce evidence of systematic problems.

Return to headline | Return to top
IKEA to recall Malm dressers, chests in China, watchdog says, after Xinhua criticizes 'double standard'

Jul 12, 2016 | CNBC

By Roxanne Lim

IKEA will recall its Malm dressers and chests in China, the country's consumer watchdog said, just days after the Swedish company was slammed by Chinese media for operating a "double standard" in the world's most populous country.
China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) said on Tuesday that IKEA would recall all "Malm series" sets of drawers sold between 1999 and 2016 for safety reasons.
The number sold came to more than 1.6 million, the watchdog said.
"If they are not installed properly, it could fall and injure or even kill a child," the AQSIQ said, according to a CNBC translation of a statement on its website.
Any customer who wished to return the product would get a full refund or, alternatively, they could obtain from IKEA the fittings to fix their existing Malm furniture to the wall, the statement went on, adding that the homewares giant would provide "free installation support to customers who have difficulty doing it themselves."IKEA recalls 36M dressers after six deathsWednesday, 29 Jun 2016 | 6:46 AM ET|00:36‹00:36IKEA recalls 36M dressers after sixdeaths06/29/16 6:46 AM ET00:31IKEA plans biggest overhaul in 30 years04/15/16 5:21 AM ET›
IKEA said in late June that it would recall almost 36 million chests and dressers in the U.S. and Canada. In a statement, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said that the furniture could topple over if not anchored securely to a wall.
Reuters reported that six children had died in accidents involving the IKEA furnishings tipping over.
"It is simply too dangerous to have the recalled furniture in your home unanchored, especially if you have young children," CPSC Chairman Elliott Kaye said in a statement, according to Reuters.
The North American recall included Malm-branded chests and dressers, as well as about 100 other families of chests and dressers, manufactured between 2002 and 2016, the newswire reported.
In a WeChat post on Thursday, IKEA had said it would not institute a recall in China because the furniture met local regulations, but said that concerned customers could call its service line for advice on safe installation.
In an apparent about-face, AQSIQ said on Tuesday that IKEA had submitted a request to undertake a recall effective from July 12.
The move came two days after Xinhua, the news agency widely seen as a mouthpiece for the Chinese government, criticized the company for failing to institute a recall in China as it had in North America.
IKEA operated a double standard in its treatment of China, Xinhua's editorial said, adding that the company's service standards varied widely across the country, with some stores offering free nails and free installation services, while other stores only offered "self-collection" nails and charged for installation.
"The behavior shown contradicts to the 'IKEA spirit' that founder Ingvar Kamprad talks about, being helpful and responsible," Xinhua wrote.
"China is a huge market, and should not be deprived of the high standards that the brand promises," it added.

Return to headline | Return to top
How IKEA Got China Wrong

Jul 12, 2016 | Forbes

By Frank Lavin

Swedish home furnishing giant IKEA has suffered more than a black eye in China with its clumsy handling of a product recall. It received a broken nose, a fat lip, and probably more. All, unfortunately, a result of its own bad decisions.
On Tuesday, IKEA announce it would recall almost 1.7 million chests and dressers in China. The issue was whether the drawers could pose a danger to children if not properly fixed to walls, China’s General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) said.
This Tuesday announcement represented a reversal of IKEA’s statement from last Thursday when IKEA stated it would not extend a recall of 36 million dressers in North America to China after the products were linked to six child deaths.
So one safety standard for the West, and another one for China? Ouch.
This led the official Xinhua news agency to criticize IKEA for showing “arrogance.”
IKEA is now starting to fix the problem, but the damage to its reputation has been done.
Lessons for your brand…One Global Standard. Tastes and purchasing power can differ around the world. But when it comes to matter of ethics, such as health and safety, your company should enforce the same standard in every market.A legal defense is not a reputational defense. IKEA was technically not out of compliance with Chinese safety requirements as they are different from U.S. requirements. But this defense falls flat in the court of public opinion. IKEA is essentially implying it will only follow a minimal approach to safety.It is not over yet. IKEA is still reacting to the story and not working to resolve the reputational damage. It needs to think through a broader response. If Xinhua says you have a problem, you have a problem.
Frank Lavin is the CEO of Export Now, the leading operator of China e-commerce stores for international brands. He previously worked on China issues in government, finance, and communications.

Return to headline | Return to top
Ikea Extends Recall to China After Criticism

Jul 12, 2016 | New York Times

By Emily Feng

Bowing to two weeks of rising public pressure in China, the Swedish furniture maker Ikea on Tuesday said it would extend its recent recall to a country where so far it has enjoyed strong sales.
The move marks the latest sign of the growing power of the Chinese consumer, whose spending has fattened the bottom line of foreign and domestic companies alike but who has also shown a desire for safety and quality.
Two weeks ago, Ikea recalled 29 million pieces of furniture in the United States, where safety officials have blamed chests and dressers for the deaths of at least six toddlers in falling accidents. Ikea initially excluded China and Europe from the recall, saying that its products sold in those regions satisfied local regulations. On Tuesday, following criticism online and in government-controlled Chinese media, Ikea switched course, saying it would recall 1.7 million chests and dressers in China.
“Ikea is a very responsible company,” said Xian Jiaxin, a company spokeswoman, in an interview. “Consumer safety is very important to us, which is how we came to this decision.” The recall still will not be extended to the European Union, she said.
Ikea — which in Chinese is called Yijia, or suitable home — has thus far enjoyed a robust reputation among Chinese consumers. Compared with its other branches, Ikea stores in China routinely experience significantly more foot traffic from customers shopping for furniture, some also coming simply to eat in the in-store restaurant and hang out.PhotoElliott Kaye, left, chairman of U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, watching a demonstration of how an Ikea dresser can tip and fall on a child. CreditCarolyn Kaster/Associated Press
Its products appeal to Chinese consumers willing to spend a bit more for quality. China’s 30 years of untrammeled growth have given rise to a vast, and increasingly discriminating, consumer market. With $4.5 trillion inannual retail sales, China is widely believed to be on track to surpass the United States as the world’s largest retail market.
Numerous food safety scandals in China, including melamine-tainted baby formula that killed six and sickened tens of thousands, have diminished consumer trust in domestically produced brands. As a result, Chinese leaders have enacted more stringent regulation and inspection of consumer products.
That scrutiny has also been placed on foreign brands. Every March 15, China celebrates Consumer Rights Day, during which China’s national television broadcaster hosts an annual television program that accuses major companies of violating the interests of consumers. That has made companies especially sensitive to negative consumer perceptions in China. KFC and McDonald’s have battled skepticism in China about the freshness of their food after a major meat supplier closed two years ago because of safety concerns, and KFC scrambled last year to counter an online hoax thatclaimed the chain had bred eight-legged chickens to supply its restaurants in China.
In Ikea’s case, the backlash in China was almost immediate. Angry consumers took to social media to complain about the company’s recall practices as well as to criticize inadequate domestic safety regulations. Chinese media cast doubts on the quality and safety of Ikea’s products, while an editorial published on Xinhua, the officials news agency, denounced the recall exclusion as “blatant bullying.”
The Shenzhen Consumer Council, a government organization in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, released a statement criticizing the company’s decision. Government consumer associations in Nanjing andTianjin followed suit.
Last Saturday, 11 days after the United States recall was announced, Ikeasaid it would begin discussing the possibility of a recall with the China Consumer Association, a government-established watchdog group, and Chinese government officials.
“We are only part of the consumer protection infrastructure, but we are an important link between consumers and businesses,” said Zhang Xu, the association’s spokesman, in Tianjin.

Return to headline | Return to top
Ikea to recall 1.7 million Malm dressers in China

Jul 12, 2016 | BBC

Swedish furniture retailer Ikea has extended a recall of its popular Malm chests of drawers to China following pressure from regulators.
Some 1.7 million drawers made from 1999 to 2016 will be recalled over safety concerns, China's regulator said.
The decision comes after six children were crushed to death in North America when the chests toppled on them.
Ikea recalled 36 million dressers in the US and Canada last month and has since stopped selling the drawers.
China's official Xinhua news agency criticised Ikea last week for showing "arrogance" after it initially refused to extend the recall.
"The potential danger to household safety from furniture toppling over is a serious problem for the entire homewares industry," Ikea said on its website.
"Ikea promises to serve as a model in responding to this challenge."
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission found the Malm drawers can topple over and crush children if not anchored to the wall with screws.
Ikea has warned customers to ensure the drawers are properly fixed to walls and last year launched an awareness campaign.
However, the firm refused to extend the product recall to China, the UK or the EU, saying the products met local industry standards.
Following an online backlash in China over the issue, Ikea offered free home installation and an optional refund.
China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, the safety watchdog, said Ikea had changed its mind after a meeting with them.

Return to headline | Return to top
IKEA to recall 'Malm' dressers from Chinese market

Jul 12, 2016 | People's Daily Online

IKEA has decided to recall a series of dressers that have been blamed for several fatalaccidents, according to a statement on China's Quality Watchdog website on July 12.
According to the statement, the recall will start on Tuesday and will involve more than 1.67million "Malm" dressers sold in Chinese mainland between 1999 and 2016.
The accidents that resulted from "Malm" dresser malfunctions occurred because thedressers had not been appropriately fixed to the wall. The defect has so far resulted in thedeaths of six children in the U.S. and Canada, according to previous reports.
The company said in an official statement released on June 30 that customers who havemisplaced their wall anchors should order a supplementary restraint kit free of charge atwww.ikea.com/cn or contact IKEA toll-free at 400-800-2345. The restraint kit can also becollected at any IKEA store.
IKEA did not include China in the original product recall, a decision for which thecompany swiftly came under fire.

Return to headline | Return to top
IKEA To Recall Nearly 1.7M MALM Dressers In China Following Safety Concerns, Chinese Regulator Says

Jul 12, 2016 | IB Times

By Mary Pascaline

Furniture retailer IKEA will recall 1.66 million chests and dressers in China following concerns that the furniture could harm children if not affixed properly to walls, China’s General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine announced Tuesday.
IKEA’s MALM chests or dressers manufactured from 1999 to 2016 will be recalled, the Chinese safety regulator reportedly said.
About two weeks ago, the Swedish company announced that it is recalling 29 million chests and dressers in the United States and a similar recall was announced by the company’s Canada operation. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reportedly said the recall involved 8 million chests and dressers belonging to IKEA’s popular MALM line and 21 million other children’s and adult’s chests and dressers.
IKEA’s U.S. President Lars Petersson told the Wall Street Journal that the company’s chests and dressers aren’t built to be freestanding and must be secured to a wall.
“We would like to create a culture of attaching chests of drawers to the wall,” Petersson said. “It should be as simple and natural as putting on your seat belt when driving a car.” In the U.S., the company has so far distributed about 300,000 wall anchors that cover about 1 percent of the 29 million units sold.
The recall announcement by the U.S. and Canada reportedly sparked heated discussions among Chinese consumers regarding them being excluded from the deal amid allegations of lax safety standards upheld by China. IKEA defended its decision to limit the recall just to North America saying that its products met the safety standards in China, the European Union and other markets.
“The chests and dressers conform to all local regulations and standards,” IKEA spokeswoman Xian Jiaxin reportedly said. “We emphasize to customers that they must be fastened to a wall.”

Return to headline | Return to top
Ikea to recall about 1.7 million chests and dressers in China

Jul 12, 2016 | IB Times

By Kedar Grandhi

Ikea is to recall about 1.7 million chests and dressers of its popular Malm line, in China. This was announced by the General Administration of Quality Supervision (AQSIQ), a Chinese ministerial-level department that is in charge of quality control in the country. The department said the recall of the products which were manufactured from 1999 to 2016 was amid concerns that they could be dangerous to children and even kill them, if improperly fixed on the walls.
This follows Ikea recalling 29 million pieces from the same furniture line in June across North America, after the US Consumer Product Safety Commission found that at least six children had died since 1989 amid the improper fixing of this item of furniture. Ikea had then declined to extend the recall to China saying the products met local standards.
This had led to a lot of criticism from Chinese news agency Xinhua which even accused the company of double standards. Xinhua's editorial had said Ikea's service was not standard across the country. It said while some stores offered free installation services, a few others only offered free nails and charged for installation, as per a news report.
"The behaviour shown contradicts the 'Ikea spirit' that founder Ingvar Kamprad talks about, being helpful and responsible. China is a huge market, and should not be deprived of the high standards that the brand promises," the news agency had stated earlier.
Ikea said: "The potential danger to household safety from furniture toppling over is a serious problem for the entire homewares industry. Ikea promises to serve as a model in responding to this challenge."
While the dispute seems to have now settled, the incident has reportedly affected Ikea's brand image. Benjamin Cavender, senior analyst at China Market Research Group was quoted by the Financial Times as saying: "This is a great case of a company technically following the letter of the law but doing a poor job of protecting its brand image."

Return to headline | Return to top
Ikea to recall dangerous drawers sold in China

Jul 12, 2016 | China Daily

By Wang Xiaodong

Swedish furniture company IKEA will recall more than 1.66 million potentially hazardouschests and dressers that it sold on the Chinese mainland between 1999 and this year, China'stop quality authority announced on Tuesday.
The drawers could fall and cause death or injury to children if they are not properly fixed towalls, China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said.
IKEA announced at the end of June that it would recall 35.6 million of its MALM chests ordressers from the United States and Canada, after three children were crushed to death bythe pieces of furniture in the US.
At the time, the company said that the recall would not cover other places where the sameproducts were sold, including China, spurring heavy criticism from Chinese mainlandconsumers.
IKEA made the decision to recall the furniture after discussions with AQSIQ, theadministration said.

Return to headline | Return to top
IKEA Extends Massive Recall Of Furniture To China

Jul 12, 2016 | RTT News

After recalling some 36 million chests and dressers in North America, Swedish furniture company IKEA Group has extended the recall to China.
China's safety regulator said on Tuesday that the company would call back around 1.66 million chests and dressers in China citing concerns that the drawers, if not properly fixed to walls, could pose a danger to children.
The products under the recall scheme include MALM chests or dressers manufactured and sold from 1999 to 2016. According to China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, 1,660,845 pieces of furniture products, including some imported items, are involved in the process.
The administration said that the consumers can receive a full refund for returning the furniture listed in the recall plan.
It was on June 29 that IKEA announced its huge recall of 35.6 million chests and dressers in the United States and Canada, after reports that furniture not attached to walls toppled over, killing six children.
IKEA initially had said that they carried out North American recall for not meeting industry standards in the United States, but they complied with regulations in China and that it would not extend the recall of similar products to China.
However, IKEA changed the decision after facing criticism from the official Xinhua news agency for showing arrogance and not taking responsibility.

Return to headline | Return to top
IKEA recalls chest of drawers in mainland two weeks after they were recalled overseas for child deaths

Jul 12, 2016 | Shanghai Daily

By Hu Min

IKEA China has started recalling more than 1.66 million of chests of drawers including the popular Malm line sold in China's mainland, it announced today after coming under fire for refusing to recall these products as it did in North America.
The furniture under the recall scheme, which has been submitted to China's top quality watchdog, were sold between 1999 and 2016, and 1,660,845 pieces of furniture products, including some imported ones, are involved, according to China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.
Consumers can receive a full refund for returning the furniture listed in the recall plan, the administration said.
On June 29, IKEA announced it would recall 35.6 million chests and dressers, including the popular Malm line, in the United States and Canada, after six children there were fatally crushed after the furniture toppled over.
However, IKEA has refused to recall similar products in China, provoking accusations of discrimination and consumer rights violations from the consumer rights protection commissions in Shenzhen and Nanjing and Chinese lawyers.
The Shanghai Quality and Technical Supervision Bureau talked with IKEA China to learn about relevant situation earlier, and had ordered the company to fulfill its obligation on quality safety and screen product safety hazards. And in response, IKEA said its products sold in China meet the country’s national quality standard and no injuries caused by its furniture have been reported.

Return to headline | Return to top
IKEA extends dresser recall into Chinese mainland

Jul 12, 2016 | CRI English

By Li Linxi

IKEA has finally decided to extend a recall into China on a dresser that's been blamed for several accidental deaths overseas.
The Swedish company issued a statement on Tuesday, saying the plan starts today and involves more than 1.6 million "Malm" dressers sold in the Chinese mainland between 1999 and 2016.
The company ordered a recall of the "Malm" dressers in North America after several accidents where the piece of furniture tipped over. The defect has resulted in the deaths of six children in the US and Canada.
China, was not originally included as part of the recall, and IKEA had come under fire for that decision.

Return to headline | Return to top
IKEA give no solutions to "problematic dressers" on time

Jul 12, 2016 | People's Daily Online

IKEA still has not made a final decision on whether to extend a recall into China, on adresser that's been blamed for several accidental deaths overseas.
The Swedish company contacted quality inspection authorities in China on Friday and hadpromised a decision by Monday.
Currently, IKEA stores on the mainland are divided on their refund policies, even thoughthe company sent a message to consumers saying the dressers could be returned to storesif they could not by firmly attached to a wall in the buyer's home.
The company ordered a recall of its "Malm" dressers in North America after severalaccidents where the piece of furniture tipped over. The defect has resulted in the deaths ofsix children in the US and Canada.
The company came under fire in China, as the country was not included in the recall. IKEAstated that the dresser meets all safety standards in China, and no accidents have beenreported in the country.

Return to headline | Return to top
IKEA recalls 1.66m chest of drawers in China

Jul 12, 2016 | Xinhua

Sweden's IKEA Group on Tuesday started to recall over 1.66 million sets of drawers, including the popular Malm line, sold across China's mainland, according to China's top quality watchdog.
The products, which include some imported models, were sold between 1999 and 2016, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said in a statement.
If these products are not fixed to the wall they can tip over, and possibly cause injuries, according to the watchdog.
Consumers can receive a full refund for returning the furniture listed in the recall plan, said the administration.

Return to headline | Return to top
IKEA recalls 1.66 mn chest of drawers in China Read more at: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/53173251.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

Jul 12, 2016 | PTI

Sweden's IKEA group today started to recall over 1.66 million sets of drawers, including the popular Malm line, sold across China's mainland.

The products, which include some imported models, were sold between 1999 and 2016, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said in a statement.

If these products are not fixed to the wall they can tip over and possibly cause injuries, it said.
Consumers can receive a full refund for returning the furniture listed in the recall plan, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

Return to headline | Return to top
IKEA giving free anchoring kits for its chest of drawers

Jul 12, 2016 | FMT News

IKEA has urged parents to head down to their stores or email them to obtain an anchoring kit for its chest of drawers, following a recall after a third child was killed by a toppling dresser in North America and China.
IKEA Southeast Asia, Head of Sales, Malcolm Pruys reminded customers that the chest of drawers should be secured to a wall to avoid any risks of tip-over accidents.
“We want to assure customers our products are safe when assembled according to instructions, using the tip-over restraints that are included in every package. We have never had a report of any accident involving a chest of drawers that was anchored to the wall,” he said in a statement, Tuesday.
IKEA has urged customers with misplaced restraints to visit their nearest store or contact its Customer Centre by phone or email to get an anchoring kit free of charge.
For those who live outside the city centre, IKEA has pledged to mail the kit out to customers. “Should you be unsure about how to install the restraints, we will arrange for a handyman to help you get this important job done,” Malcolm added.
However for those unable to anchor the chest drawers or feel uncomfortable with the product, IKEA has assured a refund would be given once the product was surrendered to the outlet.
“We believe children are the most important people in the world and our homes should be a safe environment for them,” he said.
He said IKEA strongly believed in creating awareness that all types of free-standing furniture and appliances were at risk of toppling when not affixed to a wall.
Those with enquiries can contact the IKEA Customer Contact Centre (Malaysia) atcustomerservice.ikeamy@ikano.asia or call 03-7952 7575.

Return to headline | Return to top
IKEA extends dresser recall to China

Jul 12, 2016 | Philadelphia Inquirer

By Tricia Nadolny

Ikea will recall 1.7 million dressers in China, folding to growing international pressure to extend a sweeping recall announced two weeks ago in the United States and Canada, multiple news outlets reported Tuesday.
The move comes two days after the Chinese government-sponsored media blasted Ikea in an editorial, saying the company was showing "arrogance and stubbornness" by not recalling products that have been tied to six deaths in the United States.
"Ikea is still acting petty and narrow-minded, making this incident appear more and more like a farce," the Xinhau news agency wrote on Sunday, according to a translation in the Financial Times.
The initial recall applied to 29 million dressers in the United States and 6 million in Canada that the company and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said were at serious risk of toppling onto children if not anchored to the wall. The models are not designed to meet North American stability standards.
The recall included, but was not limited to, the popular low-cost Malm line, which has been tied to three deaths, including the 2014 death of a 2-year-old toddler from West Chester. Consumers can receive full refunds for the dressers or request anchoring kits.
Almost immediately after that recall was announced, consumers in China called for a similar remedy there. But Ikea has denied the request, saying its dressers meet applicable safety standards in China.
Ikea's about-face was announced by the Chinese General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, according to news reports. The agency said the recall extends to 1.7 million Malm dressers sold in China since 1999.
The U.S. and Canada recall applied to that product line but also dozens of others including products sold by the company as far back as two decades ago.
The news was first reported by Reuters.

Return to headline | Return to top
IKEA changes its mind and recalls 1.6 million dangerous dressers in China

Jul 12, 2016 | Shanghaiist

By Amy Yang

Last month, IKEA recalled millions of dressers and chests of drawers from its North American market after accidents linked them to 6 children’s deaths and 36 injuries, but continued selling them in China and other countries. After it received widespread condemnation in the Chinese media for this double standard, the furniture giant has decided that it will recall the hazardous pieces of furniture in China as well.
The recalled chests and dressers do not comply with furniture safety standards in the US, but are fine under China’s standards. Previously, IKEA only urged Chinese customers to make sure that all chests of drawers and dressers are secured firmly to the wall and offered kits to do this for free. It also continued selling the dressers in its biggest market, the EU.
IKEA recently denied rumors of a recall, but changed its mind today. After it met with China's Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, the company decided to recall the 1,660,845 dressers and chests of drawers sold in China between 1999 and 2016. Customers in China can now choose between ordering a restraint kit for free or returning the furniture to IKEA for a full refund.
The recalled pieces of furniture, mostly from the MALM line, are prone to tipping over and pinning or trapping children, if not secured to a wall. All the cases of injuries occurred with unanchored chests and dressers, and none has occurred in China.
IKEA isn't the only company found to have risky furniture. For instance, in an inspection, Shanghai's consumer rights protection watchdog recently found stores selling desks with sharp edges and wardrobes without ventilation holes, which do not meet safety standards.

Return to headline | Return to top
IKEA to recall 1.7 million chests, dressers in China: watchdog

Jul 12, 2016 | The Villages Suntimes

An Ikea MALM dresser is placed by the road, following the recall of nearly 36 million chests and dressers in the United States and Canada, in a Brooklyn neighborhood of New York City, U.S., June 28, 2016.
Reuters reported that six children had died in accidents involving the IKEA furnishings tipping over.
The furniture under the recall scheme, which has been submitted to China's top quality watchdog, were sold between 1999 and 2016, and 1,660,845 pieces of furniture products, including some imported ones, are involved, according to China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.
In the latest twist, Swedish furniture maker IKEA seems to have backed away from a previous decision to recall a line of life-threatening chests of drawers in China, promising to announce its new decision on Monday.
IKEA still has not made a final decision on whether to extend a recall into China, on a dresser that's been blamed for several accidental deaths overseas. IKEA operated a double standard in its treatment of China, Xinhua's editorial said, adding that the company's service standards varied widely across the country, with some stores offering free nails and free installation services, while other stores only offered "self-collection" nails and charged for installation.
The company carried out a recall in North America because the products did not meet industry standards in the United States, IKEA said in a statement to Reuters.
IKEA China did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.

Return to headline | Return to top
IKEA to recall dangerous drawers sold in China

Jul 12, 2016 | China State Council Information Office

Swedish furniture company IKEA will recall more than 1.66 million potentially hazardous chests and dressers that it sold on the Chinese mainland between 1999 and this year, China’s top quality authority announced on Tuesday.
The drawers could fall and cause death or injury to children if they are not properly fixed to walls, China’s General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said.
IKEA announced at the end of June that it would recall 35.6 million of its MALM chests or dressers from the United States and Canada, after three children were crushed to death by the pieces of furniture in the US.
At the time, the company said that the recall would not cover other places where the same products were sold, including China, spurring heavy criticism from Chinese mainland consumers.
IKEA made the decision to recall the furniture after discussions with AQSIQ, the administration said.

Return to headline | Return to top
China watchdog says IKEA to recall 1.66 million malm chests and dressers

Jul 12, 2016 | News Summed Up

The logo of Ikea is seen outside the Ikea Concept store, run by Inter Ikea brand and concept in Delft, the Netherlands March 16, 2016. Last month, IKEA recalled almost 36 million of the chests and drawers in the United States and Canada after six deaths. The recall covers MALM chests or dressers manufactured from 1999 to 2016, China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said in a statement posted on its website. Photo: Reuters/Yves HermanSwedish furniture company IKEA Group is recalling 1.66 million chests and dressers in China over concerns the drawers could pose a danger to children if not properly fixed to walls, China's safety regulator said on Tuesday.

Return to headline | Return to top
IKEA to recall 1.7 million chests, dressers in China: watchdog

Jul 12, 2016 | Equilibrio Informativo

By Pablo Novarro

The furniture under the recall scheme, which has been submitted to China's top quality watchdog, were sold between 1999 and 2016, and 1,660,845 pieces of furniture products, including some imported ones, are involved, according to China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.
IKEA's decision comes after the official Xinhua news agency criticized it last week for showing "arrogance" and not taking responsibility for the problem.
IKEA recalled the products after six children in the United States and Canada lost their lives in incidents associated with the dresser, marketed mainly under the Malm brand and also sold in China.
In the SMS message, IKEA said it would help attach the chests to walls free of charge, or customers could return the product if they wanted.
"But... after communicating with AQSIQ and the China Consumers Association we have made a decision to carry out a recall on the MALM dressers", it said.
The company came under fire in China, as the country was not included in the recall.
IKEA's annual sales figures in China reached 10.5 billion yuan ($1.58 billion) in 2015, about one third of global figures, while annual growth in China from 2010 to 2015 was 5.1 times higher than globally.

Return to headline | Return to top
Ikea to recall 1.7 million Malm dressers in China

Jul 12, 2016 | Breaking News Mag

Swedish furnishings retailer Ikea has prolonged a recall of its fashionable Malm chests of drawers to China following strain from regulators.
Some 1.7 million drawers made out of 1999 to 2016 might be recalled over security considerations, China’s regulator stated.
The choice comes after six youngsters have been crushed to dying in North America when the chests toppled on them.
Ikea recalled 36 million dressers within the US and Canada final month and has since stopped promoting the drawers.
China’s official Xinhua information company criticised Ikea final week for displaying “vanity” after it initially refused to increase the recall.
“The potential hazard to family security from furnishings toppling over is a significant issue for your complete homewares business,” Ikea stated on its web site.
“Ikea guarantees to function a mannequin in responding to this problem."
When not anchored to the wall with screws, the chests can topple over and crush youngsters, the US Shopper Product Security Fee discovered
The US Shopper Product Security Fee discovered the Malm drawers can topple over and crush youngsters if not anchored to the wall with screws.
Ikea has warned clients to make sure the drawers are correctly fastened to partitions and final yr launched an consciousness marketing campaign.
Nevertheless, the agency refused to increase the product recall to China, the UK or the EU, saying the merchandise met native business requirements.
Following an internet backlash in China over the difficulty, Ikea provided free house set up and an elective refund.
China’s Common Administration of High quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, the security watchdog, stated Ikea had modified its thoughts after a gathering with them.

Return to headline | Return to top
Siah Hwee Ang says Chinese consumers are pushing for greater protection and more regulation around product quality and safety

Jul 12, 2016 | interest.co.nz

By Professor Siah Hwee Ang

Last week saw social media hit out at IKEA, the Swedish furniture and home accessories retailer, in particular in China.
MALM chests and dressers are at the centre of all the attention. This best-selling furniture is prone to tip over if the upper drawers are open and the unit isn’t attached to the wall.
Several young children have been killed by the toppling units and many injury reports have been filed against this defective product.
Recently, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission announced that IKEA will recall 35.6 million MALM chests and dressers sold in North America. There have been three deaths in the last two years in North America.
IKEA will offer refunds to those who return the furniture, and wall brackets to those who choose to keep their furniture.
Different national standards
In North America, product safety regulations specify that freestanding chests and dressers must not tip over. In China and South Korea, where consumer complaints are prominent, the regulations around product quality and safety are different.
So, herein lies the difference. In North America, this furniture failed the test and had to be recalled. In China and South Korea however, the furniture meets the standards so a recall is not necessary.
IKEA has advised customers to attach the furniture to the wall and has offered to provide anchor kits for that purpose.
Nonetheless, the company has backed off in South Korea and is allowing customers to return their MALM dressers for a refund. But it is at the customer’s request, so it’s not automatic.
South Korean authorities are not pleased with this part-solution and have entered into negotiations with IKEA.
In the meantime, regulations and consumer rights may not necessary align in developing countries. For example, China is constantly working towards putting more regulations into place that address product standards.
Related TopicsOpinionIkeaVictoria UniversityChinaUnderstanding Chinaconsumersmultinational companiesconsumer rights
Yet, Chinese consumers are crying out for more protection from the authorities. This comes as a result of the poor treatment they are receiving from businesses around product quality.
At the same time, blame is also directed towards multinational corporations who are trying to rip off Chinese consumers.
The 'hit list' - 315 Gala lies in wait
Until recently, quantity over quality was the dominant theme in China. While there may not be such high expectations for standards in China, there is some truth around the malpractice of multinational corporations in offering services and products to Chinese Consumers.
The quality expectations of Chinese consumers are becoming increasingly high. Companies like Starbucks, Volkswagen and Nissan Motors have allegedly charged Chinese consumers more than they would charge their Western counterparts.
Some of these companies are potential targets for China’s 315 Gala - a televised consumer-rights programme broadcast on 15 March each year that highlights the ‘bad behaviour’ of companies in China.
Undercover reporters are sent out to collect and showcase evidence of corporate wrongdoing. The show can have a huge impact on a company’s reputation and gets many businesses into hot water.
For now, IKEA would do best to resolve its Chinese situation soon. The case has already been uncovered so it won’t qualify for the 315 Gala.
But it will be hard for IKEA, and for any company for that matter, to use the lack of regulations as a way to deal with Chinese consumers’ complaints.
For other companies already in the Chinese market or about to enter it, this is more evidence of tougher times ahead in China. Quality of execution in the country has never before been this important.

Return to headline | Return to top
IKEA to recall 1.seven million chests, dressers in China: watchdog

Jul 12, 2016 | Archy Newsy

Swedish furniture company IKEA Group stated it might recall 1.66 million chests and dressers in China over concerns the drawers could pose some risk to children otherwise correctly fixed to walls, China’s safety regulator stated on Tuesday.
The firm stated last Thursday it wouldn’t extend a recall of 36 million dressers in The United States to China, following the items were associated with six child deaths.
The organization transported out a recall in The United States since the items didn’t meet industry standards within the U . s . States, IKEA stated inside a statement to . However, they complied with rules in China, it stated.
“But … after interacting with AQSIQ and also the China Consumers Association we’ve made the decision to do a recall around the MALM dressers,” it stated.
IKEA’s decision uses the state Xinhua news agency belittled it a week ago for showing “arrogance” and never taking responsibility for that problem.
(Confirming by Brenda Goh and Beijing Monitoring Desk Additional confirming by SHANGHAI Newsroom Editing by Stephen Coates)
The recall covers MALM chests or dressers constructed from 1999 to 2016, China’s General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) stated inside a statement published on its website.

Return to headline | Return to top
China watchdog says IKEA to recall 1.66 million malm chests and dressers – News

Jul 12, 2016 | Serendipitous Panda

By Isabella Dias

SHANGHAI Swedish furnishings firm IKEA Group is recalling 1.66 million chests and dressers in China over considerations the drawers might pose a hazard to youngsters if not correctly fastened to partitions, China’s security regulator stated on Tuesday.
The recall covers MALM chests or dressers manufactured from 1999 to 2016, China’s General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine stated in a press release posted on its web site.
Last month, IKEA recalled virtually 36 million of the chests and drawers within the United States and Canada after six deaths.

Return to headline | Return to top

Add recipients

Suggested