I’ve posted often about this.
When something is manufactured in China under contract and to spec, it goes through rigorous testing for the certification process. Especially for electrical/electronic goods, they must undergo this process and have the required regulatory mark. It’s not a cheap process.
“There are regulations that apply to the supply of electrical equipment and appliances. The requirements set out in the regulations must be followed. A failure to do so is a criminal offence.”
“Regulations and Standards apply to all electrical equipment sold or offered for supply in Australia. Certain types of equipment are classified as prescribed. These pieces of equipment must go through a certification process which ensures the equipment is compliant to the relevant safety standards before being offered for supply in Australia.”
“Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM)
Prescribed electrical products must have an RCM on the appliance or an Australian approval number to show that the product has been certified.
This mark is currently recognised by all States and Territories of Australia.”
The manufacture, too, is not cheap if the correct quality components are used, made of the correct raw materials. This is because by far the most expensive part of the manufacturing in China is the raw materials used.
But if the Chinese factory isn’t following those legally required stringent standards under contract to an established brand with quality control, going through the regulatory process, do you think for one second they’re using the correct raw materials? Do you think they’re manufacturing to spec with the right quality and safety and capacity components?
No. They’re not.
Anyone buying unbranded or fake-branded e-bikes from China is being foolish and risking their lives. Not only theirs, but others’ lives as well. Additionally, insurance won’t cover the damage if your house burns down as a result.
Chinese sellers will flat-out lie if you ask them “Does this meet Australian standards?” They have been known to provide faked documentation and compliance numbers, as well. If the foolish Australian buyer is willing to risk safety and import the illegal items, the Chinese seller certainly isn’t going to concern himself with such issues; it’s no skin off his nose.
There’s a world of difference between “manufactured in China for x” (where x is an Australian company or a company with Australian distributor, manufacturing specifically for the Australian market and following the regulatory processes even though those very expensive processes drive up their costs), and “manufactured in China” in unregulated factories as cheaply as possible, ignoring and bypassing and even faking Australian compliance regulations and standards.
See also: https://community.ebay.com.au/t5/Buying/Seller-not-honouring-their-warranty/m-p/2262101#M105207
