Beijing, July 11 (IANS) A probe has been initiated after a Shanghai company was found to have sent furniture made in China to Italy and then imported it back to be sold off as `Italian' furniture, a media report said.


A China Central Television report said the products sold by the furniture firm were sent to Italy and then brought back to China so that it could qualify for 'import' certificates.

Tang, a customer, said her furniture gave out a strong chemical smell, and the size of a single bed was 30 cm shorter than advertised.

She was told that the size difference was due to "the standard difference between China and Italy".

Tests, however, showed that furniture was made from high density boards instead of solid wood, the Shanghai Daily reported.

CCTV tracked down another furniture company that admitted that they produced the so-called imported furniture, which was made of resin and high density boards.

The packaging used for the furniture just said "imported from Italy" and didn't mention where it had been made.