The New Zealand retailers' association said the levels of formaldehyde in Chinese clothes met international standards after accepting international tests, according to the China's quality watchdog.

The TV3's "Target" program used flawed tests to the woolen and cotton Chin-made clothes and claimed the levels of formaldehyde exceeded the standard of the World Health Organization, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine stated.

After the TV3's reporting on Aug. 21, the New Zealand retailers' association sent similar clothes for three tests in its home country, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.

All the three tests showed the level of formaldehyde in the clothes met international safety limit.

The chemical formaldehyde is used to prevent creasing in fabrics, but it is also linked to a range of health problems, including cancer.

(Xinhua News Agency September 8, 2007)