"China hopes the US side accepts certificates offered by the Chinese quality inspection department on goods to be exported to the United States," Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said on Thursday.

As of November 12, the United States requires an independent third party to inspect goods being exported from China, in order to assure quality standards.

Qin said he hoped the US side will allow Chinese laboratories to fulfill that requirement, as this will facilitate products passing customs and ensure quality of the goods exported to the United States.

"China's testing and supervision on consumer products can meet the requirement of having third party accreditation by the US side," Qin said during a regular press conference.

Most laboratories in the Chinese inspection and supervision departments were independently operated, Qin said, adding they were well equipped and managed to ensure fair results during examinations.

"China has set up a perfect inspection system and unqualified goods will not be exported," Qin said.

According to the Website of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) (http://www.cpsc.gov), the third party refers to accredited independent testing labs that meet the standard of the CPSC. They can be both private businesses and government labs.

(Xinhua News Agency November 21, 2008)