China’s top online cosmetics seller apologises for fake goods sold on its website

China’s leading online cosmetics seller apologised on Monday after a media investigation revealed that a third-party store had sold fake luxury products through its website.

New York Stock Exchange-listed Jumei International Holdings, which operates the Jumei.com platform, said it had shut down the offending store and removed all of its products from sale.

“We sincerely apologise to all customers who bought from the supplier and will provide non-conditional product return services,” the company said.

Jumei added that it is still investigating how the seller was able to provide complete product authentication and customs certificates for the counterfeit products.

Jumei International Holdings stock dropped 4.18 per cent to US$30.28 (HK$234.7) per share on Monday in the wake of the news.

Technology news portal tech.qq.com reported on Monday that a store on Jumei.com had sold Chinese-made counterfeit watches and fake luxury brand clothes. Brands whose goods were copied and sold on the platform include Armani, Hermes and Burberry, the report alleged.

The report highlighted the widespread sale of counterfeit goods on Chinese websites.