Chinese member companies of the Testing, Inspection and Certification Council have started to offer free pre-shipment inspection services for several countries when they import medical supplies from China.

Headquartered in Brussels, the TIC Council on March 25 called upon its members operating in China to provide free third-party inspection service to governments and NGOs in COVID-19 affected countries when they purchase supplies such as masks, test kits and protective suits from China.

The initiative was passed by the council's member companies and organizations, many of which have been operating in the Chinese market for decades. These companies include SGS, TüV Rheinland, Bureau Veritas, UL, DEKRA and Intertek.

In recent months, TIC Council members in China have been helping the Chinese government, hospitals and companies to ensure the compliance of medical supplies sourced from abroad, according to Steven Du, President of SGS China and member of the TIC Council China Steering Committee.

"China received many overseas donations during the difficult times in the past. The Chinese TIC industry would now like to reciprocate and extend our support to countries in need," he added.