Consumer Affairs Authority raids Dehiwala footwear facility

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) seized nearly 1,000 pairs of footwear during a raid on a suspected secret manufacturing and assembly facility in Kawdana, Dehiwala. The operation, conducted on September 11, followed an investigation into invoices from a prominent clothing and fashion retail chain.

Investigators allege that footwear components, such as soles, were imported separately as raw materials and then assembled and bonded at the Dehiwala premises. This arrangement is suspected to be a method for avoiding import duties typically applied to finished footwear.

Furthermore, the CAA reported that the locally assembled products were allegedly packed and labelled ‘Made in China’ without disclosing the actual manufacturer's name or address. The products were reportedly sold in boxes featuring Chinese characters and ‘Made in China’ markings, which investigators say could mislead consumers into believing the items were imported.

Authorities have taken the footwear and raw materials into custody. Further investigations are ongoing, and legal action is expected once the inquiry is complete.