The Suzhou Market Supervision Bureau in Jiangsu Province has published the results of its 2025 municipal-level quality inspection for student supplies (Issue 48).

**Product Overview and Industry Distribution** Student supplies refer to learning materials used by children aged 14 and under. As a key segment of stationery products, they include art supplies, writing pens, markers, erasers, correction products, adhesives, textile-based stationery, notebooks, drawing tools, sharpeners, and pencil cases. Despite the digital era, China's stationery industry has grown rapidly over the past four decades, becoming one of the most developed sectors in the country's light industry. China is the world's largest producer of stationery, accounting for over 60% of global trade volume.

The industry features a significant concentration of manufacturers, with about 70% of China's 43,000 stationery producers located in Guangdong and Zhejiang. Major industrial clusters are centered in Shantou (Guangdong) and Ningbo (Yangtze River Delta). In Jiangsu, key manufacturers include **True Color Stationery Co., Ltd.** and **Maped Office Supplies Manufacturing Co., Ltd.** While local production is limited, Jiangsu's large student population drives high demand, supplemented by supplies from neighboring Zhejiang and Shanghai via supermarkets, specialty stores, and e-commerce platforms.

**Inspection Standards and Items** The inspection followed: - GB 21027-2020 (General Safety Requirements for Student Supplies) - GB 40070-2021 (Hygienic Requirements for Myopia Prevention in Student Supplies) - QB/T 1437-2014 & 2023 (Exercise Book Standards)

**Results Summary** - **100 batches** were tested (6 from manufacturers, 84 from physical stores, 10 from e-commerce). - **4 batches failed** (4% failure rate), with issues including: - Exercise books: Substandard paper weight, sheet count, D65 fluorescence/brightness, and sizing. - Pencil cases: Excessive phthalate plasticizers in accessible plastic parts.

**Failed Product Analysis** 1. **Paper Weight (Basis Weight)** - 2 batches had insufficient weight, leading to easy tearing and ink bleed-through. 2. **Sheet Count** - 1 batch had fewer than the required 18 sheets, increasing replacement costs. 3. **D65 Fluorescence Brightness** - 2 batches exceeded limits due to excessive optical brighteners, causing eye strain. 4. **D65 Brightness** - 1 batch reflected too much light, potentially harming vision. 5. **Paper Sizing** - 1 batch showed poor ink resistance, affecting writing quality. 6. **Phthalate Limits** - 1 pencil case violated safety thresholds (DEHP+DBP+BBP >1000mg/kg), posing health risks.

**Consumer Advisory** 1. Purchase from reputable stores or official e-commerce platforms and request invoices. 2. Check labels for manufacturer details and avoid unbranded products. 3. Choose exercise books with柔和 (soft-toned) paper over bright white variants. 4. Verify sheet counts before purchase.

**Regulatory Actions** Failed products have been referred to local authorities for enforcement, requiring manufacturers to halt sales, rectify issues, and eliminate safety hazards.

**Tables** - **Compliant Products**: Includes brands like **True Color**, **Maped**, **M&G**, and **Deluxe**. - **Non-Compliant Products**: Four items failed due to the above defects.

For detailed listings, refer to the official report.