Manufacture of substandard products

Deterioration in product quality
Poor workmanship
Low quality merchandise
Inadequate quality control
Shoddy workmanship
Deficient quality assurance

Nature

Competition for markets has led to a great increase in the rate of introduction of new designs for products, and increasing pressure is placed upon all concerned to produce at a lower price than competitors. It is therefore no longer possible to continue long-term production of a product once it has been developed to an adequate level of quality. In addition, considerations of economy, and the enormous increase in the scale of manufacturing, have led to heavy dilution of the skilled labour force formerly employed to produce quality products; and competition is further intensified as developing countries enter the market with competing products.

It is useful to distinguish between (a) poor quality from the perspective of the producer and (b) the user. One author distinguishes between custom- designed or built products and mass-produced ones. Custom designed dams, software, ships, financial investments, consulting work, etc., are different because there is no clear difference between design, production and delivery. They all happen effectively at the same time.

One can also distinguish between (a) poor quality products (b) deterioration over time in the quality of products and (c) poor quality not just linked to products but also services, research, etc.

Background

The global issue of manufacturing substandard products gained prominence in the early 20th century, as international trade expanded and reports of defective goods—ranging from pharmaceuticals to electronics—surfaced across continents. High-profile incidents, such as mass poisonings from adulterated medicines and widespread recalls of faulty consumer goods, heightened awareness of the problem’s scale. Over time, increased regulatory scrutiny and cross-border cooperation have underscored the persistent challenges in detecting and preventing substandard manufacturing practices worldwide.

Incidence

The manufacture of substandard products is a pervasive issue affecting multiple sectors worldwide, from pharmaceuticals and electronics to construction materials and automotive parts. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 1 in 10 medical products in low- and middle-income countries is substandard or falsified, posing significant risks to public health and safety. The global trade in such products undermines consumer trust, causes economic losses, and can lead to injury or death.
In 2022, authorities in The Gambia reported the deaths of over 60 children linked to contaminated cough syrups manufactured in India. Investigations revealed the presence of toxic diethylene glycol in the medicines, highlighting the grave consequences of substandard pharmaceutical production.

Claim

If you like it, it fits and you can afford it, it falls apart the first time you wear it.

Quality assurance doesn't.

Counter-claim

The so-called issue of manufacturing substandard products is grossly exaggerated. In reality, market forces naturally weed out poor-quality goods, as consumers simply stop buying them. Companies have every incentive to maintain standards to stay competitive. Regulatory overreach only stifles innovation and increases costs. Frankly, the supposed problem of substandard products is a distraction from more pressing concerns and does not warrant the attention or resources it currently receives.