condom

China now has seven factories that make condoms, with an annual capacity of 3 billion condoms. The actual output is 2.2 billion. Every year, 3 billion condoms are made by 7 factories in China, of which 1 billion are exported by international agencies for AIDS control programs. Most exported Chinese condoms meet latest international standards. Unfortunately, due to outdated technology, poor management and lax national standards, not all the condoms distributed in China meet the same international standards. A survey conducted by China State Drug Administration in 2001 found that 43.9％ of the sampled lots failed on key indicators. Family planning workers hand out 1.2 billion for free to couples. The rest are sold in stores, supermarkets and vending machines. About 450 million are exported to foreign countries. The central government spends 160 million yuan (US$19.3 million) each year distributing the condoms for free. In recent years, the government tried to expand commercialized distribution of condoms by installing more vending machines and increasing the supply in drug stores. The quality of the condoms has also improved.