Chinese customs intercepts human placenta extract

BEIJING -- Shenzhen customs in South China recently intercepted 300 vials of human placenta extract, deemed as a cosmetic panacea in some Asian countries, according to the General Administration of Customs.

Customs officers found the Japanese-made products, totaling 600 milliliters, in the luggage of a Chinese passenger, who did not apply for quarantine approval before bringing them into China.

Human placenta extract is popular among those who believe it can combat aging. However, due to risks of transmission of hepatitis and HIV, human placenta extract is strictly supervised and entry without certification is illegal in China.