Guangzhou uniform rule leads to shortages, stock-outs, delivery delays

A recent regulation allowing parents of primary and secondary school children in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, to independently purchase uniforms as needed through online and offline channels has resulted in reports of size shortages, stock-outs, and delivery delays.

The regulation, issued by the Guangzhou Education Bureau early this year, restricts schools from specifying the exact styles or quantities of school uniforms, and from designating specific purchasing channels. The rules went into effect starting with the fall semester.

However, some parents said they had difficulties in purchasing school uniforms, which has attracted widespread attention from the public. In one example, parents found that some uniform sizes were out of stock. Others said their deliveries were delayed, and had been told to check the inventory at offline stores.

In the past, schools would place centralized orders, allowing companies to receive confirmed total orders and prepare production accordingly.

"With orders coming from individual families, companies find it difficult to predict the actual market demand, making them hesitant to produce on a large scale," said an employee surnamed Chen at a school uniform store in Haizhu district. "It has resulted in some companies being unable to supply adequately."

In addition to stock-outs of school uniforms, parents were also concerned about purchasing uniforms that may not meet the school's requirements or expectations.

In response to parent concerns, local education authorities have contacted the companies involved and urged them to adjust their production plans.