Manufacturers will be limited to selling only three brands of infant formula in China under new regulations submitted to the World Trade Organisation , as Beijing authorities seek to tighten supply chains and improve food safety . More than $200 million worth of baby milk was exported into the Chinese market between 2012 and 2013. International and domestic brands will face the same restrictions , which are expected to come into effect in the first half of this year and the move is likely to reduce the number of formula brands sold in China by 80 % . Following the country 's 2008 infant formula scandal , hundreds of imported brands flooded the market and a raft of tough regulations have been implemented to restore confidence in the quality of locally - made products . The Chinese retail infant formula market is expected to grow to $ 25bn by next year .
Manufacturers will be limited to selling only three brands of infant formula in China under new regulations submitted to the World Trade Organisation , as Beijing authorities seek to tighten supply chains and improve food safety . International and domestic brands will face the same restrictions , which are expected to come into effect in the first half of this year and the move is likely to reduce the number of formula brands sold in China by 80 % . Following the country 's 2008 infant formula scandal , hundreds of imported brands flooded the market and a raft of tough regulations have been implemented to restore confidence in the quality of locally - made products . The Chinese retail infant formula market is expected to grow to $ 25bn by next year .