Researchers subpackage 2019-nCoV detection reagents at a company in Wuqing district, North China's Tianjin, Jan 27, 2020. [Photo/Xinhua]

The National Medical Product Administration has vowed to ramp up inspections on detection reagents for COVID-19, a disease caused by a novel coronavirus, and seriously crack down on those who illegally produce and sell unauthorized reagents. 

The administration has so far approved registrations for 22 detection reagent products to meet the needs of epidemic prevention and control. It found, however, some companies made advertisements for unregistered detection reagents, which have seriously disturbed the market order, a media release from the administration on Friday said. 

Aside from enhancing inspections on producers, sales enterprises and online trade platforms for detection reagents, the administration will also turn to online public opinion monitoring and public complaints for clues for such illegal activities, it said. 

While those who produce and sell unauthorized and unregistered detection reagents will be seriously cracked down upon, online trade platforms will be summoned if they fail to rule out illegal sales. These platforms will be punished and exposed in media if they fail to rectify violations as required, it added. 

The administration also pledges to ratchet up coordination with public security, communication and internet management authorities and transfer clues to them in a timely manner.