China Sexology Association (CSA) has been ordered to stop operation for six months for allegedly profiting from its activities, according to the Ministry of Civil Affairs (MCA).

A MCA investigation revealed the association had been carrying out illegal activities beyond its service scope. These included issuing improper product certificates and TV promotions, listing some brands as CSA-supervised or -recommended, and using membership-fee receipts to collect administration overheads and charges in violation of relevant rules.

Since the illegal undertakings were in contravention of the "Registration Regulation of Social Institutions", the MCA confiscated all the CSA stamps and certifications in accordance with the law. The body had no authority to offer certification or approval to companies.

The CSA was founded in 1994 as an academic society and was not allowed to profit from business activities. However, evidence revealed it had taken part in a series of business activities, and even compiled business contracts where it could reap as much as 60 to 80 percent in profits from the exercises.

The association was also suspected of having set up an expert committee to give comment on reproductive health products without approval from the civil ministry.

At a sex culture festival held in Guangzhou last month, the association sold copper plates that bore its name to dealers of sex health products. The plates were sold for 400 yuan (about 55 U.S. dollars) to 600 yuan each.

MCA regulations stipulate academic societies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are prohibited from running businesses.

In another development, more than 3,000 advertisements judged to be sexually suggestive or false had been revised or removed from television and radio broadcast across China by the end of last year, according to the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT).

The administration issued circulars in July and September last year, banning radio and TV programs involving drugs, sex-related health supplements, drugs for sexually transmitted diseases, sex toys, as well as "vulgar" ads for breast enhancement and female underwear.

(Xinhua News Agency February 11, 2008)