I had a carbon filter from China installed and it stunk terribly. Smelled fine on AC, but max/recirculate smelled dingy. Granted I did have it installed reverse as the arrow I thought meant to point in relation to the horizon, but the next filter (made here) smelled great and the included directions stated which way the airflow was for that vehicle.
So, two lessons. Proper detailed instructions are like sharing intellectual property and ARE worth money.
Two, I dont think the EPA has expanded their help and care to foreign countries yet.
China makes some superb medical supplies- but I think the air quality is terrible in and around the air filter plant- thus attaching its odors to the filter before shipment. Looked well made, but tells me we should help the PRC out with environmental standards anyway, but especially since they help us so very much with producing mass quantities of goods and merchandise.