(Yicai Global) March 6 -- China's customs has suspended clearance for Tesla's Model 3 electric sedans after thousands of such vehicles were found to lack correct labels. Tesla remains optimistic about timely deliveries. 

The General Administration of Customs ordered clearance units to tighten inspection measures for all of Tesla's car models due to various irregularities, including mislabeled brake fluid tanks, in a group of 1,600 Model 3s, China Securities Journal reported today, citing the California-based company. The customs told Tesla not to sell those units that have already been cleared. 

"Sales of Model 3 in the country are not impacted, and we continue to deliver Model 3 vehicles that have already been processed," the firm said, adding that the issue has been resolved. Over 1,100 Model 3s reached the eastern port city of Tianjin yesterday while Shanghai received its first batch of such Fremont-made vehicles on Feb. 22.

Tesla has been working hard to avert tariff hikes that may come into force at the end of this month if China and the US fail to reach a trade deal. "We don't know what's going to happen with the trade negotiations," Elon Musk said, adding that this is why it is "very important" to get cars especially to China as soon as possible, while speaking on a quarterly earnings call in January.

Tesla is building its first overseas plant in Shanghai and it is expected to be completed late this year. 

Editor: Emmi Laine