Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the challenges consumers face in distinguishing genuine agarwood products from counterfeit ones in the market, exacerbated by misleading marketing tactics and similar appearances of products [1][3]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The agarwood market is characterized by a variety of promotional phrases emphasizing "oil content," leading to consumer confusion and potential overpricing of inferior products [3][21]. - In the "China Agarwood Capital," a night market showcases numerous vendors selling different grades of agarwood, with prices varying significantly based on quality and oil content [5][7]. - The price of wild agarwood has skyrocketed due to its classification as a protected species, with prices ranging from thousands to hundreds of thousands of yuan per gram [11]. Group 2: Product Quality and Standards - The quality of agarwood is primarily determined by oil content, with higher oil levels indicating better quality, and "sinking grade" being the recognized standard for premium products [14]. - The processing methods, such as polishing and oil infusion, can artificially enhance the appearance of lower-quality agarwood, misleading consumers about the product's true value [19][22]. - Industry standards, such as the national forestry standards, are in place to regulate agarwood quality, but enforcement and adherence appear inconsistent [12][40]. Group 3: Counterfeit Products and Consumer Risks - A significant issue in the market is the emergence of "technology goods," which are artificially enhanced agarwood products that mimic higher-quality items, making it difficult for consumers to identify genuine products [21][30]. - Some vendors resort to using low-quality wood as a base, injecting it with oils to simulate the appearance of high-quality agarwood, which raises ethical concerns about product authenticity [36][38]. - Despite the presence of testing centers, the ability to accurately assess the quality of agarwood products is limited, as many counterfeit items can still receive certification based on superficial criteria [40][52].