New Toy and Game Safety Labeling Regulation in the Philippines

Oct. 4, 2013 - PRLog -- The act aims at ensuring the protection of children against potential hazards to their health and safety. The act requires that consumer products for children are marked with or accompanied by clear safety warnings.

Philippines National Standards for Toy Safety

All toys and games that are locally manufactured, imported, donated, distributed, and sold in the Philippines have to comply with the safety labeling and manufacturer's marking requirements. The requirements are listed in the Philippine National Standards for the safety of toys.

Under this law cautionary statements in English or Filipino must be displayed. Cautionary statements must appear on the principal display panel of the product’s package, the packaging or any instruction material. In case of bulk sale: bins, containers for retail display or vending machines from which the unpacked toy or game is dispensed, shall bear the cautionary statements in English or Filipino. The statement must be written in common language in a conspicuous and legible way taking into account aspects like the contrast of typography against its background, layout or color. The labeling must comply with the provisions of Republic Act No. 7394, otherwise known as the “Consumer Act of the Philippines”.

Labeling Requirements of Toys and Games Containing Hazardous Substances

Any marble, latex balloon, small ball or toy/ game that contains a marble, latex balloon, small ball or other small parts with packaging not in compliance with the requirements of this Act shall be considered as misbranded or banned as it may contain hazardous substances. It shall be withdrawn from the market at the expense of the manufacturer or importer and shall not be allowed to be distributed, sold or offered for sale in the Philippines until brought into compliance with the requirements of this Act.

Transitional period: Manufacturers, retailers, distributors and importers are given a one (1) year transitional period to comply with these requirements from the time that this Act comes into force. This Act comes into force fifteen (15) days after its publication.

References:

(1) Republic Act No. 10620 (http://www.gov.ph/downloads/2013/09sep/20130903-RA10620-B...)

About SGS Services for Toys and Juvenile Products

Throughout a global network of laboratories, SGS is able to provide a wide range of services including labeling verification (http://www.sgs.com/en/Consumer-Goods-Retail/Toys-and-Juve...), analytical testing and consultancy work for technical and non-technical parameters applicable to a comprehensive range of consumer products.

Please do not hesitate to contact the SGS experts for further information.

Contact details:

SGS Consumer Testing Services
Sanda Stefanovic
Senior Toy Expert
SGS Nederland BV
Malledijk 18, PO Box 200
3200 AE Spijkenisse
The Netherlands

Website: http://www.sgs.com/en/Consumer-Goods-Retail/Toys-and-Juve...

SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 75 000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1 500 offices and laboratories around the world.