[Letters] The EU’s new security measures for toys welcomed

Member states of the European Union have recently approved new security measures for toys. The newly passed measures will prohibit poisonous substances and limit the use of heavy alloy in manufacturing toys. With this regulation, chemical substances that may produce carcinoma, which can modify genetic information or affect fertility, will no longer be authorized in children’s toys. Therefore, harmful heavy chemicals such as lead or mercury will no longer be used in toys.

These measures also help with eliminating chocking hazards from removable parts of toys. Small toys, including those that come with meals, will always be in a separate package. Toys that are attached to a food product, in such a way that the food product needs to be consumed to get access to the toy, will be banned.

Children toys manufacturer should formalize and standardize an assessment about toy safety and provide comprehensive information on all toys. These must contain information about synthetic substances in order to make easier the inspection of market surveillance authorities.

Importers must verify that manufacturers have made the proper examination of toys and must also carry out preliminary tests. The demands to the distributors of toys will also be strengthened.

European Union member nations will have to allow that market surveillance authorities carry out the appropriate examination in the outer limits of the EU in order to ensure that hazardous toys are banned. They may also eliminate the toys that constitute a mortal danger.

The new measures will replace the current regulations. After the entry into force of the recent legislation, toys manufacturers have two years to adapt and comply to the new requirements. In the case of chemical requirements, the adaptation time is set for four years.

Upbringing and education of children require constant attention and effort by parents. Installing in system necessary safety measures to protect children is and should be a top priority.

by Clemente Ferrer Foro Independiente de Opinion, a contributer via letters