A toy is any article used for play by both humans and animals. It serves as an entertaining way to train individuals, both young and old, in various aspects of society. FDA secures safety of toys through registration, ensuring they meet strict standards to protect users from potential hazards.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Philippines, a toy may pose real and serious risk or harm when these three things are present:
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- The toy contains hazardous material;
- The child becomes sensitive to the hazardous material; and
- The child is exposed to the hazardous material
As of to date, the FDA issued License to Operate to approximately 135 toy manufacturers, importers, and distributors. These licensed establishments have also been mandated by the FDA to acquire Certificate of Conformity for the toys to be marketed or to be sold within the country. Certificate of Conformity is handed to legitimate toy enterprises which are assiduous in securing that the toys they deliver to the market are free from toxic materials are which are safe.
The FDA secures safety of toys through registration, ensuring that the Filipino market is free from harm or any serious risk of toxic metals in toys. The FDA actively collects samples and analyzes products to uphold safety standards. Additionally, the Toy and Game Safety Act, signed into law by President Benigno Aquino on September 6, 2013, reinforces these efforts. Necessary sanctions shall be applied to violators of this law, including the following penalties:
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- Fine of 500,000 php;
- All products will be seized and their establishments will be closed down;
- Subject to imprisonment of not more than ten (10) years.
- If the offender is a manufacturer, distributor or importer of unregistered toy products the maximum fine imposable is five (5) million php and imprisonment of not more than ten (10) years.
Moreover, the FDA advises the public of the additional tips that should be put into consideration:
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- Breakability of the parts that may lead to aspiration and aspiration;
- Plastics with phthalates which can damage endocrine system or disrupt its functions;
- Flammability that can cause burns;
- Toxic paints with heavy metals that can lead to chronic poisoning.
The FDA Philippines is also in coordination with the Local Government Unit, Department of Trade and Industry, and Bureau of Customs to assure the safety of health and welfare of the consumers by ensuring that the toys penetrating the market passed the FDA standard and with Certificate of Compliance.
