China will ban the sale of toys that fail to pass a national
compulsory safety certification beginning from June 1.
Starting from June 1, toys that "could have a direct effect on
the safety of babies and children" have to bear the mark of "CCC"
(China Compulsory Certification) before they can be sold in China,
according to a statement issued by the General Administration of
Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (GAQSIQ) and the
Certification and Accreditation Administration (CAA) on
Thursday.
The targeted toys including baby carriers, shooting toys, dolls,
electric, plastic and metal toys, according to the statement.
"Some baby carriers have sharp edges that could cut kids and
small parts can easily be swallowed by children," said Zhu
Guangpei, CAA's deputy director.
China exports 70 percent of the world's toys, yet safety remains
a major problem for the giant toy manufacturing country.
In May 18, the European Union Rapid Alert System for Non-food
Products issued warnings to consumers of China-made zebra rattle
toys after an Ireland child reportedly cutting his mouth on the
toy.
In May 15, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled
about 200,000 units of kid's metal jewllery, also made in China, as
the material contained high levels of lead, which is toxic when
ingested.
"I choose brand name toys if I can afford them. At least the
quality can be guaranteed," said Cheng Rong, mother of a
one-year-old daughter.
China unified its compulsory inspection system by setting up the
"CCC" product certification system in 2003 as part of its
commitment for entry into the World Trade Organization.
A little over 80 percent of the toys on the market have been
certificated by the end of April, according to statistics with the
quality watchdog.
The two administrations urged more toy manufacturers to apply
for the certificates, adding they would also launch a crackdown on
counterfeit certification symbols.
"I hope the inspection can be a long-term measure instead of a
temporary one, specially for the Children's Day," Cheng said.
(Xinhua News Agency May 26, 2007)
