Gov't Tightens Quality Control on Toys

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)