Guidelines for parents to choose safe toys:
(1) Check the toy for certification markings.
(2) Choose the right toy for your child's age.
(3) The toy's product label must be complete.
(4) Do not buy ropes over 30cm long or toys with knots for children under 3 years of age.
(5) Toys must have no sharp edges or corners, to avoid cutting injuries.
(6) When buying a stuffed toy, pull on it to see if it comes apart easily and to see if the seams hold up well.
(7) If a toy or its accessories are smaller than a NT$10 coin, do not let children under the age of 3 use it.
(8) Do not purchase unfinished toys with wood splinters or paint coatings that easily come off.
(9) If a finger can be inserted into the gaps within the wheels of a riding toy, the toy is not safe.
The Safe Toy inspection and certification system was set up with the assistance of the Industrial Development Bureau in 1984 and promoted by the Taiwan Children's Commodities R&D Center. When choosing a toy, be sure to select one with the ST Safe Toy Mark.
The European Common Market Safety Mark is used to declare that a product complies with the relevant European Union directives. The CE mark is recognized by the EU and is a compulsory product safety certification. A product with the CE mark offers consumers the ultimate guarantee of safety.
According to the Toy Merchandise Labeling Standards, toys are objects suitable for children under the age of 14 to play with; these include: dolls, building blocks, tricycles, hobby toys and combination toys. According to the “Toy Merchandise Labeling Standard,” toy products must show:
(1) Toy name.
(2) Manufacturer's name, address, telephone number and commercial business ID number. If it is an import it should indicate the Agent, Importer or Distributor's name, address, telephone number, commercial business ID as well as the original manufacturer's name, address and country of manufacture.
(3) Main components or materials.
(4) Appropriate age range.
(5) Operating instructions or reminders.
(6) For items that may pose a safety or health hazard to the user, warning labels or special warnings should be included.
