Which toys can be dangerous for children: what parents should pay attention to
When buying toys, parents should carefully check the labeling and the presence of the conformity mark, as this confirms the safety of the product for the child. This was reminded by the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection.
The safety of toys in Ukraine is regulated by the Technical Regulation on Toy Safety, approved by the Cabinet of Ministers resolution dated February 28, 2018, No. 151. The document was developed in accordance with European requirements and prohibits the sale of products that may pose a danger to children. Manufacturers and importers are obliged to supply only tested and safe products to the market.
What markings should be on a safe toy
One of the main guides for buyers is the conformity mark to technical regulations. It looks like a trefoil inside an open circle and is applied to the toy, label, or packaging. This mark confirms that the product has passed the necessary conformity assessment procedures. If the marking is missing, it is recommended to refrain from purchasing such a toy.
The product must also indicate the name of the manufacturer or importer, the registered trade name or trademark, as well as a postal address for contact. This allows identifying the person responsible for the quality and safety of the product.
What information the manufacturer is required to indicate on the toy
In addition, the manufacturer must apply the type designation, batch number, serial number, or model on the toy. If this is impossible due to the size or features of the product, the relevant information must be indicated on the packaging or in the accompanying documentation.
The State Service emphasized that instructions and labeling must be provided in the Ukrainian language.
Age restrictions on toys: what parents need to check
Special attention should be paid to information about age restrictions. The toy, label, packaging, or instructions must indicate the minimum or maximum age of the child, and if necessary — requirements regarding the child's weight, abilities, and the need for adult supervision during use.
For toys that may be dangerous for children under 36 months, there must be a warning "Not intended for children under 3 years" or "Not intended for children under 36 months," as well as the corresponding graphic symbol. Such warnings should be accompanied by the words "Attention" or "Warning."
How to protect your child from dangerous toys
Parents are urged to always check the labeling before purchasing and not to buy products of unknown origin to protect children from low-quality and potentially dangerous goods.
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